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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