If some people are normal, does that make others abnormal?
Be careful with words. My child has said she wants to be normal. She wants to like the other kids.
I find her an extrordinary human being and wish more people were like her. She’s multiple neurodivergent and perfect the way she is.
Through her eyes, we explore the world with a new perspective. She is totally happy and confident with who she is. Has a sense of style fashion that pleases herself that may or may not flow with the current trend. Prefers shopping at second hand stores as much as possible to save money, enjoys the uniqueness & history of bargains & treasures, and by reusing and repurposing it helps the planet.
Although she has computer games. Ipod, phone, etc., nothing is better to her than finding a cozy nook to read a book – one every night at bedtime, and another one or two during the day.
History, reading & science are her favorite subjects, but she is excelling in Spanish.
She cares very much about her grades & is trying to maintain a high gpa to make National Honor Society.
She is first chair baritone in concert band & plays in the front ensemble for marching band. Plays 2 sports – tennis & bowling; went to state large group speech two years in a row; participated in individual speech; became a Thespian this year; is in science club, Best Buddies,and volunteers in her spare time – one being traveling crew for the school’s show choir.
My girl is the most empathetic person I know & with her Girl Scout troop 4 years ago earned a Bronze award for a campaign on No More Bullying.
She wrote two grants asking for funds first to help homeless people by giving Socks of Love, socks filled with personal care items; then funds to help homeless animals to find homes for 30 pets in 30 days.
Shocking that she wants to just like everyone else. She sees people surrounded by groups of friends. It is harder to fit in at this age. Difference seem to matter. She has lots of younger & older peeps.
She has an associate with her at school all day long. She has an Individualized Education Plan along with a Behavior Plan. She has rooms designed just for her at school if something overwhelms her too much, she may leave and go to her calm room. There is bean bag chair, weighted blanked, sequined pillow & figit toys, and a stress relieve pig.
I told her that grownups have had to learn to deal with their stressors too. When frustrated, they often get up to get a drink, take a walk, use the bathroom, or just take a five minute break. She is just learning what every adult eventually does.
Learning differences are just that – different. Not normal or abnormal. My daughter has a difficult time with rote learning. She thinks it’s a memory problem. It’s not. Her memory is fine. She has to be taught differently in order to remember it.
I remind her often that on the spectrum, there really is no normal. We have neurotypical and neurodivergent. All should be celebrated.
Always be careful with words.
Journey By Eskew 