Drive thrus are always an adventure for us. The second the employee leans out the window and sees the inside of our car covered in Monkey’s beloved Brown Bear drawings, their face tells the whole story. Confusion, curiosity, sometimes a little discomfort, sometimes a smile.

When they ask, I take the chance to share a bit about autism and Monkey’s world. It has become one of my favorite things, watching people shift from puzzled to understanding in a matter of seconds.

And then there is Dunkin Donuts. They do not even blink anymore. They know Monkey, they know his order, and they hand him his green chocolate covered donut with sprinkles like he is part of the crew. Those small acts of acceptance mean everything.