My daughter participated in a class photo

I know that doesn't seem like a huge accomplishment but you may need some background. You see, she's 6 and has Autism. She's a twin. Her twin has ADHD but acts as an "Autism translator" for us at times. My autistic daughter, we'll call her T, has a lot of problems with grouping up, loud noises, things outside her routine, etc. She's very much a typical autistic child.Last year, in kindergarten, we saw many photos of her class that she either wasn't in, was clinging to her aide, or was crying/having a meltdown. This year, they did an impromptu class photo prior to a school parade through town (yearly fall festival), and she not only participated in the very loud, very confusing parade, she got down in the front row of the class photo and squatted into a cheerleader pose with a big smile for the camera. During said parade, she literally walked by our house. I could see that she was confused because she wasn't allowed to just come home but she went on with the parade and was happy. Her aide guided her past and I could see her talking to my daughter. I assume she was reiterating the parade route and plan for the day.There was no meltdown. There was a happy photo. There was a child that was basically "normal" and I'm here unable to hold back tears because of it. My child was acting like her peers. To most parents, that's a Tuesday. To me, it's a momentous occasion that I have to brag about.So, my child participated in a class photo and it reminded me of why she/I/parenting is such an amazing experience. via /r/Parenting http://ift.tt/2hoJxru