Like comic books with floating bubbles showing what people say, I sometimes feel as if my girls were walking around with little floating bubbles that tout, “Down syndrome” or, ‘”cerebral palsy.” I really wish those little bubbles could say more.

Most of the time, my children’s limitations are not a result of their disabilities, they’re a result of other people’s low expectations or understanding of their abilities.

I don’t want people to limit them based on stereotypes or ignorance. I don’t want others to set the bar low, or assume that they can only, “go so far.”

Don’t limit them, let them show you all that they are capable of!

So, I really love it when my kids with special needs are just “one of the kids” in the eyes of others who might not be familiar with disability. I believe that is powerful self-advocacy they do just by being themselves.

I especially hear comments about my youngest daughter, who has Down syndrome. Comments usually come as surprise clauses, “Wow, I didn’t know she could do that!” (“That” being anything from reading sight words, to putting on shoes, to following directions. Yes, we have actually had surprise notions following such happenings).

Yesterday, we got an email from school (as we do every Monday) announcing the winners of some initiative going on for good behavior. What is my surprise to find Nichole, at the very front row, smiling amongst the winners. I was so proud of her!

There is only one kid with Down syndrome at my daughter’s school, so pretty much a lot of people know her, or recognize her (including parents). As soon as the email went out, my husband called. We just marveled at the fact that she was just one of the kids. She was the cutest (and I am certainly not the least biased when it comes to my daughter’s good looks…ahem). And she was, even through the pictures, making that stance, “Hey, I’m just one of the kids!”

As my kids grow, I hope they continue to advocate for themselves. I know they will continue to challenge stereotypes, and as their parent I continue to cheer them on.

As special needs parents, when we say our kids are more alike than different, this is what we mean:

Our kids love to play.

Our kids love to laugh.

Our kids have favorite toys.

Our kids drive us crazy.

Our kids fight with their siblings.

Our kids want to have friends.

Our kids love cake and ice cream.

Our kids like to watch movies and favorite shows.

Our kids love to be held.

Our kids need us when they feel sick, or sad, or excited.

Our hearts are full of moments and memories that remind us of the sweetness of life and what a blessing it is to have children.

They are just one of the kids, really.

And next time you see a kid with a disability, don’t think of the as “the kid with the disability.” Kids are kids first. Always. They are just one of the kids!