Autism. A six-letter word that changed my life.

According to Autism Speaks, "Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors."

"An estimated one out of 42 boys and one in 189 girls are diagnosed with autism in the United States."

"One in 68 American children as on the autism spectrum -- a ten-fold increase in prevalence in 40 years."

No, I do not have a sibling or other family member with autism. I get this question all the time "why am I passionate about this specific population?" Honestly, to me autism is more than a diagnosis, more than a label, and more than definitions and characteristics that define someone. Those in my life I have met with autism have taught me about life. Life that to me before them, I never really understood, and am still in the process of learning. After reading the book, "The Reason I Jump," this quote stuck out to me and in my opinion, it is a perfect explanation of my love for those with autism. "Although people with autism look like other people physically, we are in fact very different in many ways. We are more like travelers from the distant, distant past. And if, by our being here, we could help the people of the world remember what truly matters for the Earth, that would give us a quiet pleasure.”

We are all different. Every. Single. One. Of. Us. However, most of us are so worried about what others think. We dress to please other people, we say or don't say things to please other people and the list continues on. I have found in my experience, that those with autism are very spiritual beings. It is almost as though this world we live in can be seen by them in a whole other realm. Those with autism do not care what I weigh, what my socioeconomic status is, who my friends are, or are smart I am. It really is just that simple love. Love and respect me and I will do the same to you. It really is that simple.

Sure, some of my friends with autism may not speak, but it doesn't mean they can't hear. When you say things in front of them they know exactly what you're talking about. They may not speak back but speaking to them as though they can speak back shows them respect. I read in a book that those with autism are living in a body that doesn't feel like their own, being controlled by something else they cannot control. Imagine that. Imagine being in a store and all the different smells, noises, textures on your clothes are so magnified that you can't control your arms or your voice. Just imagine. It is a life that most people who are in a profession dealing with those with autism seem to understand, but I feel like we are all far from it.

I believe in respect for people, regardless of age, ability or disability, gender, race, etc. People with autism who are living in this world deal with people who are not so kind, people who don't understand and the part of the population that loves and accepts them just as they are -- people who deserve the same respect as any other person on this planet. To me, it just makes sense. Believe and love them, and they will do the same.

Giving them materials that are at or above their chronological age because they can do it.

Let them reach for the stars because they can.

Give them opportunities to grow and achieve greatness. Always assume intelligence, because when you assume the opposite they know.

They feel it all with their already spidey senses feeling every emotion, every texture, every light, sound, and noise around them. Push yourself to understand where they're coming from. Have you asked them? Just try.

In the book, "The Reason I Jump," "everyone has a heart that can be touched by something" so why not let your spirit ignite a fire within them? Let your heart change their lives because to me it really is just that simple.