“
estate. Passion is a human trait that can be expressed and felt regardless of our given abilities
and conditions.
Love is the essential
non-physical ingredient
When I am asked to present or write about
autism, the first thought that appears in my
mind is my brother, James. Like me, James was
also diagnosed with autism, but his condition is
more significant and his experiences are drastically different from my own. James is 32 (as
of this writing), and he does not speak, write
or type. He has had wonderful caregivers and
teachers, but he never received an opportunity
to participate in an inclusive educational setting or an opportunity to work. It makes me feel
guilty that my brother has not been able to experience the life opportunities that I have been
lucky to receive.
for human survival.
When we believe and feel like
we are loved, we will be motivated
to keep our passions alive. ”
James and me, during a visit at his home (2015)
what makes me passionate, other people will
discover their passions in different avenues. It
is important to keep in mind that passion can
be acquired by anyone. Only you know how to
define passion. Other people do not define your
passion for you.
My brother has led a very difficult and painful life. James has always tried to communicate
with us, but none of us have succeeded in understanding his language. Imagine spending
32 years of your life trying
to communicate your joys,
frustrations, questions,
sensory and health-related
issues and never being
understood … and when
you were not understood,
you continued to feel lonely, frustrated, and aching
from your health–related
ailments. Imagine having
dreams for your life and
no one ever being able to
understand or know what
those dreams are. Imagine never feeling like your
voice was heard.
“ Passion is a
Passion does not equate
achievement and success as defined by societal
standards. Many people
(including myself) tend
to be pulled towards the
misconception that we must
select something to label as
a “passion” for the purpose
of becoming famous, rich
or successful. We must stop
degrading ourselves by that
unhealthy way of thinking. Passion simply relates
to intense desire. Passion
is the emotion or the set of
emotions that drives us,
excites us, and makes us determined to take
action. That action may be as simple as satisfying ourselves with personal happiness, peace or
pleasure. It does not require a trophy, straight
A’s, a college degree, a high-paying job, fame,
sex appeal, a fancy car, or a multimillion-dollar
human trait
that can be expressed
and felt regardless of
our given abilities
and conditions. ”
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ZOOM Autism through Many Lenses
Since James has not been able to tell me what his
passions are, I tried to think back to the years
when we were growing up and what activities
made him smile. They are simple things, such
Self portrait, WORDS
ZOOM Autism through Many Lenses
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