JOE’S MOTHER WROTE A SPEECH FOR HIS HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION PARTY TO ACCOMPANY THE VIDEO. SHE MADE. (SEE BELOW). SHE DESCRIBES THEIR FAMILY’S JOURNEY FROM THE DAY THAT JOE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD) TO TODAY, AS A GOAL-ORIENTED YOUNG MAN WITH DREAMS AND ASPIRATIONS THAT ARE CRUSHING IT! HIS MANTRA? “JUST DO IT!”
“I learned long ago to never look back. That's what I've stuck to. But about a month ago I began working on this project to commemorate Joe and his graduation from High School. Only in the last month have I allowed myself to go back in time and relive some of the memories caught on film. It astounds me just how much he has accomplished. Many of you may be here celebrating Joe for the first time. Up to now, he was never comfortable being the center of attention outside of his immediate family. But I can say proudly that we've had countless celebrations over the years, without a doubt more than most of you here. We've just kept them private, until today; Joe....this is your day!
Right from the womb, I knew Joe that you were destined for great things. Your travels may run a different path than most, but the destination is the same. And as the old saying goes, it's not the destination that counts but the journey to get there. Thus far, it's been a wild ride. I have to admit, I worried a lot. Not knowing the future can really be overwhelming. But every time a challenge was put before you, you ended up crushing it. Your Dad and I would just watch in awe as you were so focused on achieving whatever it was and quick to move on to the next challenge. I remember your Dad and I dropping you off to a Halloween party open to the public where you knew no one. You insisted on going in yourself. You were 10 or 11 years old. We sat in the car panicked and happy, scared, and excited. Crying with tremors. Then you exited when it was over. You made your way to the car, smile on your face, swag in your step and it was then I knew I could relax, you were finding your way.
When you were 11 years old, Joe, you asked me what Autism was. I explained as best I could. I pointed out the quirky things you would do compulsively and explained that they were due to Autism. I explained the great things about it too, like that memory that never fails us. It was a few days later I noticed that the quirky things he always did, he just wasn't doing them anymore. The order in which he would get dressed was different. The order of tasks to get ready for the day were out of order. I asked him, what's going on with you? Joe, in a matter of fact manner stated, I don't want to be Autistic anymore. Now, he knows as well as we do that it's not something that just goes away. But he is self-aware enough to fight those urges that come naturally to him. I can only compare it to getting bitten by a mosquito and fighting the urge to smack at it. Just going against the grain, what comes naturally. But he does it every day without ever complaining.
The expectations he places on himself are far higher than any we have ever asked of him. He's a good kid, a loyal friend, and a hard worker. His circle is small but it's tight. They are truly the hardest working group of kids I have ever seen.
Joe, I love that you don't care what others think, that you insist on being true to yourself. I love that when you get an idea to do something, and Dad and I show hesitancy, you say, "What? Is it because of my Autism? and then say Pffftttt... and wave your hand like we don't know what we're talking about. You have no idea how that makes my heart smile and how proud that makes me. I hope you always stay true to you. My brave fearless Guiseppie. Believe in you because there is nothing that you are not worthy of and nothing in this world that you can't do or become.
Who would have known 18 years ago when our worlds collided, that you would end up being the greatest teacher of my lifetime? You humble and inspire me every day and remind me of what is most important in this life. While looking through all those photographs and videos for this slideshow, I was so overwhelmed and proud, you make each one of us proud. You deserve hundreds of awards for all that you've achieved, all that you are, and all you will become. The future is waiting for you. Whatever you decide to do, I know you'll give the best of yourself and you'll find success. Ya got skills kiddo. And if there is ever a time that you begin to doubt yourself, remember the words of an old family friend, "Promise me you'll always remember: you're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think". Enjoy your day Joe, you have earned this!”
Watch Joe's High School Graduation Video!
Essays by Joe
In his own words, Joe penned his thoughts on living life as an Autistic person:
Letting Go of the Past
When we're younger we can feel regretful from our past. Then as we grow older, it's our responsibility to decide
on how to move forward. Memories we run from will only start to hurt; and memories that hurt will develop injury, and
injuries we don't treat properly will lead to pain. Then I started counseling. She showed me that when I tell my story, I'm being my
own author and when I turn the page, I can start new chapters. We can't change the past regardless of how much we throw away, but we
can recycle our mistakes for the future yet to come.
Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the worst disorders we can easily attach to. A lot of it makes us shake, not like freezing cold, but in fear, sadness,
doubt, heart racing, silence, and breathing difficulties. Anybody who claims that it's a myth....It's as real as reality gets. it creates hiding
places when we try to feel found, it can make us feel lonely when we're in a crowded room, it can make open rooms easier to close.
So anytime your mind is set on something apathetic it's never too late to turn the knob to something with more empathy.