Stories of Hope

Share your inspiring, hopeful story of how autism touched you.

This is Me

This is Me

Hello! My name is Richie Jewell. I'm 21 years old and I have autism. Throughout my life, i have endured depression, loneliness, bad effects of parent's divorce, struggling to adapt places and struggles with the disability such as speech and language, awkwardness in social situations and communication. It was pretty tough to endure but that was then, this is now!

You're curious on what i do for a living, right? I'm a motivational speaker, writer, and autism/world advocate to help out for those who are in a struggle like i was once was. I'm doing it for those who are bullied, have been told "you can't do it", and depressed. I want to be a symbol that anything is possible even living with autism. I want to educate people on how to make our world to be a better place for all of us.

On my spare time, i enjoy and embrace my interests such as animals, movies, writing, professional wrestling and inspiration. Those things I just mentioned are the puzzle pieces to my heart. I live my life to the fullest no matter what curve ball is throwing at me. I just have to learn to enjoy the ride. Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you'll miss it.

The contributions I have right now are dedication, confidence, patience and support. Because of those attributes, I can believe in myself and my ability to succeed one goal at a time. The biggest support I have now are my family and close friends. I will remember them for life. I shall not let anyone break my spirit because mine is powerful. If I could snap my fingers and be non-autistic, I would not because then, it wouldn't be me. Autism is part of who I am and what made me so unique. My message for you all is that everyone has a story to tell and its our duty to make best out of what life has given us. This who i am and always will be: I am Richie Jewell

Richie Jewell
Beacon, NY

My baby boy my life

In 2008 I was blessed with my baby boy at the time I thought everything was ok since I had 10 other kids but at 3months he got sick I found out at age 2 has autism people was treating him differently until I started schooling them he has changed so many liveseespecially mines.

vonetta twinkilstreats young
Washington, DC

He has a piece of my heart.

On January 29, 2010. About three weeks early, I gave birth to a 8 pound 5 oz, baby boy. My first child at 24. My world felt complete and everything seemed fine, untill he turned one. I could tell he was delayed but was told his father was delayed in some parts in his milestones. My son wouldnt talk or walk, but he was a great crawler. By his second birthday I was told he was showing signs of autism. I stayed on the computer to see what I did wrong and to see how I could help him. My love is delayed yes but he is doing better and I over love everything about him.

Chima Morgan
Miami, United States Minor Outlying Islands
Aidens Story.

Aidens Story.

Hi my son Aiden was just fully diagnoised with autism back in june of this year, but when have known for years he's is also Adhd and behavioral disorders... He was born at 29 weeks had a really rough pregnancy with him.. but my bay will be 7 on halloween and is finally adjusting to meds and being back in school....but I think his melt downs get worse everyday!!!!!! I need displinary ideas nothing helps with him.....he's really a great kid if ppl would get to know him instead they judge me and him.... I just want him to have the most normal life as possiable but what's normal right....thanks for listening

Beverly Sawyer
Toxey, AL

My son with autism

I have a 5 yr old with autism. When Nate was 2 yrs old I was really lost and confused because my son was not talking or showing any social skills. I took him to a developmental Pediatrics and they did an evaluation on him to help him get school services. My son Nate needed speech therapy. Schools did a very great job on his speech because he talks now and sometimes he doesn't know when to stop.... Lol. Now he is in kindergarten and he is really starting to struggle with his ABC's and identifying them. He is in special education classes but he is struggling. I seen a commercial on t.v for abc mouse and its something he really enjoys doing. I am doing everything necessary to get him through this. This is very challenging but would never change it for the world. If anyone has any comments or suggestions to other ideas please let me know. I would appreciate it.

Anonymous
no wheres land, VA
Faith is Good

Faith is Good

This is my middle son lewis he was starting his first day at a Autism Based Nursery .He will be 4 in November like allot of parents we always have a feeling there was maybe something different when he was 2 we even took him for a hearing test which he passed no bother Lewis Gran was the first to mention the Word Autism even back then the word did not freak me or lewis dad Tony out you see positivity for us is the only way to deal with life in general and lewis will always be Our amazing son who lives on YouTube watching the same clip in repeat or who has a meltdown if his baby brother invades his space or gives me 5 seconds eye contact when i least expect it no matter what reports we receive about Lewis he will always be my motivator in life We could cry scream or do something productive which we did in the form of a auction site to raise money the group has went from strength to strength only with the support of our community and other fantastic autism parents we have fun which is a key component with any kid yes even kids with autism they do get humour myself and my husband Tony spend every day promoting Autism and running our busy Family some night I fall into bed but I wouldn't change my life having the privilege to meet so many wonderful autistic kids and making so many new friends Makes all my families life better There isn't always support for our amazing kids and this can frustrate all parents but this week we are about to make our dream come true and open our own Autism Drop in club where Lewis will fit in and his new friends the motto off my story is Faith is very much the in word

Heather Gormley
Lanarkshire, United Kingdom

Becky

How do you count a day that seems impossible to number? I remember the first time I heard the word in reference to my daughter, her aunt said that Becky's grandmother thought she might be autistic, and I said "artisitic?" and my now X husband let me continue with my misunderstanding,,,that was tempered with anger. But then a pediatric neurologist at the prestige IWK Hospital in Halifax said it might be so, but what did he know? Then on the day after Canada Day in 1996, the ABR hearing test confirmed that not only was Becky's hearing good enough to develop language (something at 2.5 years she had not developed), but better than that 25 decibel level, she could hear perfectly at 15 decibels. And as the acceptance grew, her life started to unfold in front of my mind's eyes. So I think the day that my life changed was the days I started loving my daughter with the better understanding of autism, and that love and amazement still grows. Although she still cannot talk with words at 19, she still has the power to get what she needs, what she wants, and she has the command of many to find those things for her. She has a family and community rallying and cheering for every little daily events and a mighty roar from those same people with any advancement. She has security, She has friendship. And she has love. Not because it was easy, but it was impossible not to provide her with those things, once you meet her. These are the days that Becky has changed many lives. Angela from Nova Scotia, Canada. <3

Angela Hanebury
Westville, Canada

Becky

How do you count a day that seems impossible to number? I remember the first time I hear the word in reference with my daughter, her aunt said that her grandmother thought she might be autistic, and I said "artisitic?" and my now X husband let me continue with my understanding,,,that was tempered with anger. But then a pediatric neurologist at the prestige Issak Walter Killim (IWK) Hospital in Halifax said it might be so, but what did he know. Then on the day after Canada Day in 1996, the ABR hearing test confirmed that not only was Becky's hearing good enough to develop language (something at 2.5 years she had not), but better than that 25 decibel level, she could hear perfectly at 15 decibels. And as the acceptance grew, her life started to unfold in front of my mind's eyes. So I think the day taht my life changed was the days I started loving my daughter with the better understanding of autism, and that love and amazement still grows. Although she still cannot talk with words at 19, she still has the power to get what she needs, what she wants, and she has the command of many to find those things for her. She has a family and community rallying and cheering for every little daily events and a mighty roar from those same people with any advancement. She has security, She has friendship. And she has love. Not because it was easy, but it was impossible not to provide her with those things, once you meet her. These are the days that Becky has changed many lives. Angela from Nova Scotia, Canada. <3

Angela Hanebury
Westville, Canada
Dominic

Dominic

The Autism Spectrum has touched our lives forever. Dominic was born on Valentine's Day 2007. For the first year or so things seemed to be perfectly normal. Around the time that Dom should have been walking and talking, he was not. He crawled for a very long time and was unable to communicate with us hardly at all. His first day care school suggested to us that he may be autistic and to have some testing done. Initially, the tests all came back negative. Dominic's pediatrician disagreed and urged us to do our own research and consult with the school system as to what options were available to us. In 2012, after reviewing years of assessments and tests, the school board decided to diagnose with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This would ensure that the therapies he receives will continue.

Dominic is 6 now. He is the brightest, sweetest, and coolest little boy I've ever known. Every day holds it's own struggle. Dominic has difficulty expressing his feelings, especially frustrations and anxieties. He also has significant sensitivities to sounds, textures, and large crowds. On the other hand, Dom does outstanding academically. He is so smart. Computers and electronics are definitely a strong suit for Dominic. His Pop Pop and I have introduced him to golf and he loves it. Pretty good swing too! We all work day to day to Dom ready for this world, and perhaps to make the world ready for kids like Dom. He is the smartest, sweetest, and coolest little boy I've ever met. Not only is he my son, but my best friend. Dom, your Mom and I love you more and more with every day and challenge we overcome. Nothing will stop you from being who you are.

To everyone with children, autism or not, give them every opportunity to learn and be the best they can...and lots of hugs too!

Chris Hammett
Seminole, FL
Feeling Misunderstood In A 'Normal World'.

Feeling Misunderstood In A 'Normal World'.

My daughter Sophia was a special little princess from the get go. August of 2008, born on the hottest day of the summer, Sophia came into the world at 37 weeks and 3 days. She was very healthy despite being deemed 'early'. She didn't start walking until 14 months, and could only say very few words, 'mom' 'dada' 'baba' and 'nana'. I really started to notice how frustrated she would get by head banging and flapping her hands because she couldn't voice what she needed. After trying flash cards with pictures and trying our very best, we got her tested for hearing. She passed her hearing test with flying colors. But in my heart, I knew there was something more to this beautiful green-eyed girl. I consulted the pediatrician and got her in to a behaviorist. She was diagnosed with PDD-NOS and Sensory Integrative Disorder. From then, I got her into speech therapy and occupational therapy and it did wonders. Sophia sucks on her index finger and touches soft things as a stimm (she calls it 'softing' kind of interesting!) and it helps calm her down when she is overstimulated or tired. Grocery store trips have been the hardest to master. With all the lights, smells, sounds, people and colors in her face, grocery trips are short or if I have my husband watching her at home. Now that she is older, I have her 'be in charge' of items, like peanut butter or oatmeal and have her put them in the cart. I have her be as redirected and occupied as possible, and make her feel like a big girl. Today was the very first day of Kindergarten for her, and she absolutely loved it. My ultimate want as a parent to her is her to succeed, to be understood, to learn and be comfortable and enjoy being who she is. She is so incredibly smart, very artistic and has a wonderful, vibrant imagination. She is also the sweetest little girl ever. I would NEVER trade her for anything different. She is my little butterfly. : )

Brittany Anderson
Spokane, WA