We Are All Different and THAT'S AWESOME! Cole Blakeway TEDxWestVancouverED

Summary

Cole shares his unique approach to life and his special bond with his uncle Steven, who has autism. The story highlights Steven's memorable personality, from his daily phone calls to Cole's mom since 1988 to his love for fire trucks and food. Cole advocates for embracing differences, seeing autism not as something to cure but as a part of what makes Steven, and everyone, uniquely awesome.

Takeaways

• 🌈 It's okay to be different - Cole embraces his uniqueness by wearing different colored socks and shoes.
• 🎤 Expressing individuality - Cole broke the silence in a bookstore by singing, showcasing his individual spirit.
• 📚 A book for misfits - Cole's mom introduced him to a book celebrating uniqueness, 'You're Weird'.
• 👫 A special friendship - Cole's friendship with Steven, who has autism, started through his mom when she was 13.
• 📞 A promise kept - Steven has been calling Cole's house daily for over 40 years since they first met.
• 🏡 Family inclusion - Steven is considered part of the family, attending dinners, soccer games, and sleepovers.
• 🧠 Autism spectrum disorder - Described as a range of conditions affecting social skills and communication, with unique strengths.
• 🚒 Steven's fascination - Steven has a fondness for fire trucks and the idea of being one.
• 🍽️ Steven's appetite - He has an impressive ability to eat large quantities of various foods.
• 🎮 Hide and seek - Playing hide and seek with Steven, who always hides in the closets, is a cherished memory.
• 🌟 Celebrating differences - Cole believes there's no need for a cure for autism, as it's not a disease but a part of who Steven is.

Q & A

What is the main message Cole wants to convey in the script?

Cole wants to convey that it's okay to be different and that being unique is something to be celebrated.

Why does Cole wear different colored socks and shoes?

Cole wears different colored socks and shoes because he is unique and wants to stand out from the crowd.

What happened at the bookstore that led Cole's mom to give him a particular book?

Cole started singing in the bookstore to break the silence, and his mom pointed out a book titled 'You're Weird' which she thought was fitting for him.

Who is Steven and how is he related to Cole?

Steven is Cole's best friend and also considered family, referred to as 'Uncle Steven'. He is 44 years old and has autism.

How did the friendship between Steven and Cole's mom start?

The friendship started when Cole's mom was 13 and Steven, who had special needs, invited her to sit with him and asked if they could be friends for 40 years.

What promise did Steven make to Cole's mom and how has he kept it?

Steven promised to call her every day, and he has kept this promise since 1988 by calling their house every single day.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder and how does it affect Steven?

Autism Spectrum Disorder refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. Steven has had autism his whole life but is not able to drive a car.

What are some of Steven's unique abilities mentioned in the script?

Steven can memorize every phone number he has ever heard.

What are some of Cole's favorite memories with Steven?

Cole's favorite memories include playing hide and seek, Steven's love for fire trucks, his appetite, and how he makes everyone smile.

What is Cole's stance on a 'cure' for autism?

Cole doesn't believe there needs to be a cure for autism, as it's not a disease and he thinks Steven is perfect the way he is.

What advice does Cole give to others based on his relationship with Steven?

Cole advises others to embrace their differences, not be afraid to stand out, and to be exactly who they are.