When my children were small, we had a neighbor who had, among other things, autism. Our kids grew up with him and just knew him as John.View Story ▼When my children were small, we had a neighbor who had, among other things, autism. Our kids grew up with him and just knew him as John. When my daughter was in 2nd grade, she came home with a new rhyme. Well, the rhyme included the r-word. When I heard it, I asked her if she knew what it meant. She said no, so I told her that it was a mean word that people sometimes used to describe people like John. She immediately burst into tears and said she would not use that word again. Bringing that word home and help her connect it with her friend was the best gift she could have received. She not only doesn't use the word, but, at 26, calls her friends out for it when they do.
About Doug:I am completing my 40th year in education. I have a family and live in a rural setting. Proud to forward the message.
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