A bit of my story on Autism Awareness Month

April is autism awareness month, for those who don’t know I was diagnosed with what was called at the time Asperger’s Disorder at a young age. My mother was told that I more than likely would never be able live on my own or hold a job due to my inability to integrate normally in society. As if being disabled wasn’t enough being of mixed race often got me treated poorly as well as the fact that I looked more Hispanic than white I also suffered many of the issues that face a disabled brown man like myself. Along with being told I wouldn’t amount to much, a teacher of mine told me I’d probably be dead or in jail by 21. In high school and early grade school teachers said I probably should be held back, not because of grades but because they didn’t think I was ready to handle life.

Luckily for me I was stubborn as a mule and had some of the most supportive parents a man could ask for and despite all the pressure to quit or feel sorry for myself I got through it. I have lived on my own for years and I got a master’s degree not only that but so far I’ve made it 8 years past my teacher’s expiration date for me.

However, I unfortunately am an exception. Many autistic adults struggle to master the basic social skills to provide for themselves, and minority disabled men are often demonized and are more likely to be treated horribly or not have the resources to succeed.

If you know someone autistic or a family with an autistic child know that often many of us struggle for years to master many of the basic social skills such as reading body language that come naturally to you. Be patient and understanding, and please let us know how we can improve. Many of these little things we just don’t know or we don’t understand why they’re important and just need direction.

I want to thank my family and many of my friends for being there by me. I know I can be a lot to handle, but your patience is appreciated and I thank God everyday for putting the people he has in my life.