I Have Autism

Story of My Life Part 1 – October 4, 2018

I have autism. That means I might look different to most people. Not so easy to be like me.  Too hard to do most everything.

I really value my life, but I wish this wasn’t so stupid.  It is stupid to be born without so many things that I supposed to be able to do.  Things like talking to others so difficult to me. Like for others to know I am doing my best.

So stupid to not really have purpose in this life. I can’t do things I want to because my autism is in control. My autism is stupidest. It rules my every thought and motion. Never makes sense.  No matter I eager to do things, I real mad I can’t stop my autism.  Not so sure most people live not able to start making themselves do things like I live.  Most really not like me at all.

Sometimes I too upset about stupid autism, I not like it. I not like thinking about not having autism because that is not even possible I don’t think.  So today I can try to not have autism, not really true though.

We are all parts of one body, we have the same Spirit, and we have all been called to the same glorious future.  Ephesians 4:4

Jake McClintick has a diagnosis of severe autism as well as intermittent explosive disorder. He is now 23 years old and has been learning to communicate using a letterboard since age 18. Learning to use a letterboard through the Rapid Prompting Method (RPM) was a gradual process that took several years. We are still working on expanding RPM and Jake’s confidence/skills beyond our “work sessions.”  Though we still need experience and practice, this low-tech alternative communication system has been an answered prayer for us both. At the age of 22 he began expressing his very personal thoughts and feelings more fluently with me (his mom), and it was his idea to begin writing “The Story of My Life” one day.  Above is his first entry to that story written about a month before his 23rd birthday.

Jake has given me permission to share his story and our conversations. He continually expresses his desire to “find purpose” to his life…I hope his willingness to share will help others learn about this misunderstood condition known as “autism” that has so much to teach us all.