Editor’s Note: A friend of ours was thinking about Autism Awareness Month and came up with this wonderful list to share!  Thanks so much, Melanie!

by Melanie Potock, MA, CCC-SLP
#10. In a world of too many gadgets and gizmos, a spinning top is pretty cool.
#9. Echolalia keeps my “over 40” brain sharp. I’ve learned to repeat, repeat, repeat.
#8. Parents with patience are the best teachers.
#7. Consistency is so comforting.
#6. Random objects can bring one kid a lot of joy. I’ve learned to appreciate road maps, bathroom signs and every single state’s license plates, to name just a few.
#5. Sometimes, carrying a favorite toy all day long just makes everything go better.
#4. Flapping really does feel good.
#3. The world needs more quirky.
#2. The first spontaneous hug is the best one of all.
And the #1 lesson I learned from my clients with autism?
#1. Love is when you take the time to know someone who sees the world differently than you.
Melanie Potock, MA, CCC-SLP is the author of Happy Mealtimes with Happy Kids: How to Teach Your Child About the Joy of Food! With over 12 years’ experience treating children with feeding difficulties, Mel’s approach to developing feeding skills includes the fundamentals of parenting in the kitchen, such as how to avoid mealtime debates and creating more joyful mealtimes, even with a picky eater. Mel wrote this book in the same manner that she works with families; with an open heart and a touch of humor. She has also produced the popular children’s CD Dancing in the Kitchen: Songs that Celebrate the Joy of Food. Both products are available on her website at www.mymunchbug.com, on Amazon.com and in the Mayer-Johnson catalogue.