Thanksgiving 2015

By Philip

This year I have so much to be thankful for. God loves me and has been so kind to me. Against many odds I was able to take regular classes this year. A few years ago I was in a segregated school and learning about letters and numbers up to 5. I was learning nothing new. Another waste of a year. I was measuring my life by the attacks I made on my teachers in protest of a good mind being made to address the most mind numbing work. I had been identifying coins for the last 3 years. It was boredom to say the least. Now I get to learn something new everyday. Practicing how to live in the real world means following how neurotypical people get to live. I am now getting to live among them.  I love it. I have to study like the next person. Opportunities are opening up to me everyday. I am blogging, writing for magazines, getting involved in autism missions, and doing more fun things. I can now ride a bike, go to sports events, go to church and Stockade, and I have more courage to try new things. I am thankful for so many blessings. I love that I now have a voice and have peace about being able to have more say in my life.

Watching a Michigan football game with Dad (first big sports event)


Copyright 2015 Philip Reyes.  All rights reserved.

Improving My Way

By Philip

I am peaceful today because people are treating me a lot differently than they used to. Today I went bowling with my friend Max. I was happy because Max's dad made conversation with me and made me feel I am important. He said I helped him see Max in a new light. I am doing my best to make a difference. I am pleased when I can see how I have helped.

I have heard of an interesting idea called Neurodiversity. I think it should be the new way of seeing autism. Neurodiversity is the idea that autistics have a different neurology and shouldn't be expected to become a person with a neurotypical neurology. No one can be cured of autism. Therefore we should stop making cure a goal. Instead let's try to accommodate our difficulties in communication. To continue to use therapies that don't respect our neurology such as ABA is like trying to beat a dead horse. They don't allow us to grow how a person should. Peace comes when I can see meaningful changes in my life. This year I have been able to join regular classes at school. I am proud to be able to attend because last year I couldn't because of my behaviors. Now I can handle myself much better. I love learning new and interesting things. I also can do things without as much anxiety as I used to have. I can go to crowded arenas, meet new people, and try new activities like biking and ice skating. I am still autistic 100%. But I am making progress like a human being should.

Copyright 2015 Philip Reyes.  All rights reserved.