Putting the Pieces Together: A Child’s View of Autism

Taryn is a beautiful 7 year old who was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism in 2010. Combined with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity, Hypoglycemia, Anxiety, and multiple Sensory Processing disorders, Taryn has had to learn many of the skills we take for granted every day. Shortly after her diagnosis, Taryn expressed an interest in writing a book to help people understand the world she lives in. Taryn is extremely intelligent and well spoken, but lacks the innate ability to socialize normally with her peers, functionally adjust to changes in routine, endure even moderate physically activity, and lacks the ability to emotionally regulate herself, which can result in severe meltdowns. While there are many things she perceives her peers can do that she cannot, she feels that Autism is her ABILITY rather than her disability. Having Autism gives her the ＂superpower＂ to see the world in a different way than others, allowing her to come to very unique and thought provoking conclusions. Taryn loves dolphins and wants to work with them when she grows up. She wants to help them, like so many have helped her. Like everyone, she has dreams for the future and she is determined not to let anything, including Autism, stand in her way.