Siblings of the Autism Spectrum Understand the Value of Words

Her first word was, “Hi.”

And she was the bane of a few of her elementary teachers.

Typical parent-teacher conference comments were…

Teacher-ese: She’s very social.

Translation: She talks too much.

Teacher-ese: She works well with any group I put her with.

Translation: She can talk to anyone.

Teacher-ese: She has great potential but needs to learn to focus.

Translation: She’s still talking.

There were many days of a teacher meeting me at pick up with a hooked finger motioning me over for a chat.

But here’s the thing.

I believe she knew the value of words.

When she was 5, just starting that magical time called kindergarten, her brother lost all his words and was diagnosed with autism.

What does that do to a five-year-old to hear her parents fret about the loss of words from her little brother?

I can only speculate. It will be her story to tell someday.

I can only observe her and say…

She is the kindest, most compassionate human being who recognizes when people are “different” but never treats them as such.

Her skill set is special. She knows the value of words.

Is there a special needs sibling who could use some appreciation?

Let them know they…

Shine Bright.

Proverbs 16:24

Kind words are like honey—  sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

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