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Quote of the Week
"Empathy is about finding echoes of another person in yourself." - Mohsin Hamid
Louis' Shoes - Walking In The World Of Autism
In a world that often demands sameness, children who see and experience life differently are frequently misunderstood or overlooked. Autism isn’t a barrier to connection—it’s a different way of processing, feeling, and engaging with the world. To truly foster inclusion, we must step beyond clinical definitions and listen to the voices of those who live this experience. Sometimes, the most powerful lessons in empathy come not from lectures—but from stories.
One such story is beautifully told in the animated short film “Louis’ Shoes.”
Louis’ Shoes (Les Chaussures de Louis) is a touching, 5-minute animated short that takes us into the world of Louis, an 8½-year-old autistic boy. As he prepares to introduce himself to a new class, we hear his inner monologue—a quiet, sincere reflection on his past struggles with connection, bullying, and being misunderstood.
Louis shares his unique way of seeing the world: his deep focus on details, his love of numbers, and the comforting meaning behind his blue size-33 shoes. Through his words and perspective, the film brings to life the sensory experiences, social challenges, and thought patterns that are often invisible to others.
What makes Louis’ Shoes especially powerful is its gentle, first-person storytelling. It doesn’t explain autism—it lets you feel it, through Louis’s eyes. And in doing so, it reminds us that empathy begins not with fixing others, but with understanding them. [watch video]
Reading Corner
Title: Benji, the Bad Day, and Me
By: Sally J. Pla
Ages: 7-11
Sammy is having the absolute rottenest, worst day ever. His little brother, Benji, knows exactly what that's like.
Nothing seems to be going right for Sammy today. At school, he got in trouble for kicking a fence, then the cafeteria ran out of pizza for lunch. After he walks home in the pouring rain, he finds his autistic little brother Benji is having a bad day too. On days like this, Benji has a special play-box where he goes to feel cozy and safe. Sammy doesn't have a special place, and he's convinced no one cares how he feels or even notices him. But somebody is noticing, and may just have an idea on how to help Sammy feel better.
In this tender story about siblings, author Sally J. Pla shares her experience of raising sons with different personality traits and needs. Benji, the Bad Day, and Me embraces the philosophy that we are all part of a wide spectrum of neurodiversity. And on those really bad, rotten days, you can always count on family to be there for you. - Publishers
Recommended by Kindful Kids Editors
Be The Change
Practice “Walk in Their Shoes” Day
Pick a day where everyone in the family tries to experience the world a little differently—whether it’s spending time quietly, focusing deeply on one activity, or noticing small details. Afterwards, share what you learned about patience, empathy, and inclusion. This helps build understanding of what it might feel like to be autistic or neurodivergent and encourages kindness every day.
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