My nine-year-old, Brantley, has Autism. While it seems like everyone knows someone with Autism, Brantley's form isn't widely understood—especially by his peers.
He doesn't speak.
He acts impulsively.
He flaps his hands.
He screams.
He eats things he shouldn't.
These differences tend to unsettle his peers.
It's tough for me to accept their discomfort; mostly, because their discomfort isn’t due to personality clashes but rather because he's different.
I don’t expect everyone to become best friends with Brantley. But, I dream of a world where differences like Brantley’s are accepted. I dream of a world where kindness triumphs over discomfort.
As parents, we have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to educate our children about disabilities, to teach them that differences such as Autism aren’t something to fear or avoid; they are simply different.
Brantley may not speak, but his laughter is infectious. He may act impulsively, but his enthusiasm is boundless. He may flap his hands, but it's his way of expressing happiness. And yes, he may scream sometimes, but it's because he's filled with excitement and wonder for the world around him.
Let's work together to create a world where Brantley—and all children with differences—are embraced for who they are and included without hesitation or fear. #autismfamily #autismlife #autismparents #specialneedsparenting
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