My name is Kayla Smith. I have a 22 year old brother named Kyle Smith. My brother Kyle is lucky enough to have Autism. Although Kyle is 22 his intellectual level is that of a small child. Kyle can not have a conversation like most you and I could. He understands most things that you say to him, but can not process a response. Although my brother is two years older than myself, I always found great joy in helping my parents in taking care of Kyle.
When I was younger I didn't quite understand what the word Autism meant, let alone that it was not something that can be cured. I always thought "He will get better, it's not permanent" But you know what in a way I was correct; not in the fact that Autism can be cured but that he will get better. Throughout the years I have watched my brother progress from not having any form of speech to a simple yes or no or asking for more of something. From not knowing how to read or write to having the ability. Of course as most of you know; with Autism comes great talents. Kyle's greatest talent is video games. He doesn't have to sit down and read instructions in order to play a game. He starts the game already knowing what has to be done and how he needs to do it.
I have never looked at my brother as challenging but challenged and not defective but different. Autism is not something that should be looked down upon or shunned. Autism is a special gift from God. God gives you these special people so you can learn how to appreciate life in the aspect they do. Kyle doesn't have the opportunity to worry about bills, or a job, or even a significant other. Yet he still appreciates life and people in the way we all should. That's what Autism is all about, being different from the "Normal" but really... Who is normal? Maybe Autism is normal and we all are the ones who are different.
St Cloud, FL
