Through my short 19 years of life, nothing has hurt my heart more than the last year of political mishap. For good reason, too. I'm not someone who pushes my beliefs onto others. In fact, I think a diverse population of beliefs and ideals is what makes America so amazing. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and pursuit of happiness, and as long as you aren't negatively impacting others, you should have every right to that.

However, there is one moment, a 10 second blurb that appeared and quickly faded on live television, that I'm convinced will stick with me for the rest of my life. That happened to be our current president, Donald Trump, publicly humiliating a disabled reporter.

A man worth billions, a man running to be the leader of our country, a man who has millions of people watching and learning from his every move mocking an everyday man who has enough trouble as it is fitting into our world. People are coming around to the idea of equality for all, and the view that every person, no matter their differences, does have just as much reason for being here as the next. However, this moment alone made its way through the television, clawed its way into my heart and tore it to shreds.

And I promise, before some of you get angry, seeing this as another left winged feminist who has nothing better to do with her time than bitch about things she really doesn't know- this isn't an article trying to sway your political eye.

Being an older sister to a brother with autism, watching him try to learn his way through the difficulties and challenges you and I could never comprehend, is painful enough. Hearing him upset at night that kids don't always understand him; worrying whether he'll ever find a girlfriend; be able to live on his own; even learn how to drive, is heart wrenching enough on our family. Watching him struggle with acceptance day in and day out, never feeling good enough, questioning whether he'll amount to something, is not what a 16 year old boy should have running through his mind.

Having the leader of our country mock someone on the spectrum is not, and never will be justified. However, I don't dwell on the past, and like many other relatives who have loved ones with autism, or any special need, I want to make a couple of things known.

It's So, SO Okay To Ask Questions.

Trust me, I'd rather have someone questioning me for an hour over various things about my brother, and my experiences growing up than staring or gossiping. Asking is how you learn, and once you allow yourself to hear the story of some of these amazing people, your heart will be forever changed too.

It's Not Okay To Stare.

Now, there's various places to be on the spectrum. Some, like my brother, you wouldn't necessarily know by watching him. However, farther along, anxiety and panic attacks, along with lashing out is far more common. Still, please put yourself in their shoes. Staring does nothing but add to the stress the loved ones are already feeling. And keep in mind, if they had control over what their mind was telling them to do, they wouldn't be doing it. It's a disorder, not a decision.

They're Just Like You and Me.

Throughout my years, I've made a purpose to get to know various children, along with men and women, who are living their lives with various special needs. On every level, these are some of the most caring, big hearted, talented and loving people I have ever come across.

Stop Using "Retard".

I'm no English major, but I sure do know there are an endless amount of words out there. If you choose to still use this one, or any relating form, you're enabling the derogative term to continue its poisonous path throughout society. There is no justification for use just with friends, or as a joke. It's painful to hear, demeaning to all of those who have, or love someone with special needs, and is completely unnecessary in every plausible situation.

Be Friendly.

It may be me being a protective big sister, but I just hope with all of my heart that people as a whole learn to be considerate when acting around those with special needs. Everyone who knows my brother can agree he's the quirkiest, but big hearted and loving kid around- it just takes a little bit to really understand him. We all know the feeling of loneliness, and the feeling you get that you don't belong. Some people spend their whole lives feeling that, when it could just take a genuine smile, or a moment to think about our actions to change their entire day.

Nothing To Change For The Better.

I wouldn't change my bother for the world. We have our struggles and differences, but at the end of the day, I know I wouldn't have half the patience or heart if he wasn't in my life.