A Safe Place and Peace

It is not often you find a person like my son, Brandon living on his own.  He has numerous limitations, but his extreme desire to become independent is what made it possible for him to live alone. He was determined to make independence work for him and has successfully for the past thirteen years. 

What drives him may surprise you, as it did me.  The horrific treatment from his peers made it nearly impossible for Brandon to ever want to get close to someone his age or someone he didn’t know or trust.  Out of that came the only answer that would fit his needs and that was to live all alone in his own apartment.  This way, he knew he would not be bullied or told what to do and how to do it in his own home. Finally, he had found a safe place and peace.

To think from being treated so poorly came something so positive.  Of course, I am not condoning the treatment Brandon received over all these years.  But the beauty of this story is my son made something great out of something that was so devastating to him all the while he grew up.

What I have learned from my son is to never underestimate our children or adults.  He was written off by the professionals, ignored by family members, and mistreated by his peers.  Yet, he has found ways to make his life work for him.  I admire Brandon so much, because I know that every step of the way everyday is a struggle, and he never allows anything to stop him not even his seizures.  Oh yeah, I almost forgot, the rain still gets him very upset.  Thank God we live in sunny California.

Amalia Starr

Mother to an independent autistic adult son, Motivational Speaker, Author, and Founder of the Autism Independence Foundation. Book Amalia to speak, call 800-939-1046 or attend one of her conferences or training.