Stories of Hope

Walk in Eli's shoes. This is a day in the life of my very extraordinary son)

Mum runs the water and he laboriously washes and shaves, she gets breakfast ready.
She shouts "HURRY UP! You've been twenty five minutes already!" He can't understand? Where has the time gone
he's tried his hardest!
He loves breakfast, he lets his mind flit from this to that and back again until he hears "HURRY UP!"
Dressings very challenging.....is this the right way round? Or that? Buttons are a no no and buckles? Ha!
Another thirty minutes. Mum does the socks; somehow they just WON'T go on! Teeth too....Why can't he brush them?
He is so frustrated.
College awaits, learning to cook, learning to shop, money, maths and writing! Learning to cope with all the everyday
things we don't give a jot about, like ordering a coffee in the café or summoning up the courage to tell the bus driver you
want to get off.
Coping with the student who shouts...."Oi ----head come here!" Yes? He sais.....Can I help? To loud guffaws, pointing
and nudging and winking.....He's different you see, his world is almost flat, black is black and white is white....innuendo's?
What are they?
The boy is referring to him, so he answered, the only way he knew how, politely.
Not ONE mean spirited, sly, aggressive or manipulative bone in his body. THANK GOODNESS.
Though sadly he's not stupid....he knows.
Every day is a struggle, apart from getting his hands to do just what his brain is telling them, he must also learn to read
between the lines, not everyone mean what they say and sadly the older he gets, expectation is higher and the harder
it gets.
I wish you could walk....just ONE day in his shoes.

Tracy Heathfield
Gloucester, United Kingdom

Emily

My Granddaughter

Let’s see….what have you taught me lately? I have learned more and more children with Autism see things differently than we do. The way you hold a flower, twirl a blade of grass through your fingertips amazes me. What “we” take for granted, you notice. Because I believe, I know, in your world, there are beautiful colors, laughter, and soft sounds. As we took a little side trip this week, just the two of us, I caught myself explaining, when needed, to others that you have autism. Not to explain when you don’t acknowledge a stranger in an elevator or let it be known you are frustrated but as a way to EDUCATE others. I know there are good people in this world from the look in their eyes when explaining how special you are. The look of amazement that a little girl with no distinguishable features, would have autism, and the compassion that was given was awesome. It touches me the way, when approaching a group, you would move closer to me, constantly wringing your fingers. This is your way of being apprehensive to strange sounds and groups of people that you do not know. I learned to pull you closer and to whisper softly would always ease you. I hope others will remember that when an autistic child is around. It almost seems like “we” invade your world. You are precious. You are capable of learning more and more. And even if you didn’t, “we” would love you just the same.

kimberly shiver
savannah, GA

kissies for mom

This little sport is Jessiah, we like to call him Jessi. He was first diagnosed a year ago with autism and is currently going to speech therapy, occupational therapy, and ABA. Jessi just learned his ABC's and he loves trucks. He is an amazing and sweet little boy and he always amazes me on his strength and determination. He loves hugs and kissies and enjoys many things we take Foregranted.

Tomasine Brown
St. Petersburg, FL

Ivan and His Bike

My son, Ivan, is 10, and he loves to ride his bike, summer, winter, spring or fall. Doesn't matter what time of year it is. It has been said that autistic children can't ride a bike, but don't give up! They may have to have more time to learn, but they can once they get the hang of it. When he was about 8, I got him a small bike with training wheels on it because he was unable to ride the 20 inch bike that he had, and he just pushed it around all the time. It took him a while to even ride the one with training wheels, but he finally got it and one day I realized the training wheels were not even touching the pavement anymore, so I said, "Son, let's try this bike again!" He got on his "big blue bike" and he's been riding ever since! :) He rides every day and loves it. It is his way of exploring the world.

Juanell Hopper
Amory, MS

Through Julia's Lens

I have overcome many obstacles in my life; I was not diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome until I was 18 years old. As a young child I did not know why I was so different than others my age, why I could not communicate properly and why I was made fun of for things I did not realize. I did not talk until after age 2 and talk until age 2, I was diagnosed with ADHD and developmental delays, then at age 13 was diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorders. As i grew up I realized there had to be something different about me, which I learned at 18 when I went to a psychologist who diagnosed me as having Asperger’s. Although I have it and it is a part of me I try my best to try not to let it get in my way of achieving my goals. For example I graduated high school with a 3.89 GPA and have graduated with a 3.28 GPA in college with my associate’s degree. Asperger’s to me is a blessing in disguise because it makes my determination extraordinary and I have a great memory. Before I was diagnosed with Asperger’s I had a really tough time understanding my thoughts let alone other people thoughts and actions. I am artistic and my career path is photography, in photography I can express my thought with my client’s photos. Even though autism/Asperger’s is not what a parent wants to hear a doctor say, I am thankful for having it, it has helped me to where I can help others see there is hope for people with an autism spectrum disorder. I hope that this doesn’t only help me, but I want parents and caregivers to see hope for their young children and teenagers.

Julia Triassi
Mansfield, GA

my 2 superkids

i have a 5 yr old daughter and almost 4 yr son with moderate to severe autism. they surprise me everyday by what they teach me. they are my world. they have shown me how to see things in different way. i love them so much.

jolene
oshawa, Canada

Music, Taylor Swift, Pokemon and Autism is my life

I have Autism in the mild form, you'd never notice it unless I told you...as a autistic person, I can attest to how hard it can make certain aspects of life and make others easier. eating for example: I went through phases as a kid of eating nothing but certain foods: shrimp was first, then mac and Cheese and then where I got into the most trouble weight-wise, Pizza. Also change was difficult weather it was big or small...still is. Like if the lamp was moved, it would bother me till I got used to it...if my parents make plans, I expect them to be stuck to and when they change, first words are always "but I thought you said..."...yeah. though one good thing is the fact I can sing and singing is the entire reason I can talk as well as I can. When I was in grade school, it was noticed I sing clearer then I talk so that was used to help with my speech...and now I'll talk your head off if given a chance, lol! though you have to strike the conversation with me first...other wise I'm kinda shy unless I force myself or if I know you already. on a side note: I excelled in math, I graduated HS with a B average, still a kid at heart at 23, I like Taylor Swift, the Hunger games and Pokémon. Yes I said it on that last one...Pokémon, lol, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. Anyway, this is my story. Thanks for reading.

Elizabeth Azzinaro
Ontario, CA

Lily..after the diagnosis

Before the diagnosis, life was chaotic and in limbo. Skills successful to us with our three oldest children, proved pointless in raising our youngest of four. At age 3, Lily was diagnosed with ASD and Sensory Processing Disorder, moderate functioning. She was non verbal and extremely abusive to herself. By that time, we wouldn't have dared take her out to the store or restaurant, based on the screaming and thrashing that always took place when we'd tried in the past. Lily started her intervention program by age 3 1/2. She's now 6 years old. She's verbal, and I mean soooo verbal. :) She very rarely ever abuses herself or others. She's finally potty trained! She tells jokes..even goes as far as to instruct us on how to properly laugh at those jokes. She is an amazing artist! She loves bugs and thinks a fly would make a great tongue, for a T-rex. She empathizes, and forgives, and adores, and will give a kiss or a hug to those closest to her. She is certain she invented the high five, though...so if a hug isn't in your future, you're sure to get a hands up high five! She still walks on her tippy toes, and she'll tell you that she does so because "that's what ballerinas do". She thinks Bath & Body Works' warm vanilla spray is "Mama's love", and as long as she's sprayed with it, she will have a good day, at school. She does all this, and so much more, because it's officially stated that she is upgraded to high functioning! If a cure was offered, I'd deny it. I have already mourned the woman I thought I was raising her to be, once..and I won't do it again. Plus, her idea of the woman she will be is much more interesting, than the one I had in mind. ;) She is why her sister is studying to be a teacher. She's the new life, breathed in to our family. She is one cool human, and we are honored to call her ours.

Damian Leon
Camas, WA

my number one grandson

Jake is my oldest grandson born to my Daughter crystal, he was diagnosed with autism at 2, he is the most sweetest boy around he's my number one man in my life and will tell you he has meemaw wrapped around his finger I love how he calls me most days,and how when he sees me he runs to hug me,his little mind is so curious he loves generates,cars air conditioners,hugs and kisses he loves to hike with his grampa or his mom he has two beautiful little sisters who watch out for him and a wonderful step father (Ryan) and a step sister and brother ,,,and he loves to try new foods now that he is ten...I love my Jakey

Robin Carlson
Riverside, CA

My Friend Sam

For many people it takes a lifetime to find their purpose. For me, that purpose presented itself when I was in first grade. Of course I didn’t realize at the time that becoming friends with Sam would be my introduction to autism. I only knew that Sam needed a friend. Sam moved away during our 2nd grade year and it wasn’t until middle school that I recognized I had a natural talent for working with the students with special needs, especially those with autism. Meeting Sam gave my life purpose and direction.

I recently turned my story into a children's book titled "My Friend Sam". I wrote and illustrated the book. With the help of some very generous people, I was able to publish it. All the proceeds from my book go to the Autism Academy of South Carolina but most importantly, I hope the story inspires children every where to make friends with children who have autism.

For the last two years I have been promoting your website across South Carolina through my platform with the Miss South Carolina/ Miss South Carolina Teen Scholarship Organization. I have given out over 1,000 business cards with information about your site. I plan to continue my work with autism and in the future work in pediatrics. Ms. Sober, the owner of A Very Little Bookstore in Summerville, SC has been kind enough to have me promote my book in her store. (Picture)

If you would like a copy of the book, please email me with your mailing information. I would be thrilled to send you a copy.

Sarah Beth Kreidler
Miss Summerville Teen 2013

Sarah Beth Kreidler
Columbia, SC