Zoom Autism Magazine ZOOM Autism Issue 5 | Page 32

Owen: “If watching is all you’re gonna do, you’re gonna watch your life go on without you!” That’s also from the wise gargoyle Laverne. We all must do what is right for us to live a great and happy life. It sometimes doesn’t feel like it’s within reach, but it is. Each morning, you need to imagine yourself in a larger way. I think we’re all really sidekicks, searching within ourselves for the qualities of the hero. And the greatest of those qualities is helping others fulfill their destinies. Doing that, you grow large and take a step on the path to the greatest life. “It’s hard sometimes to remember who you are and what you’re capable of. That’s because sometimes other people don’t see it—the greatness you know is in your heart.” Just for Fun... ----- Zoom: Coffee or Tea? Conner: Disney movies have helped us both communicate and learn social skills. Is this still your form of learning/improving your communication? Can you explain the best form of communication for you? Owen: I can have conversations with others now. I still have all the characters in my head. I add new ones sometimes, some from live action, too, or movies like Inside Out, which I loved. But conversation can be hard. Often, you’re unsure what to say or what Owen: Neither Zoom: Dog or Cat? Owen: Both Zoom: Cake or Ice Cream? Owen: Both! Zoom: Mountains or Beach? someone else is thinking. I work every day to get better at that. Sometimes what I do is think of scenes in my head an d think about what I’d say if I was in that scene, talking to the characters. It sometimes feels like I can speak better in the voice of my favorites— like Merlin or Rafiki or Phil from Hercules— than in my own voice. But as I get older and see how so many movies are mirrors to life, it’s all becoming my voice. “We all must do what is right for us to live a great and happy life. It sometimes doesn’t feel like it’s within reach, but it is.” Owen: Both! Zoom: Movies or Reading? Owen: Movies. Sorry, Mom. Zoom: And last but not least, if you could have any super power, what would it be and why? Owen: Good question. It’d be to . . . ZOOM fast! ----Conner: What is in your future for your Happily Ever After? Owen: Living a great, wonderful and happy life, whatever lies ahead. I don’t know exactly what that’ll be. We never know what lies in the future. But whatever comes, I’ll find it. 32 ZOOM Autism through Many Lenses ZOOM Autism through Many Lenses 33