Abstract rainbow banner with textured painterly brushstrokes flowing from deep red through orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple, accented by subtle highlight

Exploring OUr World Differently Voices

"You're not less than anyone else. You're a vital, irreplaceable part of what makes humanity diverse, creative, and whole."

Explore personal stories, contributor perspectives, and thoughtful articles exploring autism, neurodivergence, caregiving, communication, identity, education, work, home life, and the many ways people experience the world.

Our Voices

A person reads an entrepreneur’s guide to business success and growth while holding a coffee mug in a collaborative workspace. The image supports an article off
Image credit to Network Solutions Stock Photos
By Martin Block | July 12, 2026
For neurodivergent entrepreneurs building a first business or stepping into self-employment, entrepreneurship and neurodiversity can be a powerful match. The unique ... Continue reading
College student carrying textbooks and a backpack, representing higher education, online learning, academic success, and accessible education.
Image credit to Network Solutions Stock Photos
By Martin Block | June 22, 2026
For students on the autism spectrum and family members supporting autism, the promise of an online degree can come with real online education challenges, unclear ... Continue reading
Close-up of a mother with her special needs nonverbal son representing caregiving, family support, compassion, empathy, and love.
Image credit to Exploring Our World Differently
A Caregiver's Experience in Nonverbal Communication: Our Lifetime of Listening ...
By Tracy Peterson | February 11, 2026
Caregivers of nonverbal special needs individuals know the weight of every decision we make in our child's best interest. We work to create the safest environment we ... Continue reading
A young child explores colorful building blocks during a hands-on sensory play activity that supports learning, focus, and development.
Image credit to Network Solutions Stock Photos
By Medina Jones | January 20, 2026
Thank you for your patience as we thoughtfully update our pages to improve readability, accessibility, and the overall experience for every visitor.
A smiling woman pauses along a wooded hiking trail, reflecting a journey of resilience, personal growth, and self-discovery.
Image Credit Exploring Our World Differently | EOWD
Still Becoming: Caregiving, Courage, and Choosing to Move Forward
By Tracy Peterson | January 7, 2026
Thank you for your patience as we thoughtfully update our pages to improve readability, accessibility, and the overall experience for every visitor.
An adult using a wheelchair enjoys an accessible park path, representing inclusion, independence, and community.
Image credit to Network Solutions Stock Photos
By Medina Jones | January 6, 2026
Thank you for your patience as we thoughtfully update our pages to improve readability, accessibility, and the overall experience for every visitor.
Yellow alarm clock resting on a bed beside a mustard-yellow blanket, symbolizing changing routines and daily schedules.
Image credit to Network Solutions Stock Photos
Changing Routines: How to effectively create change when structure is the "norm"
By Tracy Peterson | December 11, 2025
Thank you for your patience as we thoughtfully update our pages to improve readability, accessibility, and the overall experience for every visitor.
A family of three smiles together during an outdoor hike surrounded by trees.
Image Credit Exploring Our World Differently | EOWD
Our Journey in Understanding and Accepting Differences Amongst the ...
By Tracy Peterson | September 26, 2026
Thank you for your patience as we thoughtfully update our pages to improve readability, accessibility, and the overall experience for every visitor.
A father holds a young child beside the water, reflecting caregiving, connection, and family support.
Image credit to Network Solutions Stock Photos
By Martin Block | September 5, 2025
Parenting a child with special needs can be both profoundly rewarding and unrelentingly demanding. The day often begins before dawn and stretches long into the night ... Continue reading
A caregiver and child share a book inside a cozy indoor tent, reflecting connection, comfort, and a sensory-friendly home space.
Image credit to Network Solutions Stock Photos
By Medina Jones | September 22, 2025
Finding the right home can be a challenge for some families with children on the autism spectrum. Details beyond square footage should be considered when ... Continue Reading
Broken pink laptop dismantled by hand, exposing the keyboard frame, circuit board, and internal components.
Image credit to Exploring Our World Differently
Translating Behavior into Meaning is not Always an Easy Task
By Tracy Peterson | August 25, 2025
Imagine this: You go to throw something away and discover the remnants of what could only possibly be a dismantled keyboard in your trash. You immediately try to ... Continue reading
A child relaxes on a bed while playing with a colorful sensory toy in a comfortable home setting.
Image credit to Magnific.com
By Medina Jones | August 22, 2025
Creating a home that supports a child with non-verbal autism isn't about copying design trends or checking off a generic list. It's about tuning into the subtle (or not so ... Continue reading
Smiling young woman wearing glasses and a pink cap outdoors.
Image credit to Exploring Our World Differently
Am I on the Spectrum? Difficult Diagnosis Decisions
By Tracy Peterson | January 28, 2025
My son, Timothy, was diagnosed with "autism-like characteristics" and mild developmental disability when he was three years old and formally diagnosed on the autism ... Continue reading
Hands cradle earthworms and soil used for vermicomposting and gardening.
Image credit to Network Solutions Stock Photos
Exploring vermicomposting to meet ASD sensory needs, Gardening, and sustainability
By Tracy Peterson | January 22, 2025
Today, our family is on our way to being worm farmers, kicking off our vermicomposting journey. One of our many goals is to decrease our environmental ... Continue reading
Snickers wrapper pieces form the humorous misspelling “SNIRKERS,” illustrating how perception can change what we see.
Image credit to Exploring Our World Differently
Oh Snirkers! Perception can be a funny thing
By Tracy Peterson | , 2024
It's hard to believe we are coming up during the holiday season. 2024 has gone by way too quickly and has not been without incredible change, growth, adventure, and a lot ... Continue reading
A person wears a message T-shirt emphasizing that meaningful support requires more than good intentions.
Image credit to Network Solutions Stock Photos
Support Systems: Best intentions Gone Wrong
By Tracy Peterson | November 8, 2026
Thank you for your patience as we thoughtfully update our pages to improve readability, accessibility, and the overall experience for every visitor.
Smiling mother and adult son posing closely together for a photo.
Image credit to Exploring Our World Differently
By Tracy Peterson | October 20, 2024
Revised August 4, 2026
We knew there was something different about Timothy very early on. Even as an infant he was either silent or screaming. He seemed to dislike being touched or held, but could not ... Continue reading
Family of three smiling together outdoors while wearing sunglasses.
Image credit to Exploring Our World Differently
By Tracy Peterson | October 15, 2026
Revised August 4, 2026
Hello! Thank you for your interest in Exploring Our World Differently (EOWD) and for allowing us to introduce ourselves. My name is Tracy Peterson, and I am a ... Continue reading
Do you have a personal story, lived experience, or professional expertise that could help others feel seen, supported, and inspired?
If you're looking for a platform where your voice can educate, encourage, and create meaningful connections, we'd love to welcome you as a volunteer contributor. Share your unique perspective, grow alongside our community, and help build a more inclusive and compassionate world—one story, article, and lived experience at a time.
Explore how to contribute your voice with EOWD