Progress over Perfection; Autism Style

The other day my son, who is 13 years old and has a diagnosis of nonspeaking autism, did something absolutely amazing. And I legit paused and stared at him in awe. For a second I thought about not sharing it because what if no one understands what a huge deal it is....Then changed my mind. Progress over perfection! This kid is amazing.
For more of our story follow us on Facebook at findingcoopersvoice and grab my book, Forever Boy, on amazon. Order here: a.co/d/fUAQ1xs

[@clementineslaughter6904]

"Progress over perfection." That's literally the phrase that I wrote in my teaching philosophy paper in college. I'm a special education teacher, and I try to focus on the progress of my students because no one is perfect.

[@claireteague6975]

Such a great story! For any 13 year old to tote groceries is so thoughtful, but for Cooper to notice and step up to help is a triumph! Good teaching!

[@robinbrown3290]

When you shared on IG Cooper carrying in your groceries, my heart swelled, but I cannot imagine your joy watching him. What a beautiful boy/teenager he has become. Thank you for sharing the daily moments as you being hope, joy and love to your viewer. Reached Chapter 2 of Forever Boy❤

[@gayathris3960]

Wow doing that without being prompted is such a great learning and progress.

[@janaedeason3828]

🙌🏻 autism non verbal mom who looked up the autism before every now.

[@Puppy_1]

Hi Kate, I just want you to know that I have read your book and it’s really good. I have read it numerous times. My mom has gone through a lot of the same stuff with me that you have with Cooper. They, except for they called mine, skews the wording here Moderate to severe mental retardation not otherwise specified, is what they called mine. We didn’t know that I was autistic and I was an adult sad to say, but we didn’t. It’s really sad that they don’t diagnose people who are blind, as well as autistic when their kids sometimes it’s almost impossible. She told him my daughter is not mentally retarded. She’s incredibly smart and she went on a journey for years to get me diagnosed with autism. I’m 44 years old now and boy do I feel old laughing out loud. My mom read your book too and she said tell her that I totally get what she’s talking about because for years I was the outsider they didn’t know what was wrong with me. They just called it Miller retardation NOS it back then now they would’ve totally diagnosed with autism. 10:06