From the Editor’s Desk

Look up…Look down…Look again…

All around! Everything’s different as can be…

If you but look, you would see!

I’m not you…And you’re not me! But together we are…

And friends we can be.

When I was very young, my mother, Deborah B Donnelly, wrote these words to open a delightful children’s book called Everything is Different that reflected what seemed like a magically inclusive childhood. I feel lucky to have had parents who brought distinctive experiences and perspectives to the table. They instilled in me that people are wonderfully unique—everyone has value. Sadly, as I grew up, it became evident not everyone shares the same tenets. So my quest became to promote awareness, acceptance, and inclusiveness for ALL people.

This month’s cover features siblings, Jake and Abby Moise, both diagnosed with exceptional needs. Their mother, Beatrice (Bea) Moise, MS, BCCS, has penned a personal piece called Celebrating Neurodiversity. As the mother, Board-Certified Cognitive Specialist, and parenting coach, points out, the outside world isn’t always accommodating to neurodivergent people. In response to this situation, Moise actively ensures her home environment is a place where children can freely be themselves with no judgment. Moise’s words are an excellent reminder that home should be a safe space filled with acceptance and peace.

Sometimes communication goes smoothly—and sometimes it takes work. Whether you’re a parent of a child with exceptional needs, a therapist, an educator, or a self-advocate, constructive and supportive interactions ultimately affect outcomes. For example, cooperative communication between teachers and parents can make all the difference in the world. Meshell Baylor, MHS, said when her child was diagnosed with autism it felt like the world had stopped. Sitting in a room full of people speaking in acronyms and other unfamiliar terms made her feel lost. In her piece, Bridging the School and Parent Connection, Meshell has provided valuable tips on developing a solid and cooperative relationship between parents and school staff. This is a good read for all, as Meshell offers multiple perspectives to build a sense of inclusion and cohesion in special education.

Rose Adams, OTD, OTR/L, believes a team effort can make all the difference for both parents and educators. In her piece, Parents as Partners: Promoting Collaboration Between Home and School, she explains how to model your cooperative interactions with those supporting a child through their education. Rose’s words are significant as she encourages teamwork, shared decision-making, and collaboration.

Educator Rebekah Poe says there can be a few common barriers when trying to pull together a unified Individualized Education Program (IEP) team. Be sure to read her piece, Bridging the Gap Between Teachers and Families as Rebekah provides ways to en- sure all team members, including a child’s general education teacher and special education teacher, are set up for success. The overall goal must be to work together.

Working collaboratively as a community to involve parents, educators, mentors, and young people to secure a smooth transition to adulthood is equally essential. Emily Ansell Elfer, BA Hons, Dip. says by incorporating a child’s passions into learning and encouraging their pursuit, parents can help prepare them for the future. Be sure to read her piece, Nurturing Special Interests as Career Foundations When There Are Different Abilities, as Emily explains how to develop special interests into viable career paths and marketable skills. Making that shift to adulthood can be difficult, especially when there are neurodiverse needs, according to John Civita, MS Ed. You don’t want to miss his piece Finding Supports When There Is a Failure to Launch, as he explains why securing supports is vital when young adults are transitioning to the next phase of development.

They say it’s human nature to create comparisons. We tend to measure ourselves against our friends and compare the growth and achievements of our children. Recent college graduate Coral Levkovitz, a 23-year-old with ADHD, says doing this can negatively affect our self-worth and self-confidence. Be sure to check out her uplifting piece, Managing Life with Exceptional Needs: YOU Are Your Biggest Competitor, as she encourages everyone to take a step back and refocus on the most valuable project—your own self.

We are proud of the remarkable range of subject matters in this issue. Topics include gaining executive functioning and life skills, using your voice when talking about learning differences, growing perspective-taking skills through experiences, exploitation dangers for children with disabilities, and the importance of planning for a lifetime of physical care needs. Articles also focus on self-advocacy, ways to be social without falling victim to online scams, the power of pet therapy, celebrating neurodiversity, the joys of autism, and so much more.

A special thank you to our loyal subscribers, contributors, and advertisers. Let’s continue to appreciate, support, and empower one another, especially as we celebrate Autism Acceptance Month with many of our readers. Let’s strive for understanding and acceptance and ensure every voice is heard!

Best,

Amy KD Tobik Editor-in-Chief, Exceptional Needs Today Publisher, Lone Heron Publishing