I’m still processing yesterday afternoon with @jtknoxroxs and her amazing son Knox. I don’t even know where to start. So much goodness. So, I’ll start a thread...
First, it was just great to sit next to a seven year old autistic boy and just talk and play. I instantly recognized myself in Knox. I was a quiet and recluse kid. Knox is joyous and bubbly and very engaging. Yet, I saw the shared underpinnings in his and my childhoods.
I’m still dwelling on the little things - like how he approached toys, how he moved his hands, how he communicated and received information. I just felt this wave of happiness overcome me as I thought “Oh, wow. I so get you, kid.”
Knox also insisted on calling me Ralph from the start. When his mom reminded him my name was John, he acknowledged it and said “Ok, Ralph.” I instantly recognized there was a story there. I knew his brain had a very specific reason that explained perfectly why I was “Ralph”.
I accepted Ralph as my nickname, and then Knox and I talked about nicknames. I learned ‘Knox’ is actually a nickname of his. Later in the afternoon he suddenly brought up the film ‘Wreck It Ralph’.
I’ve never seen ‘Wreck It Ralph’. I have no idea if I looked like the character, or if my shirt color reminded him of something in it, or whatever. But, I could see the bridge between that film and me. There’s something there that, if he pointed it out, I’d say “Of course.”
Ok. I see it now. 
Another amazing thing was seeing Knox’ parents raising him in a way that nurtured, supported, and celebrated their autistic child. This wasn’t denying difficulties. It was celebrating the totality of who Knox was and helping him be the best autistic person he could be.
Jen is a Professor of Design at Bowie State and says she wants to be a “Design Ally” to the autistic community. Her work shows just how powerful an ally like that can be. Imagery, color, and graphics can convey things the same way words can. There are many types of ways to speak.
Thank you to all the parents out there. Thank you to all the autistic people & to our broader disability family. Barriers are everywhere. Systems are stacked. I see you & I see that.
But, let’s remember we’re all just normal people like everyone else. Remember our #AutisticJoy.
But, let’s remember we’re all just normal people like everyone else. Remember our #AutisticJoy.
And thank you @jtknoxroxs for such an amazing day! I can’t wait to see what blossoms and flourishes from our time spent together. There is joyous work to do in the days ahead.
❤️♾
❤️♾
