Understanding the Phrase: “Please Be Patient, I Have Autism”

At Achieving Stars Therapy, we work with families every day who are navigating the unique needs and strengths of their children with autism. One phrase we often hear from parents, teachers, and even our own clients is:

“Please be patient, I have autism.”

While it may seem like a simple sentence, this phrase carries deep meaning, advocacy power, and—sometimes—controversy. In this article, we’ll explore where the phrase came from, how it’s used today, and how families in Colorado are applying it in real life to support their children in schools, clinics, and public spaces.

What the Phrase Means

“Please be patient, I have autism” is a self-advocacy statement. It communicates that the person saying (or wearing) it may process the world differently due to their neurological wiring. This can include:

• Taking longer to respond to questions or instructions
• Struggling with loud environments or bright lights
• Finding it hard to make eye contact or manage transitions
• Having meltdowns or shutdowns when overwhelmed

In essence, the phrase asks others to pause, show empathy, and avoid assumptions. It’s not an excuse—it’s a way to set a boundary and invite understanding.

Real-Life Examples from Our Work

At Achieving Stars, we’ve seen this phrase used in practical and powerful ways:

• Backpack Tags for School: One of our clients, a 5-year-old boy with sensory processing challenges, started kindergarten with a visual tag that read “Please be patient, I have autism.” His parents included it on his backpack along with a short explanation for teachers and peers. Within a week, the teacher shared that other students became more helpful and less frustrated when he didn’t respond right away during circle time.
• Grocery Store Outings: A parent in Colorado Springs told us she placed a small “Please be patient” badge on her son’s shirt during errands. This was after several tough public outings that ended in stares or judgmental comments during meltdowns. Since using the badge, she says people are more understanding, and she’s felt less alone during daily tasks.
• ABA Sessions: Some older children in our program request that their therapist or school aide wear a pin or carry a small card with the phrase. This gives them comfort during community-based instruction or when entering new environments like libraries, stores, or extracurricular activities.

The Cultural Journey of the Phrase

Although it originated from autism awareness campaigns in the early 2010s, the phrase became widely recognized after appearing on customizable hats, T-shirts, and accessories online.

Over time, it evolved into a meme, often shared in both sincere and ironic ways across platforms like Reddit, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter). Some autistic individuals embraced the humor, reclaiming the phrase with characters or pop culture references to destigmatize autism. Others raised concerns about the potential for mockery when used by people outside the community.

At its best, the phrase creates visibility, opens conversations, and helps people advocate for themselves or their children.

Is It Helpful or Harmful?

Helpful when:

• Used by someone with autism to set boundaries
• Helps reduce misunderstandings in public
• Invites compassion instead of judgment

Less helpful when:

• Used jokingly by non-autistic individuals
• Becomes a symbol of pity rather than empowerment
• Reinforces outdated stereotypes about autism

At Achieving Stars, we’ve found that it works best when it’s child-led or caregiver-supported and introduced with context. Children feel empowered when they know they have permission to take their time, ask for space, or simply be themselves.

Should My Child Use This Phrase?

That depends on your child’s needs and comfort level. Here are some guidelines we share with families:

• If your child is often overwhelmed in public or social situations, a visual aid (like a tag or card) with this phrase may reduce anxiety for both your child and others.
• If your child is verbal and old enough, practice when and how they might use it themselves.
• If you’re concerned about potential stigma, we can work with you to create personalized scripts or phrases your child feels confident using.

In all cases, we recommend pairing the phrase with supportive environments—whether at school, home, or in therapy—where the child feels safe expressing their needs.

Where to Find Items With the Phrase

Families often ask us where they can purchase tags or accessories with this phrase. Here are a few reliable sources:

• Etsy – Search for autism ID tags, pins, or keychains
• Amazon – Hats, decals, and T-shirts with the phrase
• Local autism organizations – Some offer free awareness tools during Autism Acceptance Month (April)

Prices range from $10 to $30, and many items can be customized with your child’s name or specific needs.

Our Approach at Achieving Stars Therapy

At Achieving Stars Therapy, we support neurodiverse children and families with in-home ABA therapy across Colorado. Our programs are:

• Child-led and play-based
• Supervised by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)
• Designed to build confidence, communication, and daily life skills
• Inclusive of family coaching, school collaboration, and sensory-aware supports

We’ve helped hundreds of families find ways to make the world more accommodating—not just through therapy, but through self-advocacy tools like this phrase.

Need Support or Have Questions?

If you're navigating an autism diagnosis and wondering how to support your child in daily situations, we can help. Whether it's building communication skills, improving transitions, or developing personalized advocacy tools like this phrase, our team is here for you.

Start with a free consultation at
👉 achievingstarstherapy.com

Let’s work together to help your child feel understood, confident, and empowered—wherever they go.

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Understanding the Phrase: “Please Be Patient, I Have Autism”

At Achieving Stars Therapy, we work with families every day who are navigating the unique needs and strengths of their children with autism. One phrase we often hear from parents, teachers, and even our own clients is:

“Please be patient, I have autism.”

While it may seem like a simple sentence, this phrase carries deep meaning, advocacy value, and, at times, controversy. In this article, we explain where the phrase came from, how it is used today, and how families in Colorado are applying it in real life to support their children at school, in therapy, and in public settings.

What the Phrase Means

“Please be patient, I have autism” is a self-advocacy statement. It lets others know that the person saying it may experience the world differently due to their neurological wiring. This can include:

• Slower verbal or social processing
• Sensory sensitivities
• Difficulty transitioning between tasks or environments
• Emotional overload or shutdowns

The phrase is not an excuse. It is a respectful request for others to slow down and respond with understanding rather than judgment.

Real-Life Examples from Our Work

At Achieving Stars, we have seen this phrase used by families in powerful and practical ways:

• Backpack Tags in School: One of our clients, a five-year-old boy with sensory challenges, began kindergarten with a backpack tag that read “Please be patient, I have autism.” His parents also shared a short note with his teacher explaining his communication style. Within a week, the teacher noticed that classmates responded more gently when he needed extra time or space during group activities.
• Public Errands: A mother in Colorado Springs shared that she started attaching a small “Please be patient” badge to her son’s shirt during outings. Before using it, she often experienced stares or comments from strangers when her son became overwhelmed. Since adding the badge, she has noticed people are more understanding and even offer to help.
• Therapy and Community Activities: Some of our older clients choose to carry small cards or wear a pin with the phrase during outings like library visits or practice sessions in the community. This helps them feel supported when they are in new or unpredictable environments.

The Cultural Journey of the Phrase

Originally used in early autism awareness efforts, this phrase became more widely recognized around 2013 when it began appearing on custom hats, T-shirts, and stickers. These items were sold online by families and small businesses trying to spread awareness and encourage empathy.

Over time, the phrase entered internet culture and was shared across social media platforms, including Reddit, TikTok, and forums like 4chan. While many in the autism community used the phrase seriously, others turned it into a meme or parody. In some cases, this helped reduce stigma through humor. In others, it crossed the line into mockery.

Today, the phrase continues to walk the line between advocacy and internet culture, depending on how and where it is used.

Is It Helpful or Harmful?

The answer depends on the context and intent behind its use.

Helpful when:

• Used by an autistic individual to express a need
• Used by caregivers to reduce misunderstandings in public
• Framed as a statement of strength and self-awareness

Less helpful when:

• Worn or used as a joke by people outside the autism community
• Treated as a symbol of pity rather than empowerment
• Misused without explanation or context

At Achieving Stars, we believe that the phrase is most effective when it comes from the individual or their support team. It should be part of a larger plan that includes respectful communication, skill-building, and consistent support.

Should My Child Use This Phrase?

This depends on your child’s age, needs, and comfort level. Here are some general guidelines:

• If your child often struggles in public or social settings, a visual aid with this phrase may help reduce pressure and increase understanding from others.
• If your child is verbal and old enough, you can work with them to practice when and how to use the phrase themselves.
• If you are unsure about public reactions, talk with your therapist or BCBA about alternatives that align with your child’s personality and goals.

We frequently help families create personalized phrases, scripts, or visual supports that their children feel confident using in real-world situations.

Where to Find Items with the Phrase

Families often ask us where to purchase tags or apparel that include the phrase. Here are a few common options:

• Etsy – Tags, patches, and accessories for backpacks or clothing
• Amazon – Hats, T-shirts, and stickers with the phrase
• Local organizations – Some offer free resources during Autism Acceptance Month

Most items range from $10 to $30. Some sellers allow customization with your child’s name or specific support needs.

Our Perspective at Achieving Stars Therapy

At Achieving Stars Therapy, we provide in-home ABA services across Colorado, and we see the value of this phrase every day. It is more than a slogan. For many children, it becomes a tool to help them move more confidently through school, stores, parks, and therapy.

Our programs are:

• Evidence-based and customized to each child
• Supervised by experienced Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)
• Built around natural routines and play
• Designed to support communication, behavior regulation, and independence
• Inclusive of caregiver coaching and school collaboration

Whether a child uses this exact phrase or prefers other advocacy tools, we support their right to be understood without judgment.

Ready to Learn More?

If you are looking for autism support or in-home ABA therapy in Colorado, our team at Achieving Stars is here to help. We offer free consultations, accept Medicaid and private insurance, and provide therapy designed to meet your child’s needs in everyday life.

Visit us at
👉 achievingstarstherapy.com
to schedule a consultation or explore our services.

Together, we can help your child be heard, understood, and supported.

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