The Story of Me

My name is Brian. I am twenty-four years old and I have autism. Why am I telling you this? Because it will be important for you to understand my story. When my family first found out I had autism they were told I would never walk or talk and that it was my parents fault. The doctors told them I would never live a normal life. Well, they were right, my life isn’t what you might consider normal but it is awesome. I am here to tell you why it is so awesome. I was born into the most wonderful family. If it weren’t for them I wouldn’t be sharing my story with you today.

Growing up I always knew I was different but my family made me feel totally normal. For a long time I thought it was completely normal to scream when the washer beeped or when I had enough to eat. It wasn’t until I saw my brother grow up that I realized my normal was different than his. That was the first time I realized my life would never look the same as his. You may think I sound bitter but I am not at all. In fact I am thrilled to be here with my best friend sharing my story.

Always being in control of your body is something people take for granted. Autism robs me of my control. You probably think that sounds crazy, as most people do. But autism is a crazy thing. The first thing I want you to know is this is not a plea for your sympathy but an opportunity to listen to what autism really is. So here we go!

For many years people could not understand why autistics lacked total control of their body but assumed they lacked control of their minds as well. Well then some really smart people decided to study the brain and figured out that a deficit in one area does not impact the other. That led autism experts to new research that revealed they aren’t the experts after all!

I have spent most of my life mourning the lost of my voice thinking I would never see it again but I was wrong. A year ago my mom found a program that allows me to point to letters to spell and communicate my thoughts. When she realized how wonderful this program is she knew she had to spread the word. My dad and mom have dedicated their lives to helping me. I am particularly lucky to have the greatest dad. If it weren’t for them I can’t imagine where I’d be. The first person always to know about changes in my life is Emily, my longtime staff and best friend. Together they always help me to grow.

So that leads us to where we are today. Over the past year Emily and I have worked tirelessly to learn to communicate with each other and spread awareness. Now I think it is time to help others understand why this project is so important to me. I believe every autistic deserves a voice. I want to help them find their voice! With the help of my family and Emily I will make this dream a reality. I will use the power of my voice and the help of my sidekick Emily to make this vision come to life.

So now you may be wondering what you can do. It is pretty simple actually: Treat autistics with respect and dignity. Trust me, it makes a huge difference. We can truly change the way people perceive autism and it starts today!

Lucky Day

Stayin’ AALIVE

Dream Big

I was recently asked a question I want to ask you, “What is your dream?”. Take a moment and think about that. This is a question I think we should all consider.

I have had plenty of dreams flutter in and out of my mind through the years. Some big, some small. But the dreams that fill me with hope now, all surround a common picture. My community of non-speakers.

There was a time in my life when I wouldn’t have thought it was possible to have truly meaningful friendships. Friendships built on shared experiences, struggles, and triumphs. People who really know what it’s like to go through life without a voice.

My dream of meaningful connection between non-speakers has come true.

Why do I share that? Well, I want you to ask yourself that same question. What is your dream? Be unafraid to dream big and reach for the things that feel impossible. Be vulnerable and willing to step outside your comfort zone. My experiences have taught me that life is too short not to take risks and have big dreams. Especially if those dreams surround you with beautiful friendship.

Eight years ago I voiced my dream of my friends learning to communicate on the letterboard like I was. Now here we are rolling squad deep all over the place!

I guess dreams really do come true. 

Happy New Year!

Christmas has passed and now we patiently wait for the new year. All the noise bubbles up telling us how to reinvent ourselves for the new year. The gym memberships, the diet plans, the fast track to the new you, it’s all just noise. Instead I challenge you with something different. 

Find more moments of quiet. Moments to slow down. Reflect on what the year has given you and maybe even what you lost. Life can pass us by so quickly and the arrival of a new year always reminds me of that. 

So, I accept my own challenge. I want to sit down and be thankful for another year. I want to move toward this new year with an appreciation for the last. For every moment that filled it and for all it taught me. There’s no need to reinvent, just make space to grow.

Happy New Year to All!