Overcoming Challenges

Christopher: I want to talk about challenges we have overcome. It will be a way to inspire other spellers and each other. All people need inspiration sometimes.

Sam: I am happy we are taking about it. All of us have our each and every hurdle to each get through.

Christopher: For me it has to be learning to spell. I know that is hard and a challenge for everyone but it comes easier for some. It was so hard and there were times I thought my body would never cooperate. So hard that tonight it has taken me over half an hour to write this. My body keeps interrupting. Bodies like mine are out of control. Always moving in ways I don’t want, embarrassing me or getting in the way of things I want to do or how people see me. This body is the prison of my brain. My real self is not the body you see. You see my real self when you read what I spell.

Maudey: Good way to think about it, Christopher. My words are my real self however people make assumptions because my body is not controlled. So frustrating to have a body that betrays your brain.

Luke: Christopher I feel what you are saying about feeling trapped by your body. All I deal with in this body is a lot. Feels like my body gives the wrong idea of me and it hurts when people get the wrong idea.

Joe: Christopher I think you calling your body the prison of your brain helps others understand. It feels that way. Real self is in the brain not the body. Many have trouble looking past our bodies.

Maudey: I am always working towards independence. It has had many steps. There is so much I have learned to do and so much to learn. I am learning to type totally independently. I recently learned to put my hair in a ponytail. It feels good not to have to ask for help. 

Joe: I feel I have overcome a lot in terms of real emotional regulation. Having still to work on it but I have made real progress. The progress is hard and challenging. It is important to have hope that work will pay off. 

Sam: Having my words heard is my biggest accomplishment. All things stem from there. 

Christopher: Sam I agree about all things stemming from spelling. My world changed when I learned to let my words out. Before that I was alone. Now I am known to my family. Now you call can understand my mind.

Alex D: Always inspired about you guys. All was a little dark and you guys bring the light. As you say Christopher it is a help to share our success. Adapting to new situations is the thing I am proud of improving. 

Rose: I am proud of you for that Alex. My strong Alex you have accomplished so much. So proud that you feel like that.

Luke: All this progress makes my heart sing. 

Rose: I have many challenges I am working on. My biggest challenge in life is my body. I have to work really hard to keep it cooperating. I Rose challenge NT [neurotypical] people to really try to imagine what it is like to have a body that is not in your control. You tell it to stay still and it takes off running. You tell it to say the words you are thinking and nothing comes out. You lose hope each time your body sits out your life. That is how our bodies work. Not minding our minds. Try to imagine it and then rethink how you see autistic bodies. 

Alex D: I love that idea Rose. Dealing with these bodies is a challenge for us all. The NT people in our lives can picture it but they do not live it. Each person who supports us should try Rose’s challenge!