An Open Letter To The “Children Are To Be Seen And Not Heard” Generation.

Open your mind. It literally is that simple.

Neurodivergence is a thing. It is as real as other diagnosis that are easier to grasp, like asthma. We can argue til the cows come home about causes, treatments and about prevalence (or lack thereof) when we were kids. It.does.not.pertain.to.reality.

What matters is what is going on in the lives of those who have children who are neurodivergent. We have to accept what is. These families are learning as they go. There is no playbook. Research has a long way to go. And even then, there is no one size fits all definition of symptoms behaviors and fixes. What works for one makes another child suffer more. You don’t have to understand it. You just need to know this: love and empathy go a long way. You are at the stage of life where you have more time. Do some research if that is your thing. Get to know an autism family. Ask what you can add to our life. And here is another solid piece of advice: next time you see a kid acting in a way that makes your judgy side come out, imagine that child having a visible physical injury, and desperately in need of aid. Then imagine yourself mocking them and then walking away. Yes. It’s the same thing. With all of your life experience you have so much to offer to young families. And if you don’t know what to say, just be present. And if you go thru life open to the possibility that maybe a young mom would welcome your kindness, the opportunities will follow. They always do. And if your heart is always postured toward compassion, your eyes will be open to the possibilities to walk in another’s shoes.

Signed,

The families who covet your understanding