Rocking

My body loves to sway.
Motion calms me every day.

Mean to make my body still.
But my body's nature fights my will.

Music all around me really moves me to its rhythm.
I freely filter my world as light separates through a prism.

Flowing notes give way to good beats.
My hands must tap a jumping repeat.

Being lost in waves of healing.
Music is felt in each fiber of my being.

Copyright 2017 Philip Reyes.  All rights reserved.

Thoughts on the Movie Deej

I saw the movie Deej recently. I loved it. It is a documentary about DJ Savarese who is a nonverbal autistic like me. I am following in his footsteps by going to regular school and being included. DJ received a good education with the help of a communication helper. He was meaningfully included. He participated. DJ learned to teach his neurotypical classmates that just because you can’t speak doesn’t mean you can’t think or communicate another way. DJ types like me. Like me he needs assistance to initiate, keep going, and not get off track. DJ wrote a play about his autism. His classmates acted it out. I thought it was great that DJ could teach his classmates this way. I hope I can make my classmates understand autism too. It is really peace to my soul to teach others that we who cannot speak are deep thinkers. We just have bodies out of synch with our minds. Meaningful lives are found when we can connect with others. Having effective means to communicate builds bridges linking people’s hearts and minds.

Deej was able to graduate from high school. His walk across the stage was my favorite part because it is my goal to get a high school diploma. I graduated middle school last spring. It was one of the best moments of my life.

DJ went to college at Oberlin. It was a lot of hard work. I mean to be a writer when I finish high school. I’m not sure I want to go to college. But I think everyone should set their own goals. I love that DJ's parents always supported him in reaching his goals. My parents also support me. They make my life more like a neurotypical's life by making me able to do regular things. I’m not typical though. Being autistic is my destiny. Inclusion should be for all on the basis of our humanity.

Typing a question to Deej himself! 

 Copyright 2017 Philip Reyes.  All rights reserved.

My Family

I am very blessed by my family. My family goes to great lengths to make my life better. I would probably be in my own world if it were not for my family pulling me out of silence. The reason I can be a part of the world is because they support me. Mom is my primary helper and support. Hearing her voice calms me to be able to talk with her best. Mom is the reason I can communicate. I am learning to be able to type with others. My family is my trusted circle. I can be myself completely. I can really stim if I need to and its ok. I can practice new things with Mom. I can try things without fear of failing. My family loves me no matter what.

I love doing things with my family. My family does things together like bike rides, going to sports events, vacationing, and going to church. I enjoy my time with my family because it is fun and I can be with them making meaningful memories. I am living my best because my family makes time for me, believes in me, and acts to make my life better.

I really like going out with my brother Carlos. He takes me to high school games. I like hanging out with him and his friends. Carlos is fun. I like being around him because he makes me happy. He is very cool.

Me and Carlos going to watch a game

My sisters are nice and talk to me. They can use my letterboard with me. Lia is fun. She likes to jump on the trampoline with me. I think Ana is the smartest of my siblings. She is an engineering major and wants to go to med school. Ana is patient. She likes to talk to me when she comes home from college. I am lucky I have them. In my family I am the third child. I like being in the middle because I have older siblings to look after me and a younger one who will lag behind to be with me longer. I am an integral part of my family.

Visiting Ana in Michigan

Biking and catching Pokemon at UB

I hope to help my family more as I get older. I would like to have a job and earn some money. I hope to be a writer and teach about autism. I would very much like to be a part of my family’s business of teaching people RPM. I am glad my family gets me and includes me. They are the best.

 Copyright 2017 Philip Reyes.  All rights reserved.