Blessings Not Curses

As a child, I considered myself to be like every other kid my age, except for being famous for having a twin sister named Jessica. I was in complete denial that I was a student with special needs. I attended class, snack time, recess and story time. Nothing out of the ordinary right? 

Or so I thoueght. 

During my adolescence, I began to realize that I was very different from my other classmates. I began to accept the fact that I do have high functioning autism. I could no longer deny it. I was often behind on my homework, struggled heavily with math, and attended speech therapy. It’s like I was in a race in which I had no idea where the finish line was. 

The struggle with communication was heartbreaking. It still is to this day. I could know what to say, but go completely mute, especially under pressure. Someone can speak to me, but I may not fully understand what they are saying. Same goes for reading. I can read. I actually enjoy doing so. However, I may only be able to fully grasp only bits and pieces of the story. 

This is only a portion of my personal experiences as an autistic individual. I know I will have more ups and downs. With writing as my go to for solace, I’m ready to face those ups and downs.  

At the same time, I’m aware that there are those on the spectrum that go through so much more. I can only imagine the experiences of low functioning autistic children and adults who are unable to voice their experiences. My twin sister Jessica is one of them. 

This is why I decided to share my story. I know I don’t have to do this, but for the sake of autistic children and adults everywhere, I want to. I pray that it’s taken as a testimony from families of children and adults on the autism spectrum. I call it a testimony because I now consider my experiences blessings instead of curses. 

If it wasn’t for these blessings, I wouldn’t be a blogger. It it wasn’t for these blessings, the woman I am today would not exists. The fact that challenges can change life for the better is something I never thought could happen. It did, and nothing but thanks to the Lord is pouring out of my soul!!!!