Different Doesn’t Mean Less - Finding Cooper's Voice

You see a little boy that is naughty and throwing a tantrum.

I see a little boy who is trying so hard to cope with all the changes around him that it has sent him into a full-blown meltdown, something that is out of his control, and yet you are judging him and my parenting as you walk past us.

You see a little boy who doesn’t listen to his mummy.

I see a little boy who cannot get through the day without ear defenders because he cannot cope at all with any noise that is not his own.

You see a little boy who is too old to be walking on reins.

I see a little boy who has no sense of danger. A little boy who loves the sensory input he gets from moving cars and who wouldn’t think twice about running into the road. I need to protect him and keep him safe; that is my only priority.

You see a little boy who is just fussy with his food and we should just stop giving in to him.

I see a little boy who has safe foods that constantly change and often decrease. We fight to get vitamins into him daily just to try to keep him healthy. It’s not a case of just waiting for him to be hungry; he cannot tolerate new foods. You haven’t been there in hospital with us, begging him to just take a sip of drink to help make him better.

You see a little boy who has too much screen time.

I see a little boy that stopped talking before the age of 2, locked inside his own world. As his parents, we are forever thankful for the videos he watches on repeat that brought back our beautiful boy’s voice.

You see a little boy who just needs discipline when he hits out in anger.

I see a little boy that has lost all control and is unable to communicate how he is feeling, which leads to him lashing out. Just imagine not being able to explain what hurts or that you need something. We are extremely lucky to have a voice; Isaac doesn’t, so it’s my job to be his advocate.

You see a little boy who pushes other children.

I see a little boy that gets so fixated on his route, he becomes obsessed with it. This leads to him being completely focused on that one path he is taking; he doesn’t even notice the other children around him. Isaac doesn’t understand consequences; he lives in the moment. He is never purposely trying to cause harm to others.

You see a little boy that should be told to stop screaming.

I see a little boy whose screams show me how he is feeling. Without words, I can hear if he is upset or if the scream means that he is happy. It’s all communication and helps us understand our child.

You see a little boy who doesn’t want to wait his turn for the swing.

I see a little boy who simply doesn’t understand the concept of waiting. Be patient—we are working on our waiting time, but it’s really hard for him. We have come so far in the last 8 years, and we are so proud of his achievements.

You see just another little boy instead of really seeing Isaac.

I see how great the world would be if you just took one second and opened your eyes.

He’s beautiful, completely and utterly perfect.

Different doesn’t mean less.