That's me as a pumpkin for Halloween - Age 3
Back when I was very young (in the early 1990’s) there was not as much widespread support for Autism. Scientific research for Autism was just beginning. It was just beginning to get some publicity and it was just starting to get on the map. Many people did not completely understand this debilitating disorder. I was considered to be on the higher end of the spectrum by many doctors. However, the doctors and specialists who evaluated me did not give my mom much hope. They said that I would struggle with Autism for the rest of my life. They did not give me much of a chance to become a high-functioning adult. These professionals expected me to struggle emotionally, socially, and intellectually for the rest of my life.
Astoundingly, thanks to my hard work, persistence, and my determination to succeed, I have overcome most of my autistic issues. Many of my teachers and support facilitators consider me to be a major success story! My goal is to inspire parents with kids who have autism. I want to give parents hope — the kind of hope where they can believe their child can be high-functioning in the future; the kind of hope that can have parents believe their child will get good grades, graduate high school, and go to college. This is the kind of inspiration that parents who have kids with autism need to hear. I don’t want parents to ever give up believing their children can one day go on to live successful lives!
Parents, please do not give up hope! There is a tremendous amount of research going on as we speak, and revolutionary discoveries are being made every day regarding Autism. There is also a tremendous amount of support and therapy available to kids these days. Your child can be treated. I truly believe that one day a cure for Autism will be found. There is so much out there as far as professional services and rehabilitation is concerned.
Parents, you are so important to your autistic child! They need your help and support! I graduated high school, I was an honor roll student taking honors classes and I maintained a 3.0 GPA throughout high school. I am a freshman at Broward College now majoring in education. I one day hope to inspire and be a tremendous influence on kids with Autism!
This blog will hopefully be a nice start for me. I will be keeping a journal of all of my day-to-day experiences, thoughts, emotions, feelings and accomplishments. I hope I can be a bright light during a dark time. Remember, just because your son or daughter is Autistic doesn’t mean he or she cannot overcome it or show immense improvement! Don’t let anyone tell you that your child has no future! Don’t you dare let anyone tell you that your child cannot be like other kids! Don’t be fooled by misconceptions and total lies! Your child is a blessing! Your child has a bright future ahead. Your child has gifts and characteristic qualities that could never be taken away! So please don’t ever stop believing and hoping that your child can one day be successful in life. What your child may lack in talent, grace, creativity, and intellect is made up for with heart! I guarantee that your child has the heart of a champion! Don’t ever underestimate your child’s ability to keep fighting! Your child will never give up. Autism doesn’t kill your spirit and your will to live! Parents only better days are ahead for your children!