The Power of Recognizing a Child’s Gifts
Episode 34: From Autism Diagnosis to College Freshman
The Power of Recognizing a Child’s Gifts
These archival conversations were recorded while I was writing Raising Superman.
As Ricky II approached the end of high school and prepared for college and young adulthood, the interview process gave us space to have candid conversations about his experiences growing up on the autism spectrum and my experiences parenting a child on the autism spectrum.
In fifth grade, Ricky II’s music teacher, Mr. Carr, put a euphonium in his hands and recognized his musical gift.
Mr. Carr then gave Ricky II an opportunity to demonstrate that gift in front of an audience.
I watched what happened in that moment.
I saw the joy on my child’s face.
I saw his confidence.
I saw the response from the people around him.
I knew something had happened.
So I followed the moment.
That is the power of a Top-Notch Village™.
The people in our children’s villages bring knowledge, skills, experiences, and perspectives that we may not have.
They can recognize something in our children, create opportunities for it to shine, and give us information that helps us know where to invest.
And now we know where that fifth-grade moment led.
Seven years later, Ricky II is a college student at Florida A&M University and plays the euphonium in the Incomparable Marching 100.
A Top-Notch Village member recognized his musical gift.
He created an opportunity for that gift to shine.
I saw what happened in my child and followed the moment.
Seven years later, that gift is still making room for him. BOOM!!!!
Comments