Autism: Surviving and Thriving

Fourteen years ago my youngest 3 boys were diagnosed with autism within a 9 month span. Devastation and grieving followed. Doctors gave me little or no hope, but they didn't know me very well. I refused to believe that my boys were doomed.

My boys are now young men, adults with autism. They are thriving, but every day presents its turmoil and challenges.

My family: husband Mike, sons Ryan 23 yr, Nicholas 21 yr, and Cameron 18 yr. (Ryan and Nick have autism; Cam has recovered from autism.) Our oldest sons, Michael 34 yr and Stuart 25 yr, moved out of the house. Ryan has also moved out, and is still working towards complete independence.

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Help Us Get A Job To Pay for Your Social Security

Stuart and girlfriend
Last night my son, Stuart, texted me, advising me that he needed to go to mass with me in the morning.  He normally attends a later mass, geared for teens and young adults.  Let's just say early in the morning draws the "wiser, more mature" crowd.

I found out why when Stuart stood up at the end of mass to make an announcement to the congregation.  He spoke eloquently, coupled with humor.  As is Stuart.

He made a pitch to the congregation to help support the scholarship fund by buying a ticket for a fundraiser.  He received a scholarship a few years back from this fund.  He outlined how he benefitted from the money.  He graduated from the local community college with his degree in business.  Now he is attending the local university, majoring in finance.  Impressive, albeit normal plea.  My guess is that someone wrote the script.

Then Stuart improvised.  Stuart spoke from the heart for a few seconds, expressing his appreciation for not having to work full time that first year while in school.  Touching.

AND Stuart ended with his humorous side while illustrating how buying this ticket would actually benefit the crowd, who is slightly older than Stu by 40 or more years.  Stu logically cited that by helping to build the scholarship fund, that would help the graduating seniors to get a job which will help pay for their (the congregation's) social security.  Laughter!!

Many of the seniors came to me after mass, expressing that Stu has a great future in public speaking.  Considering Stuart was diagnosed with a speech delay in his youth, this is a great surprise!

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