So what's the big diff?

John Michael made quite an impression on families at the park yesterday.

You could say he was his own self-advocate.

A walking poster boy for the "We're More Alike Than Different" campaign.

He walked up to children and waved. One little boy kissed John Michael on the cheek and then put his head on JM's chest.  Very endearing.  John Michael didn't seem to mind at all. 

He walked up to adults, tipping his head to the side and smiling, until they would acknowledge him.

He played "soccer" with the 4 to 6 year old kids, chasing and hitting the ball with his hand or kicking it.

And generally made people smile.

So, what's so different about that.

Well, actually, it is different.  None of my other three were quite as social as John Michael.  It's impossible to go somewhere without someone talking to him (sometimes ignoring me!).  There is a difference, but it's a good one.  In so many ways he's like every other kid, but I like the fact that his personality makes him stand out... in a good way.  :-)