Why Being Different Is Our Family’s Superpower
Once upon a time — not in a castle, but probably in our car with Goldfish crumbs, half a juice box under the seat, and that god awful smell of spoiled milk that spilled in to one of the rear air vents a month ago and I can't figure out where! — I thought “different” meant something was wrong.
Turns out, I was wrong. Very wrong. The kind of wrong that makes you look back and wince a little. Because now I know — different is the reason our family shines. In our house, autism isn’t a flaw. It's not a disease to cure. It’s not a problem to solve or a phase to outgrow. It’s our normal. Our rhythm. Our adventure.
Yes, there are meltdowns. There are social situations that feel like navigating a minefield in clown shoes. And there are days that end in a deep sigh and a snack I didn’t plan to eat. But there’s also magic. Like when my son hyper-focuses on something and sees the world through a lens so precise, so fascinating, it makes me wonder how I ever missed the details. Or when he laughs — not just a giggle, but that full-body, tear-inducing laugh that makes strangers smile from across the room.
We’ve learned to celebrate victories that other people don’t even notice. Like going to a birthday party without needing to leave early. Or trying a new food that isn’t beige. (We’re working on green. Green is… complicated.)
The truth is, being different has taught us more about patience, empathy, creativity, and love than any parenting book ever could. It’s made us stronger. It’s made us softer. And it’s made us a little weird — but in the best way. So no, we’re not aiming for “normal.” We’re aiming for joy. For connection. For creating a world where different isn’t something to hide — it’s something to honor.
If your family lives life a little left of center too — I see you. Capes are optional, but trust me… you’ve got superpowers too.
If this resonates with you — if you’re a parent, a sibling, a teacher, a human trying to make sense of the beautifully neurodiverse world we live in — I invite you to follow our journey.
At Heart in the Spectrum, we’re building a community, not just a cause. One that supports, uplifts, and redefines what it means to belong.
Follow us, share this with someone who needs it, or consider donating to help us create resources, events, and safe spaces for families like ours.
Because different isn’t less. It’s just… different. And that difference is powerful.
