Caspian is in 4th grade and spends most of his day in a regular ed setting. He is getting help from a number of adults, in and out of school, whose goals are to give him the tools he needs to speak the language of the non-spectrum world. He works hard. The long, never-ending stretch of road to integration yawns before him. No matter how consistently he trudges on, he needs understanding from his peers to avoid seeing nothing more than the backs of their heads tipped together in unity.

All people are different. To function successfully as a community, we need to acknowledge that all people are different. We need to honor differences. Learn from them. Celebrate them and accommodate them. Awareness invites acceptance.

It wasn’t until I approached my son’s classmates back in the 1st grade that I witnessed the power of awareness in action. Caspian and I wrote a book together, exploring autism as it applied to him. I called it What Autism Means to Me. He called it his science project. We presented this inkjet, hand-stapled work to a huge group of 5-7 year olds and waited to see how it would be received. The class discussion centered on differences and was quite endearing.

After school that same day as I was waiting in the hall with the other parents, a girl from Caspian’s class ran to show her mother his book. “We got this because Caspian has autism!” she proclaimed loudly. Her mother shushed her, blushing, as she mouthed an apology in my direction. Before I could answer, the girl’s older sister asked, “What’s autism?” The mother and I watched on as her 1st grade daughter explained. It was wonderful.

That was the day Caspian’s journey toward integration became a two way street. His differences had a name, now, and his classmates were less confused by his behavior. His peers gained awareness. Caspian gained acceptance.

We are still working hard to help him maneuver this crazy world of ours. Our little book project has become a published title, now, and our awareness mission is in full swing. If you would like to learn more about Caspian’s book, What Autism Means to Me, come visit our website at www.lifelightbooks.com.