Every person on earth is unique in some way and those differences in people are what makes life interesting. Can you imagine how boring things would be if everyone was exactly the same? It would be horrible. But for people who are on the autism spectrum, life can be a challenge. There are so many complex layers to live and so many issues to navigate and the world is built for people who aren’t on the spectrum. Because of this, people with autism or Asperger’s Syndrome have to make adjustments to comfortably function in a world that was built for people who aren’t on the spectrum by people who aren’t on the spectrum. Embracing differences is key to a beautifully diverse society and the story below shows us that.
When I was 16, I met a guy in math class. He was intelligent, caring, funny, but a little “off” somehow. We talked every day and hung out as often as we could. With him, I could talk about anything. He didn’t judge. He was very logical. I liked that about him.
We got to know each other very well and eventually I gave him my phone number, and we talked every night. Then, a couple months later, while talking on the phone one night, he just randomly declared his love for me! I literally sat there in my bedroom, no idea what to say! Haha. But, as awkward as it was at first, I kinda started to realize… maybe I love him too…. So we started dating.
I’d go over to his house after school and one day, I was chatting with his mom and she mentioned him having “Asperger’s Syndrome.” I had no idea what it was. She explained that it’s a form of Autism! You never would’ve known by the way he was acting. He didn’t have repetitive movements of any kind, he talked to everyone. But, he was very logical, didn’t like certain feelings or touches on his skin, and hated being dirty! Apparently his mom had seen signs of it when he was just a year or two old. She tried to put him in grass and he freaked out and started crying!
She took him to therapy for years to help develop his skills. Because of what she did for him, he is now 20 years old, fully functioning, a great guy… married AND a father! (Yes, married to me and it’s our baby!) He has a great job and works hard for us. His Asperger’s can still make things difficult at times and I have to be patient with him, but it’s so worth it. I’ll say this: people with Autism can be the most loving, caring, wonderful people you will ever meet. I love being with him. It’s been four years, married for almost two. I wouldn’t change him for the world.
