They said your child couldn’t learn like others. They told you to look for alternative centers. But deep down, you know your child is special. Not just because of autism, but because of who they are.

And now, it’s Autism Acceptance Month. Everyone is posting gold ribbons. Sharing facts. Lighting up buildings.

But you want to do something real. Something that honors your child.

But the truth is, you don’t need the world’s permission to celebrate your child. You don’t need a big campaign. You only need a shift in how you see progress.

As a parent you feel left out during Autism Awareness Month. You see the stories online. Children speaking, performing, succeeding. You may wonder, “Why isn’t that my child?”

Yes, it’s natural to think that way but comparison can steal your joy. But your child’s journey is not late. It’s just different.

You might have cried, doubts, but you can also witness a breakthrough.

Like Leila and her son Omar, from The MENA region. At age four, Omar couldn’t sit for more than a few minutes. Meltdowns were part of every day. At the majlis, at family gatherings, even at home, Leila felt the stares and the silent judgment.

Someone told her, “Maybe just keep him at home.” But Leila refused.Leila created simple routines after Fajr. She used his favorite nasheeds to calm him.

She celebrated every peaceful moment, even two quiet minutes during Qur’an time. Then, one quiet afternoon, Omar came and sat beside her. He didn’t speak.

But he gently placed her hand on the book she was reading. That was his way of saying, “Mama, I’m ready.”

Today, Omar is learning to read Arabic slowly. He still flaps his hands when excited.But now, the family calls it his happy dance.

And Leila? She says that moment on the floor, his hand on hers was the beginning of everything. When you see your children differently, you will celebrate them differently.

These are ways you can truly celebrate your child this month.

• Start a “Wins” Journal – Write one thing your child did today that made you proud. Big or small. It could be a smile, eye contact, or a full meal.
• Learn Together – Read and learn one new thing with your children. Let them ask questions, be curious together.
• Speak about Life – Tell your child what you love about them. Be specific, be sincere, every day this month.
• Create a Celebration Ritual – It can be as simple as baking together. Lighting a candle. Saying a prayer of gratitude.

If it feels right, you can share your child’s progress in your community not for praise but to motivate other parents who might be struggling.

Don’t wait for the world to celebrate your child. Do it now. Do it daily. You are their loudest cheerleader and their super hero

This Autism Acceptance Month is special. It’s about love. And your child deserves to be loved.

I encourage you to make this month a reminder that your child is not only accepted, but loved by you. Moreso by the world he’s slowly beginning to shine in.

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©Prof. Sherley Louis

As a parent, you want the best for your child’s education and future success. While teachers play a vital role, you are your child’s first and most important teacher. By being actively involved in their learning process at home, you can support their growth and academic achievement significantly. Here are five effective ways to nurture your child’s education outside the classroom:

1. Create a Designated Study Space
   Having a quiet, organized space dedicated to studying can work wonders for your child’s focus and productivity. Set up a study area with a comfortable desk or table, good lighting, and minimal distractions. Keep school supplies organized and easily accessible. This designated space helps reinforce that learning is a priority.
2. Establish Routines and Schedules
   Children thrive on predictable routines. Work with your child to develop a realistic daily schedule that balances homework, study time, extracurricular activities, meals, and free time. Having a consistent structure instills discipline and time management skills that will benefit them throughout their academic career.
3. Foster Open Communication
   Make an effort to maintain open lines of communication with your child’s teachers. Attend parent-teacher conferences and stay informed about their performance, strengths, and areas for improvement. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or voice any concerns you may have. This collaboration between home and school leads to better support for your child.
4. Nurture Their Interests
   Every child has unique talents, passions, and learning styles. Nurture their interests by exploring extracurricular activities and educational resources aligned with their curiosities. This not only makes learning more engaging but also helps them develop a love for knowledge that extends beyond the classroom walls.
5. Be a Model of Lifelong Learning
   Children are incredibly observant and will often mirror the attitudes and behaviors of their parents. Demonstrate your own enthusiasm for learning by reading books regularly, visiting museums or cultural sites, and openly discussing new topics or ideas you’ve learned. This shows your child that acquiring knowledge is a lifelong journey to be embraced and enjoyed.

Remember, your involvement and encouragement leave a lasting impact on your child’s educational journey. By implementing these simple yet powerful strategies at home, you’ll be nurturing a strong foundation for their current and future academic success. Be the hero your child needs by actively supporting their love of learning every step of the way.

A short story about Sonya and her son.

 I want to share a personal story with you. I have a friend, let’s call her Sonya, who was struggling to find the right curriculum for her son. You see, her son, Alex, is suffering from autism. He was having a hard time staying engaged with the traditional curriculum at his school. Sonya felt like something was missing, and she was concerned about Alex’s progress. She indulged in a tailored curriculum for Alex’s needs, and she saw her great progress.

Do you ever feel like Sonya or you need to help your kid progress as well? Maybe you’ve noticed that your child is struggling to stay engaged with his schoolwork. Or you’re just not sure if the current curriculum is the right fit for them. If so, you’re not alone.

Many parents face the same dilemma. But the good news is that there are ways to create a curriculum that aligns with your child’s needs. I want to share with you 5 reasons why doing so can make a real difference in your child’s education.

Imagine these snapshots:

The curriculum you created was tailored to your child’s interests and learning style. And it captures his attention and keeps him engaged in the learning process.

The bond between you and your child becomes stronger. As you actively participate in your child’s education, you build a strong bond between you and your child by creating a supportive and nurturing learning environment.

5 reasons to create a curriculum that aligns with your child’s needs.

1. Personalized Learning Experience

When you create a curriculum that aligns with your child’s needs, you are essentially tailoring their learning experience to suit their unique strengths, weaknesses, and interests. This personalized approach allows your child to learn at their own pace and in a way that makes sense to them. This can lead to increased engagement, motivation, and ultimately, better learning outcomes.

2. Addressing Learning Style

Every child has a learning style. Some kids are visual learners, others are auditory, and some learn best through hands-on activities. When you design a curriculum that takes into account your child’s learning style, you can ensure that they are receiving information in a way that resonates with them. This can lead to improved understanding and retention of the material.

3. Fostering a Love of Learning

By creating a curriculum that aligns with your child’s needs, you have the opportunity to incorporate subjects and activities that your child is passionate about. When children are learning about things they are genuinely interested in, they are more likely to develop a love for learning. And this will serve them well throughout their academic journey and beyond.

4. Building Confidence and Independence

When your child feels that the curriculum is designed with their needs in mind, they are more likely to feel confident in their abilities. This confidence can empower them to take ownership of their learning and become more independent thinkers. By giving them a say in their educational path, you are helping them develop valuable skills that will serve them well in the future.

5. Nurturing Holistic Development

A curriculum that aligns with your child’s needs can go beyond academic subjects. It can encompass important life skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. By prioritizing holistic development, you can help your child grow into a well-rounded individual. Someone who is prepared to navigate the challenges of the modern world.

So, why should you consider creating a curriculum that aligns with your child’s needs? Doing so can provide them with a personalized learning experience. It will address their unique learning style, foster a love of learning, and build confidence and independence. This will also help nurture holistic development. When you take the time to tailor your child’s education to suit their individual needs, you are setting them up for success in school and life.

I hope this has given you some food for thought. Remember, every child is unique, and by creating a curriculum that aligns with your child’s needs, you are giving them the best chance to thrive. If you have any questions or would like to share your own experiences, feel free to drop a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!