Hope.  No can can deny that it's the word and concept of the day. Watching Barack Obama's inauguration into the office of the US Presidency in mid-January made a lot of people feel that anything is possible in our lifetime.

This got me thinking - why shouldn't raising kids with special needs in a new and divergent world be anything less than hopeful? Can difference be tolerated by society in new and unique ways?  Can adults and kids be kinder today than yesterday to the kid that is quirky, awkward or different? 

In a recent quick survey of teens at a NYC museum workshop, nearly half the kids raised their hand when asked if they knew or had a relative with special needs.  These teens were eager to understand the definition of autistic spectrum disorder. Today's teens seem open to accept change and want to learn about how they can help and work with students who they encounter who may not have the same skills they do. In truth, special needs kids have to fit into their environment.  Kids with special needs have to learn to be as independent, responsible and resilient as their neuro-typical peers.

That's why teens make great models for kids with special needs. As an Aunt, you can help by reaching out to a teen you know to join you when visiting your special needs niece or nephew. You can help by getting all the cousins playing together, not leaving the special needs cousins out.

Teens can help enliven and engage a kid with special needs in a unique way.  By hooking up with programs like The Friendship Circle, a national program which pairs high school students with children that have special needs, great friendships and experiences can be encountered by all. 

All kids have a contribution to give society.  And what a time to help them start.