The following is a first-hand account of the challenges — and triumphs — experienced by a young Bermudian with autism written to celebrate the attainment of his General Equivalency Degree

<$>I HAVE had to deal with overcoming the challenges of autism all my life. Autism is a neurological disorder for which there is no cure. However, I am learning to adapt and cope. Autism affects the five senses.[bul]It affected my ability to speak and communicate with people.

[bul]My hearing is super acute, so things like the phone and school bells used to hurt my ears when I was little.

[bul]I do not feel pain so I didn’t even know when I had broke my arm until my Mom took me to the hospital when I was little.

[bul]Routine was essential and I had trouble if I had to change my routine.

[bul]I had a hard time with idioms or sayings because I take things in a concrete and literal way.

[bul]I had no safety awareness; this I have learned or I would be dead now!!

[bul]Because I did not like the way things felt I was what they call tactile defensive. This affected what clothes I would wear and what I would eat.

From an early age I began attending Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Sensory Integration Therapy at least three times a week. This helped me to think about something in other than a concrete and literal way. For instance, I had to learn that a picture, drawing or photo of a fire truck, a toy fire truck and a real fire truck were all the same thing.

I was fortunate to be part of the Riding for the Disabled programme from three years of age. My first instructor was Linda Sousa. You could tell I really enjoyed riding horses because I would sing while I was riding, although I did not talk to my volunteers who walked my horse each lesson.

I was also lucky to attend Small World nursery school with typical pre-school children. At Small World my teachers Mrs. Liz Campbell and Mrs. Liz Arnold were a big help. When I started primary school I went to one of Bermuda’s special schools, Cedar Grove. But it wasn’t long until the special schools were closed in 1994, and I was moved to Somerset Primary. Sadly, this was a huge backward step for me and things got really tough. I attended classes in a self-contained unit called the Learning Station with non-verbal and retarded children. I didn’t seem to fit in anywhere! Not with typical kids or with handicapped kids! Fortunately, Mom insisted that I be removed from the learning station and placed in the main stream classes where I had two great teachers who helped me during this difficult time - Mrs. Lewis and Miss Stow. It was not until the age 10 that I was tested at The Reading Clinic by Dr. Janet Kemp. I thank all my wonderful and patient reading tutors, Mrs. Eleanor Fowle, Mrs. Margaret Hall, Mrs. Judith Whayman who all helped me learn to read. Many people thought that the goal of teaching me to read was too high, but my Mom had faith in my abilities.

Things started improving when I started home school through the School of Tomorrow Curriculum with my mother instead of attending local secondary school. I discovered books and the many far-off places they can take you.

I did get a taste of normal school life when I would accompany my older sister Melanie and younger brother Mark to Saltus. I spent many happy hours listening to children reading in the phonetic programme at Saltus Cavendish with Mrs. Kay Walker. Mrs. Walker took an interest in me and helped Mom have me tested at The Reading Clinic. Mrs. DeSilva let me join the Saltus Saturday Soccer Programme in the Junior School. Mom and I enjoyed helping with after school clubs at Saltus, where it was easy to fit in. Mom was always the class mother so we did field trips and crafts for all the special occasions.

I attended Boys Brigade under the leadership of David Semas and I learned about marching and camping. I also volunteered at WindReach with Mom to feed the animals in the petting zoo on a weekly basis. I am passionate about skate boarding.

A highlight for me came at age 15, when I was picked to participate in a camp run by the Aquarium at Nonsuch Island for a week.

Then in 2003, just before my 16th birthday, I graduated from The Reading Clinic and moved on to The Adult Education School to work towards my GED. For the next two years retired director, Mrs. Beach, and office manager, Mrs. Franks both offered me a safe haven, whilst Mr. Godet was my tutor. In May 2005, I sat my GED and passed four of the five exams on my first attempt. In December, 2005, after a re-sit course at AES with Mrs. Leslie Evans, I successfully passed my Math to earn my GED!

I have come a long way since my parents were told to place me in an institution when I was only three years old and unable to communicate. There have been many successes along the way.

[bul]I successfully completed Project Ride, thanks to Mr. Colin Palmer and earned a license to drive motorbikes, cars and intermediate trucks.

[bul]I have learned to play the guitar with the help of Mr. Duane De Mello and the drums with my Dad and The Bermuda Pipe Band.

[bul]My first job was with the Cassidy Brothers, Joel and Dennis, at Bermuda Plant Nursery. They taught me about plants, welding, small engine repair and how to drive a truck. I now work for the Bermuda Rum Cake Factory.

[bul]I play wheelchair basketball for the WindReach Slammers and help coach some times.

[bul]My latest accomplishment is earning my GED and graduating from high school.

[bul]Now I am working to earn money to pay to attend technical school in Florida next year to learn welding and mechanics.

The more that people told me that I could not do something; the more determined I was to succeed! I believe the sky is the limit — never give up!

I owe a great deal of thanks to a lot of people who I have already mentioned, but especially to my Mom and Dad, brother Mark and sister Melanie, who supported me all the way.

My Dad played a huge role as provider for the family to enable Mom to stay home and teach me.

My Granny and Grandpa, who live next door, have always been there to lend a helping hand.

Thank you all so very much. I could not have done it without you!