The Star Appearing in the Night Sky
The autistic kids are like silent stars in the deep universe. Each of them shines with a light that is uniquely their own.
Hi, I am Stephen, a junior high school student from California. Diagnosed with autism at three, my mother and I embarked on a challenging journey. I often have bouts of throwing things and sudden emotional outbursts, making communication difficult and leading to frustration and fear. Being seen as "different," I struggled to make friends, resulting in prolonged loneliness.
Thankfully, my wise, loving mother and supportive younger brother were there for me. My mother's love, patience, and forgiveness provided warmth during difficult times. She vividly remembers receiving seven phone calls in my first week of elementary school, always dropping everything to assist my teachers. Her presence always calmed me, providing a sense of safety.
On my first day in the classroom, surrounded by kids and objects that overwhelmed me like monsters, I became extremely anxious and ran out of the room. Despite the efforts of kind teachers, the school officer, and even the principal, only my mother's presence could ease my panic.
This pattern characterized much of my childhood. However, with my mother’s support and my teachers' patience, I gradually improved. I began to understand the world around me and worked hard to adapt.
When drawing, I could focus entirely and ignore my surroundings, creating robots, animals, shapes, and patterns on various surfaces. I filled every space since I struggled to communicate with peers. My sketchbooks and pens became my primary means of self-expression, allowing me to share my imagination and emotions visually.
My perspective differed from other children, and I often thought outside the box. While I initially found it hard to connect verbally, drawing enabled me to express my true feelings and ideas. With support from understanding teachers, my mother, and my brother, I learned to communicate through both art and words. Now, I attend a regular classroom without special teachers, though social challenges and distractions may persist. Despite this, I strive to improve daily towards a more harmonious state.
I decided to create a website to share my journey through my drawings, expressing my struggles and gratitude to those who helped me. I aim to help others understand and support autistic children. Through my story, I want to encourage other autistic children to embrace their unique perspectives. With perseverance, they can lead extraordinary lives.
