CHARDON, Ohio — At first glance, you'd probably notice David Petrovic as a typical middle school social studies teacher, quizzing his students at Saint Mary School in Chardon.
If you know him like we do, David is an accomplished theater actor, motivational speaker, author and autism advocate.
He's recently written a book called "See Me," to encourage people to embrace differences. His first book, "Expect a Miracle: Understanding and Living with Autism," was co-authored with his mother, Sandy.
"Well, 'See Me, The Invisible Autistic Boy,' was inspired by my time in high school where I was being bullied and felt alone and felt like I didn't have a purpose," David said.
He wrote and illustrated the book himself, taking readers on a journey to acceptance.
"Sharing my story of how I felt invisible until one day, then an act of kindness begins to make me feel seen. And as each page goes on, more and more body parts are added to me," David said. "The last page is me extending a hand to the reader, you know, in my illustrated form, just saying that you are loved, you are valued, and above all you are seen."
David takes the same approach to teaching. He strives to make his students feel like whole people -- he makes them feel seen.
"With him, like if someone like mocks your answer, he doesn't take it lightly and he really like cares," 8th grader Andrew Didonato said of his teacher.
There's no doubt, his students care about him, too. Mr. Petrovic makes them want to be better.
"It's definitely an in inspiration because you realize how much he's overcome and if he can do it, anyone can," said 8th grader Taylor Wallingford.
David says the students have embraced him and his differences.
"I think that's the part where having special needs and being a teacher actually comes into an advantage because knowing that I learn differently,
I'm always looking for input and insight from the students in to terms of, you know, 'that doesn't work.' You know, 'this is how I learn best.' So I'm always flexible and open when it comes to my teaching styles. So I like to give my students a voice in their learning so that I can teach the material in a way that they can best understand, comprehend, and solidify."
In other words, David wants his classroom to be a safe space for his students.
"That's what I always aspire to. Not just a safe space for learning, but just for anyone regardless of background," David said. "To just know that there's someone in their corner who wants to lift them up and not tear them down."
The symbol of autism is a puzzle piece, representing the complexity of the spectrum.
"And while we, as someone with autism may be missing that one puzzle piece, I like to think that for me, it leaves me open to just welcome as many people as I can on this journey of life ... to lift them up and to assure them of their value," David said.
He closes his book with a message of acceptance:
"You are beautiful. You matter. You deserve all the good in this world. And just like me, you are seen!"
To purchase a copy of David Petrovic's book, click HERE.
Editor's Note: The following video is from a previous report.
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