In retrospect, had I understood earlier in life that I was "different" I may not have pushed myself to accomplish all that I have to this point in life. I was often told by my grandmother, that I was like a sponge, always waiting to soak up new information. Don't let someone take that away from you...soak it up learn and be the best you that you can become. In spite of my "differentness" I went on to push myself through school, through to college, jumping full on into life. Becoming a wife, a mother and later a grandmother. All this never really knowing that I have ASD. I did not know that I was living in my own private world because my grandmother held me so securely within hers and my family's. There were many things I felt I could not do..like socialize among the "usual suspects" called my peers...but if you handed me a pen and paper, or paintbrush and canvas...I could paint a world of beauty. I could not seem to get the knack of talking to people on the telephone, but I had a voice that needed to be heard...so I taught myself to play instruments, to sing..thereon writing over 300 songs. Music was my way to learn and thanks to a great many people, it was given me as a tool in so many parts of my life. I was able to go on to become a minister for the young...While living in Maryland I directed a program geared especially to "special need - special ability" youngsters so that they had a place of belonging as well.
There is never a time when it feels right to say "You Can't" but rather..."DO because it is what you do". Life is not easy..but if it were to be..I think that is when I would question all around me and ask.."What is this place?"
Autism is who I am, and if I can make a difference for someone else to live in this world...then I want to give it a try. Fifty seven years and counting.
Athol, MA
