An Autistic Punk Under God
View: thread | inline
-
An Autistic Punk Under God Posted on Mar 9 2008 at 9:35pm by Hey Jay and all punks,
I recently gave a testimony at my typical Southern Baptist church. Here it is.
When I was about 11 or 12 I was diagnosed with a form of Autism called Asperger’s Syndrome, but my parents didn’t tell me about it until I was about 13 or 14. I was frustrated because I didn’t know why I wasn’t as socially mature as my peers. I also had a difficult time in elementary school. I would make less than perfect grades, had few friends, and I was teased. When I was in 6th grade I became home-schooled and that really helped me academically, but I was still having trouble socially. I still didn’t know about my Asperger’s, and I became increasingly aware of how different I was from my peers. After about 1 or 2 years of increased frustration, my parents finally told me. I was relieved that it just wasn’t me; it was my Autism. I was still mildly frustrated because I then thought of myself as a “retard”. I wasn’t “normal”. I now don’t see a difference between “normal people” and “Autistic people”. I actually now love my Autism, and I do not want a cure for it at all. I realize that a lot of great traits come with it that I can use to my and God’s advantage.
For those of you who may not be completely aware of what Autism is, here’s a few facts about Autism.
Autism Statistics
• 1 in 150 people are diagnosed with a form of Autism
• Autism is 4 times more likely in males than females
• It is a spectrum brain DIFFERENCE (not disorder)
Autism Characteristics
(both negative and positive)
• Difficulty interacting socially (reading social cues, facial expressions, tone of voice, etc)
• Difficulty with verbal communication, but usually have a high vocabulary
• Learning delay (I despise the word “retardation” and forms of it because it has become vulgar in my opinion)
• Sensory issues (hyper or hypo-sensitivity to light, sound, touch, etc.)
• Repetitive behaviors (hand flapping, rocking, etc.), can be disruptive
• Savant tendencies (have extraordinary natural skills in a field of study, usually in the arts or sciences)
• Extreme passions with a specific subject (Ex: Mine is music)
When God entered my life everything seemed to come together. My world started to calm down slowly. I felt joy in my life! God also gave me a way of expressing myself with music. I started piano lessons, and my self-esteem started to rise. Even though I loved piano, I loved the rhythmic side of music more so I started drumming. Drumming really opened up a door for me to make friends. About 3 years ago, I started playing with the youth band, and that’s when I truly started to worship God, and build Christian relationships. I felt like God was using me, and I got “high” off of that. When God uses someone, it is the best thing that can ever happen in the life of a Christian. I want to continue being used by God.
One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Psalm 150, the Message version.
• Psalm 150 (The Message)
1-6 Hallelujah! Praise God in his holy house of worship,
praise him under the open skies;
Praise him for his acts of power,
praise him for his magnificent greatness;
Praise with a blast on the trumpet,
praise by strumming soft strings;
Praise him with castanets and dance,
praise him with banjo and flute;
Praise him with cymbals and a big bass drum,
praise him with fiddles and mandolin.
Let every living, breathing creature praise God!
Hallelujah!
In spite of my deep faith in God, praying is difficult, but when I remember this verse (see below), I remember that I don’t need specific words as long as I am focusing on Him. God knows my heart and knows what it is that I need. I’ve also learned that actions truly do speak louder than words. It is one thing to say that you love God, but to live it out is more powerful.
• Romans 8:26-27 (New International Version)
26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.
Having Autism has taught me to accept and LOVE anyone and everyone as they are: Autistic or Non-Autistic, black or white, gay or straight, Christian or Non-Christian, etc. I believe that God will use this loving nature of mine to His Glory.
• Matthew 25:45 (New International Version)
45"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
Also the most comforting thing that I bear in mind is that I was made in His image. Jerry Newport says: "I know of nobody who is purely Autistic or purely neurotypical. Even God had some Autistic moments, which is why the planets all spin." Autistic people have shown to be fascinated with spinning objects by the way.
To me, Autism is not a disability. It is merely a difference.
So, dude, keep on rockin' the world with your message!
signed,
drummerchick435
-
RE: An Autistic Punk Under God Posted on Jul 19 2008 at 10:27pm by Bless your heart. I'm not a Christian, but I am a punk-ish dude with a mild form of Asperger's Syndrome, and wanted to say, I am so happy that you've managed to make your own happiness. Way to rise above it! RE: An Autistic Punk Under God Posted on Jul 22 2008 at 7:38pm by Thanks, dude! I love meeting other Autistic people!
RE: An Autistic Punk Under God Posted on Sep 1 2008 at 12:16pm by my little brother has a severe form of autism, and it gives me a little bit of hope, that maybe something can be better.
i know that there are so many people with autism, but mnay of them only have mild forms, such as yours.
God bless, for speaking out.
differences are what make us, and united we are differently the same.
=]
-