When I think about all the experiences of other children and adults with Autism and Aspergers, I always thought that we're different, but, my Mom told me how we are in common. She says, "Autism is like a different flower". And just recently, she made me watch a short video about a boy who has Autism, and how he struggles to learn at school with his classmates. I reflected on the story with my Mom, as it relates to how I feel, and how others like me feel about it too. I think that others should treat us equally, so that in the future years, maybe it can help us face the world without fears. That's why my Mom helped me to always remember to 'Focus on my Abilities, not my Disability'. I survived through bullying, each day, but my Mom guided me all the way, and always encouraged me to face my fears. She never gave up. Many people think I'm normal, just because I look normal and was able to talk normally, when they don't really know how I feel. Even in these times, I don't know what to do for my future, what job I want to take, and how I can live on my own someday. I was always with my Mom, but she always tries hard to teach me how to live on my own, in a different way. Even though she's always beside me, and supporting me, she knows that little by little, I can know what to do in my life. She helps me fight for my rights, to get what I need. Since I came to Arizona, my mom researched a lot, and where to find a program that can help me join and volunteer in a group to help me explore places. So then, she found an agency called 'Mountain Health & Wellness', and that's when I joined an Art Group & Food Bank. And it was fun and helpful for me. I learned a lot there, as I made new friends. I hope that others can be inspired as well.

Larissa Marie M. Reyes
Yuma, AZ