Do you know what April 2nd is or why April is such a special month?
If you didn’t know, you are about to find out why April is so important to me and many others.
April is World Autism Month and April second is National Autism Awareness Day. You’re probably wondering again: why is this so important to me? Well, high school was hard for me, but it was even harder for my older brother, Matthew. Matt was always a little different; he was quieter, pickier and just a little bit more odd than most kids. In fifth grade, my mom was tired of hearing doctors tell her that he was OK. She figured it—he was then diagnosed under the autism spectrum with Asperger’s syndrome.
Most people have heard of autism and think they have a general understanding of what it is. Do you really though? According to Autism Speaks, “Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. We now know that there is not one autism but many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences.” My brother was placed under this spectrum with Asperger’s syndrome which “was generally considered to be on the “high functioning” end of the spectrum. Affected children and adults have difficulty with social interactions and exhibit a restricted range of interests and/or repetitive behaviors. Motor development may be delayed, leading to clumsiness or uncoordinated motor movements. Compared with those affected by other forms of ASD, however, those with Asperger syndrome do not have significant delays or difficulties in language or cognitive development. Some even demonstrate precocious vocabulary – often in a highly specialized field of interest."
Matt struggles with people, conversations, and crowded social events. The way specific things feel or smell causes him to react differently than you are I would. He was also diagnosed with OCD and ADHD. Can you imagine a young boy in fifth grade already struggling with all these new things being thrown at him?
The thing about Matthew is: he’s is the strongest person I know. Not once did he let these things hold him back or make him bitter. To him, they were just things. They did not define him. He stayed true to what he believed and never once changed who he was.
Matthew is my best friend. Being only two years apart, we were close growing up. Now he is who I look up to. I watched as he came home day after day and tried to be OK. No, he is not perfect—some days it really got to him. That’s when I decided to stand up for a cause. Not just for him but for all those who don’t have a voice. As a sophomore in high school, I created an organization called Together We Stand and raised autism awareness. Bullying happens every day; it is painful and cruel. I wanted to become an advocate for those unable to stand up for themselves—I wanted to be their voice. Since I created this in 2013, I have spoken to schools and classrooms about bullying and autism awareness.
This is why April is so special. It is special to me and all those struggling or advocating for these amazing, unique individuals. They make the world a better place. I know Matthew definitely changed my life.
The autism awareness color is blue, and the symbol is a puzzle piece. This April, let's light it up blue!
