I am an adult with Autism -- PDD-NOS.
When I was a new born baby, I slept more than my older brother and sister. All of my developing happened in twice the time it should have. Instead of sitting up at six months, I first sat up at 1 year. I crawled at 1 year and walked at 2 years. I started talking at 3 years and my vocabulary was very small. Up until I was about 4 years old, I cried for long periods of time, for hours and hours, almost every single day.
My mom had me tested for every developmental area but got nowhere. She was, however, told that because of my delays I should have therapy of the following types: speech, cognitive, physical, occupational, play and social. The speech and physical therapy I got at public school. The others my mom took me to.
I attended two years of kindergarten and two years of 12th grade. Otherwise, except for being pulled out of class for different therapies by my mom or the school, I had a pretty regular school career. I played the flute in the middle school band. I found most of my friends in my special education classes and also through Special Olympics. All through school I was on the Special Olympic Bowling team. I got good grades and enjoyed school for the most part. I have completed a couple of semesters of college but have not earned a degree. I'm currently taking the drivers education course online and hope to get my license within the next year.
I think Autism has made me look at my life as something special and unique and has taught me that nothing can bring me down! Enjoy every second of your life by living it the way you want to. I know that some things are scary and it's easy to get intimidated but you just have to take it step by step.
I wouldn't change who I am today. I love who I am! So should you!
Austin, TX
