Dear Neurotypical Friends,

As summer approaches, there’s a good chance you’ll meet someone like our girl- in the pool, by the ocean, at the playground...

And if he or she is having an exceptionally good day, there’s a good chance you’ll hear some happy sounds. Humming, grunting, moaning, repetitive songs or scripts that are known as stims- but really just mean “I’m having so much fun and excitement that my cup has literally runneth over with joy.”

If this is your first time seeing something like this, there’s a good possibility it might make you feel uncomfortable.

And that’s understandable- it made me uncomfortable at first, too.

Sometimes unknowns and unique differences can make us feel that way.

But then I realized it’s how my girl expresses her happiness. That I’m witnessing her so filled with it that it pours out of her in uncontrollable ways.

And when we live in a neurotypical world where she spends so much of her life working so hard to fit in, the very least I can do is celebrate that happiness with her- however she wants; whatever it looks or sounds like.

I know things that are different can be scary at first, but I just ask that you try- to join me in celebrating this kind of happiness; this form of expression; this unbridled joy.

And if we can’t celebrate together, then let’s practice acceptance-

No looks. No shaking of heads. No judgement of our parenting. No judgement of her.

Leading with kindness. Always.

And maybe working as hard to embrace neurodiversity as #asd families work at fitting in.

Stay kind, friends 🤍

xx
A Proud Autism Mommy