Autism; The World From a Different Perspective

   This I Believe Recording 
  
      I believe that stereotyping of others has unfortunately become a natural way of thinking for many. It is something that, in reality, should never be accepted. I do not wish to be stereotyped, and that is why I try my best to not stereotype others. I believe that stereotyping is in many ways a form of bullying. Why would anyone want to be categorized in a specific group when we were born to stand out by making our own choices as well as our own way as we journey through life? People with disabilities for example, are more often than not stereotyped as people to stay away from, when they are actually the people who have the most to offer others.  

      I have an older brother named Matthew, and he has Autism.  Autism is a disability in which Matthew, though looking the same as any other teenage boy, learns everything at a must slower pace. I would say that Matthew and I are your run of the mill brother-sister pair. What I mean by this is that we often get annoyed with what the other is doing, but also share an unbreakable bond, one that can’t be described in words. If you were to pass Matthew on the street all you would see is a skinny, 19 year old boy. It wouldn’t be until you spoke with him that you would notice that he is a little different. I believe that Matthew should not be stereotyped by people who don’t truly know who he is, simply because of his disability.  He is so much more than that.  Matthew has so many talents and abilities that we might never imagine having ourselves, and that’s what sets him apart from others.

      Matthew and I have grown up in a world of acceptance and understanding. We have had the opportunity to be born into a family were on a day to day basis we are taught that people are born differently, and should be open and welcoming to different people and their abilities. Our parents have always taught us that no one is going to be exactly like anyone else, and that differences should be embraced. I guess you could say that I have made it a goal of mine thus far to be an advocate for those with disabilities.

    I devote most of my free time to Best Buddies here at Proctor and to various community events where people with disabilities attend. Over the summer Matthew and I packed our bags and flew all the way to Indiana University to be able to participate in the annual Best Buddies International Leadership Conference. At this conference people from all around the world met to discuss their love for such an amazing organization. I believe that in some way I was born to be an advocate, and it has and will only make me a better person.