The Way I See It: “Wizard, what does the term ‘twice exceptional’ mean?”

Subtitle: “Dear Dorothy, that’s complicated but the basic idea is that whatever challenges seem to rule our lives, there is often something very special about us which enables us to be a bright shining star.” – answered the Wizard of Oz

Article excerpt: Dr. John looked up at me and said with a chuckle and disbelief, “In all the years I have been testing people, not one person has ever solved this last puzzle. Not only did Jack solve it, he did so in 62 seconds, breaking the record of 90 seconds.”

In my previous post, I included an article about gifted children and talked about the time when I also took the mandated IQ tests.

So when I saw this article, it resonated with me, not because an autistic child was suddenly found to be gifted, but because the mother understands that it’s important to find that special something in their child, help that child develop it, and flourish it in whatever ways that they can.

“It’s time to think differently!” that’s the theme of the article and the words of wisdom by a mother sharing the story of her child.

I always start my posts with the words “The Way I See It…” and the reason that I do that is to pay homage to another autistic that is often praised and often criticized, Dr. Temple Grandin.

She’s written several books on autism, I have read them all, and I have also watched many of her talks via YouTube videos.

One main pearl of wisdom that she always reiterates is “Find that special something in your child that they are good at and help that child build on that to reach their fullest.” For the record, I’m paraphrasing her remarks.

Whether you’re a parent of an autistic child or an autistic adult that is still trying to find your path in life in order to reach your fullest potential, my advice is never give up, search for that special gift or skill, find it, and make the most of it.

I hope you find the attached article worth reading, I did…

Article: Autism: It’s Time to Think Differently – Your Child’s Future Depends on It

Author: David Moore Boulware

Me = [scientist, researcher, writer, coder, photographer, autistic savant, alter ego (Leonard (the friendly vegetarian lizard from an alien oval planet)), ...]

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