Where do you find your source of strength? For example, my three year old cousin finds his strength within his older brother, Trucker, and of course his favorite show, Bubble Guppies. These two things not only make him smile, but he longs for them when he is scared or sad. This sounds like the regular toddler, but Ryder is different. He has autism. Ryder’s case is pretty common for children with autism because he still cannot speak and everything that a normal baby learned came to him at a much later time. Unlike nap time and playing at regular preschools he has to go to a different school, one where he has one-on-one learning that can help him tremendously in his development.
It just so happens Ted Radios episode of “Overcoming” special guest Temple Gradin also has autism. She talks about how since she was young, her parents knew she didn’t act and interact with others as a normal little girl did. Since then she went to many doctors appointments and met with many neurologists, who all told her she had brain damage. This ailment caused her to not fit in with others or have many friends which later led to depression. Even though this diagnosis was cruel to her as a child it eventually led to Mrs. Temple’s greatest life achievement, cattle-processing facilities all over America. She states that if she wasn’t faced with the challenges that came along with autism the she would have never succeeded in and would never of pushed herself as much as she had to.
Not only is Mrs.Temple Grandin a miracle but she is hope, hope for other autistic kids, and hope for Ryder. Her struggles with autism allowed her to dig deep to find her inner strength and once she did, she realized that she could use her disability to solve problems that others couldn’t.
As a child with disabilities Ryder’s parents are prepared to be there for him when times get tough as he grows up, such as times that Mrs. Gradin experienced during her childhood. Because they know this world is cruel, especially to those that are different. All of this goes to show that Ryder and other children with disabilities that have been “different” from the day they were born, will have to continue to find sources of strength through their friends and family in order to bring a smile to their face during hard times, no matter what is thrown at them.
So no matter who or what has you down, find that one thing whether it is your brother, your favorite TV show, or even science to pull you out of the deep end. I challenge you to allow it to help you overcome and give you the strength you need to get over the obstacle. Because you are strong and loved and you can do anything you put your mind too!
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