This is a picture of my daughter (right) and her best friend. They have a great time together.

My daughter’s best friend has a beautiful smile and loves to laugh.

She has a kind and playful spirit, and is always up for a good playground.

She has the ability to sing every word to her favorite songs and adores dance class.

She has a huge heart and likes greeting her loved ones with lots of hugs.

She has a love for Disney and Broadway songs and eating mac & cheese.

She has a light in her eyes that will bring a smile to anyone’s face.

She also happens to have Autism.

I’ve said it many times, but I will say it again. Our labels do not define us. We are not our diagnoses.

We all deserve to be seen for who we are. To have our hearts be recognized. To have our abilities highlighted, instead of our disabilities.

We all deserve that. Every single one of us.

April is Autism Awareness Month. For my daughter’s best friend, and for all our dear friends with Autism, please:

Forget the label. See the person.