#discoveringderek

[heatherbutcher-blog]

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And his PE teacher said he doesn't pass ball, hmmpff. 🤹‍♂️ Play is so important to healthy brain development. Derek is slowly but surely working through the different play stages that typical children reach by kindergarten. Through play children develop social and cognitive skills, mature emotionally, and gain self confidence. I am so happy and proud that Derek is showing interest in associative and cooperative play. 😎 What you can't see was that for 20 minutes, Derek also did all of his program work. He followed directions the entire time until this play break! Even his teacher, Ms. Kay said he did a great job! 👏 💪 #DiscoveringDerek #AutismFriendly #AutismTeen #AutismAwareness #advocate #AutismAcceptance #watersafety #ASD

[heatherbutcher-blog]

I know this autism saying is very popular, and means well, but it has always bothered me a little. Now, with this image, it really bothers me. (A comparison of apples and oranges occurs when two items or groups of items are compared that cannot be practically compared.) Derek is not as different from his typical peers as apples and oranges. Yes, there are many challenges when you or a family member has special needs. Yes, autism and anyone that has additional needs need support, consideration, acceptance, but perhaps more than anything they need inclusion and normalcy. Again, I know that this image means well, and to bring awareness, but society already sees the differences. Strangers and even people that know Derek are often uncomfortable around him. Everyone has some differences, but nobody wants to feel they are so different that they aren't comparable. I want people to focus on the similarities, not the differences. He is just like you. Not different OR less. #autism #notanorange #autismawareness #ig_autism #autismmom #notdifferentorless #discoveringderek #autismohio #specialneeds