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. 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 online 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 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.

Let’s work together to help your child be heard, understood, and supported.

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