Stories of Hope

A message of hope

I was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome when I was six-years-old after countless of doctor visits and messages being told I would amount to very little. I was told, from the time I was young, that I would not graduate high school, I would have to live in a group home, and would need medical care the rest of my life. My life would be revolved around a doctor's office and a behavioral psychologists chair. I wouldn't take that news sitting down on my palms, accepting that. I graduated high school in 2010 and went on to start my freshman year of college. I've had some setbacks, I won't lie, but my life is truly incredible. I'm a voice not only for those within the Autism community but I've become a voice for LGBT with disabilities. I am set to graduate in 2016, I have a 17 month old son who makes my heart warm, and am dating a person who knows when my emotions cloud my judgment and doesn't autism be an excuse for me. My family has never taken my autism as a setback. They say I've opened their eyes. They've opened mine. They let me know I can be me in a world that often tries to kill your shine. I would never trade or let go of autism. Autism is a part of me. It's hard, yes, when people find out and they treat me different, but it gives me a chance make them see I'm not dumb or slow or anything like that; I'm a fully functioning human being with a heart and brain that work properly just like theirs; just a little more quirky than them. My message of hope is this; autism is an amazing and eye-opening thing. Don't judge the book by an overly produced stereotype. We are humans just like you. We have brains that think and hearts that love. Never let something like autism cloud your judgment. You'll miss a chance to an eye-opening experience. I guarantee it.

Megan Weatherford
Delaware, OH

MY LIFE WITH AUTISM~ ^^ ( Continued...) 'MY REFLECTIONS'

When I think about all the experiences of other children and adults with Autism and Aspergers, I always thought that we're different, but, my Mom told me how we are in common. She says, "Autism is like a different flower". And just recently, she made me watch a short video about a boy who has Autism, and how he struggles to learn at school with his classmates. I reflected on the story with my Mom, as it relates to how I feel, and how others like me feel about it too. I think that others should treat us equally, so that in the future years, maybe it can help us face the world without fears. That's why my Mom helped me to always remember to 'Focus on my Abilities, not my Disability'. I survived through bullying, each day, but my Mom guided me all the way, and always encouraged me to face my fears. She never gave up. Many people think I'm normal, just because I look normal and was able to talk normally, when they don't really know how I feel. Even in these times, I don't know what to do for my future, what job I want to take, and how I can live on my own someday. I was always with my Mom, but she always tries hard to teach me how to live on my own, in a different way. Even though she's always beside me, and supporting me, she knows that little by little, I can know what to do in my life. She helps me fight for my rights, to get what I need. Since I came to Arizona, my mom researched a lot, and where to find a program that can help me join and volunteer in a group to help me explore places. Then, she found an agency called 'Mountain Health & Wellness', and that's when I joined an Art Group & Food Bank. And it was fun and helpful for me. I learned a lot there, as I met some good people. I hope that others can be inspired as well.

Larissa Marie M. Reyes
Yuma, AZ

My STORy, With Autism~ ^v^

As I grew up on the island of Saipan, lots of things happened to me in my childhood, until the day I graduated from High School. It was a long journey full of struggles and memories blended like a fruitshake. On my early age, I was unable to speak until my mom fed me a fried chicken-butt. And somehow it helped me a lot, however, it made me a talkative person. My Father was always kind when my older sister and I were babies, until we grew up, he started to change and drink a lot. He became abusive, then things changed again, and for sure, it was better than before. My older sister was always there for me, and always loved me like a stuffed doll. She was tough, kind, and funny all the way. And finally, my mother, who really helped me a lot. She teaches me lots of things about life and the environment around me, helps me socialize with different people, and helps me with exposure to the world to learn from what's going on around me, and to face reality. It helped me adapt to the world as I grew up, to learn more and more, and expand my knowledge. I also thank some of my teachers who helped me a lot in my education, the members of the Autism Society of the CNMI ( ASCNMI ); That's when I met a good friend who also has Aspergers, and God's blessings, who helped me along the way, and gave me strength through every struggle in my life. In my childhood, I've always been bullied and alone back then. That is why I thank my mom, and everyone for helping me a lot. And now, I always say "GOOEY!" when I'm happy or excited. So, to all the the parents who have children with Autism, never give up teaching them, accept them for who they are, and give them the love that they always need.

Larissa Marie M. Reyes
Yuma, AZ

Autism Can't Stop Your Dreams

My name is Meghan. We didn't find out that I had high functioning autism until I was 18 years old. My parents always suspected that there was something different about me. I wasn't social with kids my own age, I had an obsession with science (particularly astronomy), was very uncomfortable around lots of people, and loud noises easily overwhelmed me. I grew up thinking that I was a freak because none of the kids liked me. I had a difficult time socializing properly, and I had absolutely no friends. The only people who ever showed up to my birthday parties were family members.

I was bullied my entire life. Kids told me that I was weird, a freak, that I deserved to die, etc. When I was 12 I attempted suicide because I was so distressed over the bullying. I continued to wonder why I didn't fit in no matter what I tried. I would study the popular kids and try to learn how to act like them, but it would never work. This continued through high school. During my senior year, my parents and I found out that I had a form of high functioning autism. That changed everything. I was resistant to the diagnosis at first, because I was hoping that my issues were just a phase I was going through, but the diagnosis meant that I would live with these struggles for my entire life.

I am now a junior in college studying forensic science. I have managed to accept my diagnosis and have been able to make some amazing friends who don't care that I have autism. I am on track to achieve my dream of being a scientist. My autism does not keep me from being intelligent or pursuing a career in science. In fact, it makes my brain better equipped for handling scientific thought.

If I could tell young kids anything, it would be that autism can't stop you from achieving your dreams. It only makes you more special and passionate about your dream. Keep on dreaming and working hard and you will achieve!

Meghan
Cedarville, OH

You Can Have A Positive Outcome

My son was diagnosed with PDD-NOS at age 34 months. He had echolalia, spoke in the third person, was not potty trained until age 4, and was 18 months behind on a cognitive level. He was diagnosed at age 9 with Asperger's.

After his diagnosis, he received early intervention services through his school system. When he was 3 and already reading, a speech therapist told me that everything kids that age pick up intuitively, we had to teach him. What a daunting task! But, I set out to do just that. At that young age, we used his ability to read to teach him how to talk and act socially.

With the help of his school case managers, my constant pushing, our "village" and family support, he has done extremely well and is excelling in college. Having no preconceived inhibitions allowed him to have the courage to try anything. His inability to read hidden cues or emotions allowed him to not recognize if kids made fun of him. I learned to accept that "if remarks from other kids didn't bother him, I would not let it bother me". I let him try anything he wanted and worked with whomever to ensure his experience was a good one and a teachable one. For that reason, he played soccer, little league baseball, excelled in chorus and band, and academics, earning both chorus and academic scholarships to college.

This spring, he campaigned and won Mr. Junior, an SGA class council position at his university. He had to choose a campaign platform. He chose Autism Awareness. His campaign motto - Intelligence, Integrity, and Enthusiasm.

I wanted to share with you, because as an African American, he is not the typical face of Autism that people see regularly I wanted to let parents know we were successful because we weren't afraid to share his condition and seek or accept help. You can have a positive outcome. The world can be accepting. You just need to give them the opportunity to do so, and have the courage to show them the way.

Jessica
Smyrna, GA

The Undeniable Reason I Was Suppose To Go To College

My son Christian was 17 months old. It was the month I was attending my college course in pediatrics for Occupational Therapy. One day I was sitting in my 4 hour class listening to my instructor go over autism and sensory processing disorders. On that day I realized my son was on the autism spectrum. I had no idea how I got through class that day, but it was the day that changed my life. Everything Christian did from loss of eye contact, not playing with toys appropriately, late walker, not talking yet, lack of communication, and the stimming made sense at that moment. Right away I tried to get help, but everything seemed so limited. The school district would come out for 30 minutes a week and he got to go to speech for one 30 minute session a week. I knew it wasn't enough. I realized quickly the best early intervention for my son was to gain all the knowledge I could and begin working with my son myself. I graduated and decided not to work, but to stay home and work with my son. We set up amazing home therapies daily with sensory integration, therapeutic listening, sensory schedule, and ABA therapy. I took continuing courses in ABA, speech, PECS, and hippotherapy, sensory integration, and everything that could educate me to help my son. His gross motor is amazing, he follows directions, is very affectionate, has great eye contact, minimal behavioral issues, no problems transitioning, has a variety of foods he will eat, and my angel child. He is 5 and we still have a long road ahead, but everyday is a joy and I love being his mommy and therapist. I thank God that I chose to go to school for Occupational Therapy to prepare me for our journey before I even gave birth to my son. I also look forward to the day to use my degree and the education I have received to be a blessing to parents and help them on their journey.

Julie Barnett
Uniontown, OH

My Wonderful Son

My son was born in 1990. He is the sweetest thing I ever saw. I always explained things to him even though he did not respond I saw him digesting all this information. I was called when he was in 1st grade saying they think he is having seizures. I found out he has Autism. I stuck with him all the way thru the years and was very involved in his schooling. Always a great student and very respectful of adults, teachers, myself, etc. His father divorced me because he does not believe in Autism. Lots of emotions with having no friends and lonely but he got thru it. I always told him he can do whatever he chooses in life. He will be graduating from college next week and is registered for graduate school. He already works in his own High School and will be a school psychologist. He has made the best choices in life so far with so many things I just cant begin to believe he is my son. I am so blessed to have him in my life and always felt that I was. If each of these children have at least one person to have their backs you can make the difference!!!! Most of the people in this world that became famous or relevant have had some form of disability. This never stopped them. I know not every mother can devote their entire life like I have but I highly recommend doing without unnecessary things and being there in every school they attend. I wonder sometimes who he will Marry. I can't help but wonder. I sure hope one day God has his path cross with exactly who he needs. I just have this feeling. I love my story and I love my son so very much.

mary
budd lake, NJ

All or nothing

My beautiful daughter Erin was born in the summer of 2001. She was my first child and I was so scared to be a mommy!! She was a great baby though and always made me happy. She was actually advanced in speech and motor skills and also a lively toddler!! She did have a kinesthetic need. She had to touch something cold and hard (usually glass or metal) in order to fall asleep. She would not sleep unless she could rub her fingers along something like a spoon or glass bottle. I noticed it was difficult to take her in public also. She wanted to run around and touch everything and everyone, lol! Her first "melt down" happened when she was two so I figured it was the terrible twos. She cried every time I left her at daycare (I was in the army) and it broke my heart. The providers told me she was a very difficult child and would bite and hit the other kids. I didn't know what to do. In kindergarten, Erin was diagnosed with ADHD (first of a few). Bipolar and ODD was also diagnosed but no meds ever worked. Erin was always so aggressive. She would get frustrated at the smallest thing and lash out. She would take her own shoes off and throw them at people, hit, kick, bite, spit! She knew no limits. Last year was the hardest because law enforcement started getting involved. I finally made the tough decision to send her to Montana for residential therapy. It took the staff less than one day to call me and say that she is 100% on the Autism spectrum. Today, she has two therapist at her school 5 days a week and she hasn't hit anyone in over a year!! She is on probation from the issues last year but she has come so far!!! She is smart, funny, and completely lovable! I will never give up on her and I refuse to let her fail!!! She will be a successful adult no matter what. Autism makes her unique, not disabled!!!

Cindy McKay
Sierra Vista, AZ

My gift

My daughter was born during the most tragic event in my life (so far). My sweet pea was born 11 days after the loss of my best friend , my daddy , my one protector. I also had a 5 year old daughter who was advanced and wise beyond her years. She always hugged and had a very good connection with her big sister and I. At 8 months I noticed she wouldn't look at her dad. No matter what he'd try to do to gain her affection. After her loss of speech at two her dad decided that she was normal functioning and to this day denies there's anything wrong. I was constantly worried! At 3 I enrolled her in a school for kids with learning disabilities. And had her evaluated time and time again. Each time they either said she was autistic or ADHD with several learning issues to boot. She is 9 now and the most loving girl you'd ever meet. I know the battle she's fought is forever ongoing due to the fact we are still unsure of her spectrum levels. But I tell you if she wasn't such a fighter she'd be lost in the system. I don't take the credit here. She deserves it.

Anonymous
Hemet, CA

How my son's autism came to be

Growing up I knew early that I didn't want any girls, all boys. My first 2 were girls, but in 2004 I found out I was having my son.

When he was born I was so excited to finally have my little guy. One day when he was about 1 year old he developed a weird skin rash. I tried to get him to the pediatrician that my children used to see, but he no longer took their insurance. His doctor at the time I was less than fond of because she kept trying to tell me to have his hearing checked. But when my phone rang in her office and she saw him look toward the direction of it, all she said was, "Oh he can hear." No instructions on what to do next. But back to the rash, in a day it was gone. I thought no more of it. After a while, I realized, the few words he had, waving bye-bye, was gone. Everything else was fine. He had good eye contact with me, his father and siblings, just no speech. I figured it couldn't be autism, he just may take a while to talk because he doesn't feel the need to.

At the age of 3, he still had no words. I kept hearing the word autism and deep down, I knew and had already come to terms that he had it. As a mother you just know. I switched to another pediatrician within that practice and she gave me the number to Infants and Toddlers. From there he was enrolled in early education. He received his official diagnosis July 2009 and from there I have been doing whatever I can to get my son over his hurdles.

Today with the help of homeopathic medicines, Jordan can speak but I consider him nonverbal because of his limited vocabulary. He is in the autism program at a public school and is doing very well. He is very independent by bathing and dressing on his own. And with the help of his DAN! doctor he is constantly improving.

Leticia Odametey
Upper Marlboro, MD