Imagine having a dinner routine so rigid that it could not accommodate any last-minute changes. Now imagine this routine being the only way to prevent your autistic child from having a meltdown. This is the reality for a mother of two, who has found herself in the middle of a controversy over her strict mealtime rules. These rules, designed to help her non-verbal autistic daughter cope, have been criticized by guests and other parents. But is she wrong for putting her child’s needs first? Let’s delve into her story. ️
The Family and the Mealtime Dilemma ️

The Dinner Rules That Changed Everything ️

The Unexpected Consequences of Breaking the Rules ⛔

The Fallout with Other Parents

The Struggle to Balance Needs ♀️

The Question of Prioritization ⚖️

The Clarifications and Assumptions ♀️

The Family’s Efforts and Progress

The Concern for the Brother’s Well-being

The Gratitude and Final Thoughts

A Mother’s Struggle: Balancing Her Daughter’s Needs and Social Expectations ♀️
In an attempt to manage her autistic daughter’s mealtime meltdowns, a mother has set up strict dinner rules that are non-negotiable, even for guests. These rules, while effective for her daughter, have sparked controversy among other parents and guests. The mother, however, remains firm in her stance, choosing to prioritize her daughter’s needs over societal expectations. Her story highlights the challenges of raising a child with special needs and the delicate balance of accommodating everyone’s needs. It’s a tough situation, no doubt. But what do you think? Let’s see what the internet has to say about this…
YTA for prioritizing autistic child’s needs over other children’s resentment

YTA for imposing unsustainable dinner rules on autistic daughter

Guests disrupting autistic daughter’s routine? YTA for sure!

Balancing family dynamics and professional help for autistic daughter

Navigating the challenges of having an autistic sibling

Unfair dinner rules spark debate on meltdowns vs tantrums

Commenter criticizes strict meal plan for autistic daughter’s meltdowns.

Concerned about son feeling neglected due to sister’s dinner rules

Hosting dinner: accommodating or a**hole move?

Concerned about son’s social life and relationship with food.

Parent criticized for not considering other children’s emotions during meals

Prioritizing daughter over guests, but not equipped.

YTA: Unaccommodating dinner rules affecting son’s relationships with friends

Parent’s concern about strict eating rules for autistic child

Parent’s dinner rules for autistic daughter spark controversy ️

Navigating dinner guests with special needs children

Suggesting alternatives for dinner arrangements sparks a heated debate
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YTA for imposing strict rules on your son’s friends

Putting your child first doesn’t mean being crappy to others

Consulting a professional can provide helpful insights for sustainable solutions.

YTA: Favoring one child over others, causing family tension.
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/5b8a1f22-b15e-47bd-af40-589fa5664c91.png)
Autistic commenter criticizes both parents for lack of flexibility. ESH.

Prioritizing one child’s needs over another? YTA!
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/38ebd3b3-cb7f-404a-a9b5-843588b1952c.png)
Sibling’s needs overlooked? Tough situation, YTA or NAH?

Strict meal plan causes conflict and exclusion for guests

YTA for putting autistic child in uncomfortable situations
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/5c7cf369-f5cb-4844-ab65-957adfba8152.png)
Engaging suggestion for involving son in meal planning with
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/145378ac-471f-408b-af2b-e75262747211.png)
Concerned about mealtime meltdowns? Here’s advice for autism parents

YTA: Restricting brother’s social life may lead to resentment

No guests due to severity of nephew’s autism. NAH, but why subject yourself to trauma?

Experienced professional calls out OP for harmful parenting approach
