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Rhayven's Story

September 16, 2011
By Rhayven

Rhayven

My name is Rhayven. I'm 20, and autistic. Granted, just speaking with me over the Internet, it wouldn't really be given away.

It’s not a closely guarded secret or anything. Why should it be? It’s just that I can present myself easier over the web, and thus it’s not as noticeable.

In person, or on the phone? Then, not so much.

A lot of people seem to think of it as a horrible thing. With the way it’s portrayed in the media, I guess I can understand why, but it doesn't have to be that way.

I'm not by any means normal, but then again, what's normal in the first place? I don’t see autism as a curse. I don’t see myself as broken. And I do not want a cure. In some ways it’s a gift, and in others, it’s a real pain. I suppose it’s all depending on whose viewing?

Some Autistics are great at math. Some have photographic memories, and can recall events in such detail, its baffling. Me? I'm a Poetess. It’s both my passion, and an outlet. It’s a gift. And it’s something I love.

My thinking, and the pattern in which I see, or at least recognize, some things is a bit 'different.' But again, I don't much care. I am just a bit different and don't want to give it all up just because society doesn't like it.

To other young adults or teens with autism – it’s not a death sentence. It’s not the end of the world, and it’s by no means icky, or bad. Yeah, we may function differently. But it can be rewarding.


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