As difficult as it may be, any outside the spectrum have not a clue what goes on everyday. Many may read about it, many may see it but to live with someone that has autism is a challenge in itself. My brother and I are close, but not enough to be able to go out with friends and hang out as typical teenagers may do. His OCD tendencies stop him from having a fulfilling life, he never will be able to drive a car, get a date or drink at the proper age. David, my brother, has severe autism, to the point without his medication he would be stuck on the stair case of our home or bang his head to the point were a seep of blood may crack. Living on a nudest beach may be his calling, but to have to constantly tell him to pull his pants up can be annoying. Clothes to him is an extra layer of skin he feels the need to peel off, especially in front of others not use to him. His seizures are terrifying, his banshee cries causes the house to rattle but when David is calm he is a sweet, gentle giant with a natural talent for the arts. Starting off on a clean sheet, his work takes off by starting from the foot, to then the torso and sometimes leaving it half finish to work on it later. While mimicking the voice of Dr. Claw, David will be working hard to finish his design in his timely fashion, adding the small bits of color and dark tone to bring his drawings to life. My brother gives me hope for his future and for mine. There is no excuse to not break down the brick, live happy and stay smiling.

Amy Chiappiniello
stratford, CT