My daughter has been diagnosed as being on the Autism scale, and she has been labeled "high functioning". Really just a nice way to say she is kind of like everyone else, just not "average". This summer, she is hanging out with her bio mom. We gave her the choice to do whatever she wants during her school break, and that was her choice. Her new stepdad brought two sons of his own into the mix, and she loves hanging out with those boys. Can't really say I blame her for trying to squeeze every little bit of fun out of this summer vacation this year.
Today I went to pick her up to hang out with her, grab a bite to eat and do some quick shopping for some little "happies" (a.k.a. little things that make her smile). It didn't take very long for her to decide that she was ready to go back to mom's house. I didn't protest because that was our deal: she can do whatever she wants.
Instead of getting my feelings hurt, I tried to see it from her point of view. She was being pragmatic. She was being decisive. She was being efficient. She had planned this out in her head and pulled it off without a hitch. Gotta respect someone who can do that and do it as well as she did.
Then it occurred to me that this is the type of mind that goes far in life, social skills be damned. She sees things in a way that others can't and won't. Others just abstain out of fear. The mere observation of this idiosyncracy felt like a gift. It inspired me to realize that this "special needs kid" needed very little from me, yet she has much to give. Since she thrives on helping others, this one will be a breeze.
For those who are educators and this is your realm of expertise, I applaud you. You are the glue that is holding this whole thing together. You are the ones who help hold US together. Thank you for realizing the best in them and for illuminating them.