May 05 2008
The how and why of my blog.
 Having experienced many of the symptoms associated with autism through out my childhood and into my adult life, I feel my experiences and research can benefit many. I am a college student, 30 years old, and my desire to work with autistic children led me to some profound discoveries of myself. These discoveries and my continued efforts to rehabilitate myself into a productive member of society, combined with my love of writing, are what compels me to tell my story as I continue my education for the benefit of myself and others.
The early years: As a toddler with three sisters, I was anything but social. I had a step-dad who had known me since I was six months old. At three, he still did not know that I could walk and talk. There are some funny stories associated with this fact; however, the truth behind the behavior is anything but comical. Along with an unwillingness to perform, I was also detached from all social gatherings. I preferred to play with my toes under the kitchen table when company came over. I was a small child and diagnosed with a failure to thrive. Had I been born just a decade later, perhaps these symptoms would have yielded a different diagnosis.
There are many things my mother has repeated to me over the years. Besides the typical, “Clean your room,” and “Wash your hands,” were more commonly, “Look at me,” and “Speak up.”
Perhaps I had a harder time because of the lack of knowledge of autism at the time, but I know that I have come a long way. I started as a withdrawn and misunderstood toddler and am now a successful 30-year-old college student with a bright future. I did not get here the conventional way, but I am here. Perhaps my journey will benefit those like me. Much misunderstood and isolated to integrated and confident. Walk a while with me to learn how I came to be.
I like this blog, I will continue to visit your site. Have a good day.