I was in a theater watching the film RAINMAN. The character played by Dusting Hoffman depicted my brother so well I was stunned. Chip, 59, was diagnosed as a little boy, as schizophrenic. We had him tested after I saw RAINMAN, and Autism became his new diagnosis.
Chip has held the same full time job since 1974. He works in the kitchen of a huge insurance company in Ma. He is never late for work, and takes the same route every day to get there. He drives himself. Chip is great at saving money, and has bought every vehicle he's ever owned without a cosigner. His current car, he payed cash for.
Chip belongs to the Civil Air Patrol, has his Ham Radio license (he learner Morse Code in one week), he's in a bowling league, and works out at a gym 5 days a week.
Back in the 1960's at age 9, Chip was sent to live at a school in Pa. A year later he was moved to a Ma branch of the same school, and came home on weekends. When he was 16, my parents learned of a program at West Springfield high school. They enrolled Chip, and he graduated when he was 19.
Chips personality has evolved over the years. He now frequently makes eye contact, and while he doesn't understand sarcasm, he does joke around and laugh. Chip is very smart in some ways, remembers dates, phone numbers, and can recite entire passages from articles he's read. Chip has no interest in dating, but has friends.
My parents were originally told he would never graduate from high school, drive, or hold a job. Chip hares the word never, and has proved he is very capable. Chip is my hero and inspiration.
Beverly, MA
