Do not Judge me. I am smart. Do not laugh at me. I have feelings. Do not lower your expectations of me. I am capable. Do not feel sorry for me. I don’t want your pity.

I have a learning difference. I may not learn like other kids, but I can learn. I just learn differently. They say that I am “disabled” but I do not believe this to be true. I have the ability to learn, just like anyone else. Just like anyone else, I can learn, you just may need to teach me in a different way. I may not “get it” the first, the second time, or even the third time, but I will eventually. Be patient with me. Be patient with me and I will show you. I will show you what I can do, what I can learn, what I know, what I can achieve. I will show you that I am capable. Be patient with me and I will show you that I am not stupid. Work with me – believe in me - and I will show you that I am smart.

So, please, do not give up on me. Do not write me off just yet. Give me a chance. See the potential. Do not “lower the bar” for me, just because I have a label. Teach me as you would anyone else - just take a different approach. Consider my differences and how I learn best. Consider my learning style. Be creative. And, most importantly, be understanding - without feeling sorry for me. Because, again, I do not want your sympathy – nor do I want your pity. Treat me as an equal to my peers. See my difference as just that – a difference – not a disability. Do these things and I will show you that I am not learning dis-abled but rather I am learning-abled. Do these things and I will exceed all of your expectations. Do these things and I will change the way you view kids with learning differences. Do these things and maybe - just maybe – I will teach you something, too.

However, should you choose to treat me differently – should you continue to lower your standards, your expectations - should you continue to "lower the bar" for me, just because of my difference – well, that is your loss. Because, I know, deep down inside, that I am a smart kid – whether you choose to see it or not.

But, please - for both your benefit and mine - choose to see it.

-Craig

Craig Gibson is the Editor of SensorySpot.com, sister site of the internationally acclaimed AutismSpot.com. He is also a Feature Writer for AutismSpot.com. Craig was diagnosed with a learning disability at the age of six, and spent the next twelve years in special education. He has since earned two degrees and has published on the local and national levels. Craig can be reached at craig.gibson6@verizon.net.