Being “different” comes in many forms, but the unifying element is that it’s hard to fit in when you’re not like everyone else.

It’s the start of a new school year, which is a great time to remind our kids that accepting differences – in others and themselves – is the mark of a mature, compassionate person.

Our front page story highlights a new support group on the island for parents who have children with special needs. Tess White, whose daughter has autism, said that even going to the grocery store can be a challenge – the littlest thing can result in a full-blown tantrum.

Even in a loving community, we can feel alone and misunderstood.

Last week, Orcas Center offered a screening of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in Night-Time,” a play adapted from a powerful book about a boy with autism. The novel isn’t about disabilities, said author Mark Haddon. It’s about differences. It’s not bad to be unlike others. In fact, no two people are exactly alike. It’s what makes us all so interesting.

Let us remember tolerance and compassion, as we have all struggled to find our place in a world that can feel full of strangers.