Note: This post was written in 2013. Rather than rewriting, I've chosen to leave it on the website to remind ALL of us that our complex kids are, quite simply, absolutely amazing! When we hold a vision for who they can become, we set the path for them to reach their greatest potential and achieve their wildest dreams!

My Child's Milestone

I have an announcement to share with my tribe: my kid has landed a key role in an upcoming cable television show, and their world – our world – is about to change forever. I'm not sure what that will mean for all of us in terms of my blogging, but it certainly should be interesting!

For years, now, you've learned with me, side by side, in the sometimes-bizarre-but-always-fascinating-world of raising children with complex needs. You've read stories about my fabulously quirky, complex children, traveled with me as my kid crossed over to the age of majority, and journeyed through the morass of educational challenges that have marked all of my children's academic careers (starting with “trouble with scissors” at age 2).

Thrust Into The Spotlight

Over the years, I've fiercely protected my children's privacy. I have never mentioned them by name, always conscious to share what's necessary for the sake of learning, but respecting the privacy that can be shattered with too many details.

But that's all about to change now. You see, my kid, Bex, is about to go public in a way that is – well – absolutely stunning!

Why am I sharing this?

First, I am sharing because many of you would want to know. It's fun. It's exciting. Frankly, it's inspiring.

I'm also sharing this because I want you to know that there is brilliance in each of your children. Sometimes, it's obvious, and shows itself in traditional ways like academic achievement. Other times, it's subtle, evident when you search for the glimpses of talent and strength amidst the challenges.

One day, I will write a more cohesive story about raising Bex. I will do it with their blessing, and together we will help parents discover their child's hidden brilliance – and, more importantly, help those kids discover it for themselves. For now, I'm just celebrating that Bex has graduated from High School – which was not a guarantee, let me assure you – and completed their first major job in their chosen profession.

Quite The Journey

Ultimately, it took a full-time job for Bex to finish High School. But just because they're not gifted at “doing school” does not mean that they are any less intelligent than their peers. Nor does it mean that they are not successful. It only means that their true brilliance needed another path to shine bright.

Bex is by all accounts the most over-achieving so-called “under-achiever” I've ever met. You can witness their achievement this Sunday night, June 2, 2013, as they debut in their first major role as Bullet in AMC's third season of “The Killing.” (No, it's not a family show. But if you want to watch something that is incredibly well written, directed and performed – and witness what can happen when we as parents focus on the strengths of ADHD, instead of only focusing on the deficits – then I highly recommend it!) Here is a 4-minute preview of this season, which includes an interview with Bex.

And, thanks for letting me share. This kid inspires me every day. I hope they inspire you, too!