Being Different Makes the DIFFERENCE

By Karen Kaplan

On my usual walk today, I saw an ice cream truck with the quote “Different Makes Every Difference” on its side panel. The wording continued, “So, check out our amazing ice cream; it makes every difference.” This made me smile, as it meant that their ice cream, being different, is perhaps BETTER than others.

Then I thought about all the negativity experienced around saying, those on the spectrum are different, those with Down syndrome are different, those with cerebral palsy are different, and the assumption that perhaps being different is less than, yet in the ice cream case, being different may be better.

It supports my belief that being different has its strengths. Different can give us another perspective to consider. Seeing different helps us avoid sameness and encourages moving away from the status quo and exploring additional ideas, information, feelings, and thinking. This is why I always ask parents to see the positives in their children. I encourage them to look at their strengths and interests and understand that different is not bad; it is just different.

Perhaps different just means interesting. We know that interesting appears to engage us. Interesting helps makes us curious. Meg Kuyatt wrote a great book called “Good Different.” Good Different: Kuyatt, Meg Eden: 9781338816105: Amazon.com: Books which may help readers realize it is okay to be different and to celebrate being different.

We also need to remember that not all brains are the same. So, they are different from the very beginning. Yes, they may share some fundamental similarities, but they are not identical, not even in identical twins. It is said that brains may vary in size. It is said that brains are constantly changing based on learning and development. So, those on the spectrum, those with cognitive differences, those with cerebral palsy or Down syndrome may have brains that are different, but through learning and development, their abilities can change.

Everyone is different, not right or wrong, good or bad, but unique. So, I encourage parents and teachers to help their individuals understand their differences, accept themselves, and build self-esteem and confidence by continuing to learn and develop themselves. Parents can help by inspiring them to believe in themselves. They might also let them know that they might inspire others, like themselves, to see their strengths and develop more confidence to move forward. Todd Parr wrote a great book embracing difference, “It's Okay to Be Different,” which can be found on Amazon.com, and this might be a good book to offer others. The author, Todd Parr, thought the book could help others embrace their individuality and differences.

Maybe your individual’s difference means it will help him/her become an artist (Amazing Autistic Artists You Need to Check Out), a musician (11 Musicians With A Disability That Prove There Are No Impediments To Rock - Cultura Colectiva, a famous basketball player (25 Famous Athletes With Autism - Discover Walks Blog or even an actor (14 Actors With Disabilities List). We will not know the outcomes of being different until we see different as positive and develop supports, see possibilities, and believe in different.

Karen Kaplan, MS, is a native San Franciscan. She completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, in speech pathology and audiology. She minored in special education and obtained her speech therapist and special education credentials in California. Karen worked as a speech therapist for schools for 20 years before opening her own residential and education program for students with autism. She worked in credential programs at Sacramento State University as well as UC Davis and spent 20 years directing private schools for those with autism and similar learning challenges. Karen founded a non-profit, Offerings, which helps cultures globally to understand those with developmental challenges. For seven years, she founded and facilitated an autism lecture series and resource fair in Northern California. Karen still facilitates an annual Autism Awesomeness event. She is currently consulting, helping families, schools, and centers for children, teens, and adults. Karen has authored three books: Reach Me Teach Me: A Public School Program for the Autistic Child; A Handbook for Teachers and Administrators, On the Yellow Brick Road: My Search for Home and Hope for the Child with Autism, and Typewriting to Heaven… and Back: Conversations with My Dad on Death, Afterlife and Living  (which is not about autism but about having important conversations with those we love).

www.karenkaplanasd.com