A Day in the Life

Andrew was seven years old when David was diagnosed. It was a difficult time for all of us, but I originally underestimated the effect that the diagnosis would have on Andrew. I did not think that he was really old enough to understand what was happening, until several weeks later when he asked if David had the type of "handicap" (a word that I don't recall having used) that would allow us to park closer to the store. Maybe some additional explanation is required, I thought at the time.

Andrew has always shown wisdom beyond his years, especially pertaining to David. He has written the following essay for Quest Above and Beyond, a gifted and talented summer school program offered by our local school district. The assignment was to write about an important event in life and this essay is Andrew's submission for the class. 
 

A Day in the Life

By Andrew

Autism. It means nothing to the average person. Although I am not the average person because of David. David is not the average person. The world will know of the word Autism. Because of David.

Autism is a disease of major effect. It makes someone lack social rules so you do not learn words at the normal speed. It can make people be a little quieter with strangers. David can break the rules a little bit. To be like he should be.

My major scar is not physical, yet emotional. Hearing David had Autism scared me and confused me. What was Autism and how could I help. If I could help. If anything can help at all.

I learned that I can help David with daily things. David can help himself with daily things. We can help each other with daily things. And we know that together.

Now David has shown me the meaning of recovery. He has shown the world freedom. He will show the world the meaning of Autism.