Q&A
“My hands did not work well, and most fine
motor skills were difficult to impossible for me.
I had therapy for years in school and private. I
now can use my hands. At age 29 I volunteer,
teaching others how to use their hands to be
able to button their clothes, zip a jacket, comb
their own hair. I can now do almost anything
with my hands, and so can you.”
~ Toya of Huntington Beach, CA
W
alt Disney once said, “All the adversity I’ve had
in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have
strengthened me ... You may not realize it when
it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the
world for you.” For this issue, we asked our experts:
“ Tell us about an obstacle that
became an opportunity.”
“I was bullied at school every day. They would
take my lunch money or my lunch. Called me
names so the other kids would laugh. I had a
great coach teacher I liked. I finally told him
what was happening. He worked with me after
school with sports. Most I did not like, except
golf. I am good at golf. Really good! In fact, the
school golf team asked me to join. Just what I
always wanted. I said no. I started a golf camp
for kids who are not good at sports but want to
be. I only have a few so far, but it is working.
We are friends now, and we play golf together.”
~ Matt, 17, Buffalo, NY
passion, which is Disney. Two years later it is
one of our largest clubs, and all types of kids at
school belong.” `~ Cali, 15, of Connecticut.
“Eye contact, nemesis of the amygdala! My parents always thought I was lying and punished
me. A teacher encouraged me to look up instead
of keeping my gaze down and shuffling along
the hallways. But eye contact is horrific. I try to
glance at a face, making brief eye contact. I have
no problem looking into infant eyes or in my
dog’s eyes. I decided I could do this. I practiced
looking into my service dog’s big brown eyes
and into young children’s eyes. Employment?
Socially awkward! I like customer service.
Encounters are quick. I smile with every facial
muscle. I use my scripts. People smile back.
They can be grumpy, pre-occupied, sad. I smile,
make eye contact. They smile. The fear erupting in me is balanced by their reciprocal smiles.
I express that sense of safety into my face and
share both a smile—and eye contact. Affirming.
I am astounded at the simplicity, the power, of
this simple action.” ~ CarolAnn Edscorn
“I am diagnosed with mitochondrial disease,
which means most of my organs don’t get
enough energy to function. I have multiple
tubes and lines, I’ve had many hospital stays,
and I spent 15 months in a nursing home—it’s
a pretty rotten experience. But I’ve learned a
lot, too. I’ve educated many doctors and nurses
about autism (intentionally or not). I’m more
flexible, bolder in my advocacy, and far better
with organization! I’m uniquely able to support
autistic friends when they face medical situations. Because of my worst hospital experiences,
I found a gaping hole where autism advocacy
is desperately needed, so now I use my voice to
makes others aware (like I’m doing right now
with you!). I’ve learned that something as awful
as mito is still an opportunity to do good—and
whether I give up or stand up and advocate is
really my choice.” ~ Lydia Wayman
“I had no friends at home or school. I was lonely
and sad. I started a club at school to discuss my
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ZOOM Autism through Many Lenses
ZOOM Autism through Many Lenses
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