This is an excerpt from The Emperor, C’est Moi by Hugo Horiot. It is written by an individual with autism. It is a powerful story of a non-verbal individual, and how he thinks and lives in the verbal world of France. The word autism does not appear in the book. It is about differences, and…
It meant I finally found what I had been searching for, for more than 30 years. It meant closure of something looming over me. It meant satisfaction in me and my life in general. It was a relief to put a name to my idiosyncrasies and it gave me understanding and wisdom.
My diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome brought me the gift of self-knowledge and set me free from the feeling of despair and shame that had held me in its grip. For the first time since childhood, I regained a sense of self-pride.
Those who don’t have sensory issues aren’t as sensitive to the different triggers as those with Aspergers Syndrome, and can’t often believe they exist.
There are advantages and disadvantages to being on the “higher-functioning” end of the autism spectrum, as opposed to being on the “lower-functioning” end or being neurotypical. One of the advantages, for me personally, is that I have experienced the inner life of the spectrum while at the same time having an awareness of myself as being on the spectrum. I can therefore comment on things that could not be commented on otherwise.
People think of me as different and I know that’s true,
But in many ways, I can be just like you.
Autism doesn’t mean I’m less than. I’m creative and fun. I love to learn. I love to work. I promise to always give you my best…and I keep my promises.
Awareness is not acceptance.
It’s time to accept that we don’t all fit the “normal” mold and use the potential we’ve wasted for 60+ years. Autistics have much to contribute; let us do it.
The kid overpowered Charlie and slammed his face so hard to the ground it messed up his teeth structure. He was so terrified and thought he was going to die. This incident changed Charlie’s life forever.
