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

Summary

In this heartwarming talk, Cole shares his unique approach to life, embracing individuality by wearing mismatched socks and shoes. He introduces his best friend, Steven, a 44-year-old man with autism, and recounts the special bond that began between Steven and Cole's mom when they were in high school. Cole's family includes Steven in all activities, and he is affectionately known as Uncle Steven. Cole humorously describes Steven's quirks, such as his love for firetrucks and large appetites, and passionately argues that autism, like freckles, doesn't need a cure. He encourages everyone to celebrate their differences and live authentically.

Takeaways

• 🌈 Embrace your uniqueness: Cole shares his personal experience of being different by wearing mismatched socks and shoes, emphasizing that being unique is something to celebrate.
• 🎤 Use your voice: In a quiet bookstore, Cole's decision to sing shows that sometimes, it's important to make your presence known and to do what feels right for you.
• 📚 Discovering identity: The book 'You're Weird' resonates with Cole, validating the idea that being different is not only okay but also something to be proud of.
• 🤝 The power of friendship: Cole's mother's long-lasting friendship with Steven, which began when they were in high school, demonstrates the impact of a simple invitation to connect.
• 🧠 Understanding autism: Steven, who has autism, is portrayed as a joyful individual, highlighting the importance of recognizing the strengths and differences in people with autism spectrum disorder.
• 👨‍👦‍👦 Family inclusion: Steven is a cherished member of Cole's family, showing that people with autism can be fully integrated into family life and activities.
• 🚗 Unique abilities: Despite not being able to drive, Steven's ability to memorize phone numbers exemplifies the unique strengths that individuals with autism can possess.
• 🔥 Joy in simple pleasures: Steven's excitement about firetrucks and his playful statement about wanting to be one illustrates the joy that comes from embracing one's interests.
• 🍽️ Appetite for life: Steven's love for food and his ability to eat a lot without feeling full reflects his zest for life and his unique characteristics.
• 🎮 The joy of play: Hide-and-seek with Steven is a favorite memory for Cole, underlining the happiness that comes from shared experiences and the simple act of playing.
• 🌟 Celebrate differences: Cole's admiration for Steven and his message to embrace one's own differences encourages everyone to find and celebrate what makes them unique.

Q & A

Why does Cole wear different colored socks and shoes?

Cole wears different colored socks and shoes because he wants to express his uniqueness and stand out from the crowd, feeling best when he is being himself.

What did Cole's mom do when she noticed the bookstore was strangely quiet?

Cole's mom pointed to a book as a joke, which led Cole to find a book that resonated with him, titled 'You're weird'.

What is the significance of the book Cole found in the bookstore?

The book 'You're weird' is significant to Cole because it validates and celebrates being different, which aligns with Cole's own self-expression.

How did Cole's mom and Steven become friends?

Cole's mom and Steven became friends when she was 13 years old, after Steven invited her to sit with him and his friends with special needs in the high school cafeteria.

What were the three questions Steven asked Cole's mom when they first met?

Steven asked Cole's mom what she was having for lunch, her phone number, and if they could be friends for 40 years.

How has Steven kept his promise to Cole's mom since 1988?

Steven has kept his promise by calling Cole's house every single day since their first meeting in 1988.

In what ways is Steven included in Cole's family?

Steven is included in family dinners, attends Cole's soccer games, enjoys watching movies with the family, and has sleepovers every couple of weeks.

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, who has autism, faces these challenges but also has unique strengths and differences.

Why does Cole believe there is no need for a cure for autism?

Cole believes there is no need for a cure for autism because it is not a disease that needs fixing. He sees autism as a part of what makes individuals, like his Uncle Steven, unique and perfect the way they are.

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

Some of Cole's favorite memories with Steven include when a firetruck passes and Steven shouts out his desire to be a firetruck, the large amounts of food Steven can eat, and playing hide-and-seek where Steven always hides in the closets.

What message does Cole convey about embracing one's differences?

Cole conveys the message that being different is not only okay but also something to be celebrated. He encourages people to find what makes them unique, not be afraid to stand out, and to be exactly who they are.