When our son was diagnosed with autism (just over six years ago) it took me months to tell many of my closest friends. Why? Because I was at the time ashamed of the fact our beautiful (and yes at times difficult) son had such a disability.

I don’t feel that now but if I am truthful I do occasionally feel a pang of regret about things that i thought I would do with him but now never will. Though in fact you don’t need a child with a disability to feel that.

So I was wondering am I alone?

Have others felt shame and stigma because of a medical condition?

If you have it would be great if you would share a bit more about your story in the comments section below.

Also we have set up a poll on the subject below. It would be great if you could take part.

Many thanks.

PS There is a reason for the picture of Bulgaria. But that is for my wife and I!