In the World

by Dora Raymaker · 2009-04-16 16:00:00 UTC
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a photograph of earth as seen from space held in the palms of a person's handsI've been sitting on top of On top of autism from Spokane (WA) for a few days, wanting to write about it, but keyed into so many possible takes that I can't figure out where to start. Focus on the importance of cultivating and using strengths and Interests? Focus on the grace with which the article is written, particularly in how it is able to discuss an autistic persons' abilities, disabilities, and above all person-ness, without being dehumanizing, offensive, or hysterical? Focus on how much I relate to the story in the article; how much in many ways Dillon's story sounds like mine? Focus on the the themes of inclusion, and how sometimes it's appropriate and sometimes not so much--that what matters is what works not any specific dogma?

But the article is so rich that perhaps it is best for me to just let it speak for itself. Just like Dillon's parents and Dillon himself (italicized in original).

His parents hope to keep adding healthy dimensions to their son's adult life.

"Like any parents of an 18-year-old graduate, we would love to be able to open up the world to him," Jim Monday said.

In a recent self-reflective essay for his senior portfolio, Dillon's closing lines are strikingly similar:

In conclusion, I'm still like other people because we all live in the same universe. It doesn't matter whether you have autism or not. It's normal and people with autism need to be given a chance to live in the whole planet.

Thank you!

Signed,

Dillon Monday

Dora Raymaker
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