What we can all learn from Augie Pullman & Mr Tushman

The Child Charmer

If you recognise the names Augie Pullman & Mr Tushman, then chances are you may know what this solo episode is centred on. An amazing book titled "Wonder."

Chrissie shares during this solo episode the importance of parents relinquishing control and encouraging their children to step out in the big wide world away from the safety of the family nest.

You see, Augie lives with a disability called Treacher Collins syndrome which is a genetic disorder that affects growth and development of the head. It prevents the skull, cheek and jawbones from developing properly, causing facial anomalies and hearing loss.

The episode also discusses the vital roles of attachment that our educators play in the lives of all children, but just how important they are for children living with disabilities: visble or not..

Disabilities such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, anxiety, foetal alcohol syndrome, developmental trauma and dyslexia are just some of the examples of invisible disabilities that people live with in our communities. These disabilities are not always ‘obvious’ to other people as they are part of the human brain wiring. We call this our neurotype and is why I encourage families to teach their kids about their brain as a starting point to understanding neurodivergence.

Education around developmental differences is vitally important as everybody deserves to know that they belong to their community and feel understood by those around them. It’s important that we are having those conversations as families to support understandings for when our kids meet other children who are different to them.

Research indicates that kids who grow up in families where they have access to this information, where it is encouraged as part of their everyday conversations, go on to be more accepting, inclusive and understanding of those with differences to them.”

“When we are a family that embraces and celebrates difference, then our kids go on to do the same. True inclusion starts at home."

You can purchase the book Wonder here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Wonder-R-J-Palacio/dp/0375869026

You can learn more about Treacher Collins Syndrome here: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/treacher-collins-syndrome