I babysit two autistic boys when their parents need a break, which is often. Jacob is 13 and reasonably functional, although quite stubborn. Someone who doesn't understand would probably assume he was extremely spoiled. Josh, severely autistic, is about my age. When I was first asked to babysit, I admit, I was nervous. I knew little about autism or the people behind it.
There is something special and intriguing about Josh. Like any autisian (and, in fact, many non-autisians) he rants and yells and spits and hits when he doesn't feel good." However, the time in between is sweet. Josh is full of distant smiles that betray many thoughts, complete in his heart, that his mind cannot assemble. He loves music and dancing and his family. He loves to touch my watch and rings and to hold my hand.
If you ask Josh a question, he lifts his head quickly and starts to respond. But then the moment is over and his eyes cloud in confusion. The half-formed response dies in transition.
If you ever bothered to sit an hour with someone who is autistic, you could see a complete soul. The heart and mind are both intact, only stifled. It is like seeing someone who is trapped under a glass and cannot escape.
You may think me foolish, but there are moments late at night when I forget Josh is autistic, when I utterly fail to see any difference. In those moments, I love Josh greatly, as a boy and not just a person in general. As in falling in love. He is beautiful. I wish I could see what he sees for five minutes, hear the thoughts of his heart for five minutes.
Perhaps you could never picture a straight-A's, graduating-early, popular girl falling in love with an autistic boy for even a moment. Perhaps you have never sat an hour with an autistic person.
There is an autistic person in my sister's club. I've met him a couple of times and he seemed very sweet to me. However, many people in the club do not like him because of his temper, how he talks, and how he sleeps in the club office all the time. Perhaps not many people understand what these illnesses can do to these teenagers. They often jump into conclusion of another mental illness that needs to be fixed. I know if they can choose, they would probably want to be normal too.
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http://www.mylot.com/?ref=truelife
http://www.progressiveu.org/090204-dont-miss-this-chance
It is so sad how people reject those who are different and make fun of them. People are afraid of that which they don't know. If they would just take the time to get to know these different people, maybe they would emerge to be better human beings themselves.
DISCLAIMER: I am not being rude. I'm stating my opinion. No personal attacks are aframeant. Please give some leniency on how you take my words. imagine me saying them with a smile. ^__^
http://www.progressiveu.org/090204-dont-miss-this-chance
I think that autistic children are the purest beings on earth. They are so innocent and trusting. They don't know what is wrong or evil or crime. They can only love and hope that people love them back .
DISCLAIMER: I am not being rude. I'm stating my opinion. No personal attacks are meant. Please give some leniency on how you take my words. imagine me saying them with a smile. ^__^