Thread by @JohnnyRoedel

My son was diagnosed with Autism 16-years ago. At the time he was non-verbal and living with serious cognitive delays. The doctors told us he would likely never be able to live independently.

Yesterday was his last day of High School. He is off to The University Of Wyoming.

This is the slow boil lesson Noah has taught me over the course of his journey with autism:

autism doesn't mean broken

it means "Incandescent smile."
it means "Courage beyond measure."
it means "Watch this!"
it means "Don't you dare doubt me.”

it means "This is a world of miracles."
it means "Different is beautiful."
it means "Hope endures."
it means " Unashamed!"
it means "My story is still be written."
it means "Life is a flowerbed of countless unique colors."
it means "Burning heart."
it means "Love don't stop."

it means "I have dignity."
it means "I'm more than my diagnosis."
it means "The eyes of God."
it means "Angel of joy."
it means "The art of living in the present moment."
it means "Raw honesty."
it means "Obstacles don't scare me."
it means "Let me teach you how to forgive."

it means "Sunflower in the desert."
it means "A living example of wonderment."
it means "The master of living with gratitude."
it means "My goodness can't be obscured."
it means "The sign that our relationships are all that matter."

it means "Whenever I face a wall I build a door."
it means "My life is a song."
it means "I shall not be judged."
it means "Happiness is the journey not the destination."
it means "Please don't give up on me."
it means "My light inside is just as bright as yours."

it means "I see souls."
it means "Be patient with me."
it means "I fight every day."
it means "Better get out of my way!"
it means "Nothing will stop me."
it means "I'm worthy."
it means "Created to be an instrument."
it means "Listen to my eyes."

it means "A stretching ripple of grace."
it means "Unafraid."
it means "Deserving of love."
it means "Patron Saint of the rising sun."
it means "Don't leave me behind."
it means "I'm still in here."
it means "Howling fearlessness."

it means "Let me show you how to change the world."
it means "Every breath is a gift."
it means "Proof of the human spirit."
it means "Open hands."
it means "Vessel of strength."
it means "Don't tell me what I can't do."
it means "Every second counts."

it means "Adventure."
it means "A psalm of the furious rejoice!"
it means "Kissed by heaven."
it means "Defying expectations."
it means "I will not be hidden!"
it means "Wild drum solo!"
it means "You don't have to understand me to love me."

it means "Honored Warrior."
it means "Daylight peeking through trees."
it means "Your expectations don't concern me."
it means "Mountain climber."
it means "Covered in blossoms."
it means "Eternal spring."
it means "I never met an enemy."
it means "Bet on me."

it means "My veins run with gold and fire."
it means "You should hear the song inside of me!"
it means "I can't wait to prove them wrong."
it means "Butterfly in a cocoon."
it means "Dance with me."
it means "I make my own paths!"
it means "I don't need your pity."

it means "A lighthouse for the shore of compassion."
it means "Let me tell you my dreams!"
it means "I walk through fire every damned day."
it means "Fear is no match for will."
it means "I will be your living poem."
it means "Just believe in me!"

it means "Who shall not be forgotten."
it means "I can do anything."
it means "Don't be afraid of me."
it means "My pulse is matched to Gods heartbeat."
it means "If you let me I can teach you peace."
it means "Yes, I matter."
it means "Royal."

it means "I keep getting back on my feet."
it means "The Sermon of Silver Linings."
it means "I made my home in the moment."
it means "Nothing is wrong with me."
it means "Treasure hunter."
it means "Radiating zest!
it means "Perfect as I am."
it means "Steadfast audacity."

it means "Every tear is the signal fire of perseverance."
it means "The Art of The Universe."
it means "Let's go explore the mystery together!"
it means "I just need you to be here for me."
it means "Running against the wind."
it means "Soon you will feel my power."

it means "Unbothered by darkness."
it means "Navigating by faith."
it means "Wingless eagle."

autism means "My heart isn't a broken puzzle pieces - it's a mosaic of sacred stained glass painting the hardwood floors of this world with the divine light.

autism means "Go ahead and sing - I'm going to play the holy hell out of these maracas!"

that is what autism is