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Pets

I had two guinea pigs. I had them about 7 years. I thought they were cute. I loved them. I hugged and cuddled them. They used to watch TV with me. I didn't like cleaning their cage. Now, I have 3 cats and a dog. My favorite pet is Spooky - the Halloween cat. She is black and orange with long hair. She's there for me and she sleeps with me. She doesn't try to brutalize me like one cat - L.C. And she isn't a grump like my first cat - Sani, who is getting old. Spooky is really curious, she has to go into everything. Our dog is Roscoe - he looks funny. He is a pug. He is very friendly. He likes the cats. There is an outdoor cat that comes around. I named him Pudge. I wanted to adopt him, but Mom said 3 cats was enough. I think people with Autism should have pets because they are good friends.

Autism and Funny Stuff

A lot of people think that having Autism means you don't have a sense of humour. That's not true. Even when I was little I thought all kinds of stuff was funny. I loved to watch cartoons like EEK! The Cat and Ren and Stimpy. (I made my parents sing the Happy Happy Joy Joy song all the time.) I thought my Grandma's dogs - Patch and Taz - were hilarious.
Now, I love to watch South Park and Malcolm in the Middle - shows that pretty much everybody else thinks are funny too. And don't forget the Simpsons - D'oh! I think my little brother and sister can be pretty funny, I think they're going to drive me bonkers too! My friend Jason is funny too, he's a good guy to talk about stuff together.
Just because a kid doesn't talk doesn't mean they don't think things are funny. Keep trying to make them laugh.

Thanksgiving

As most of you might know, Thanksgiving will soon be upon us. I want to hear about all the favorite Thanksgiving moments from my new friends in celebration of this splendid holiday!

Nicole's answer

The only thing I really wish my parents did for me was more out-of-state vacations but other than that, no, I think my parents did a fine job of raising me. I used books and simple video games to help understand basic communication. There was one thing we tried that failed horribly, however, and that is the no milk diet. (I'm a big fan of the chocolate drink, Yoohoo, which is obviously made with milk.) One last thing worth stating is I had a few years of therapy sessions when I was very young at All CHildren's Hospital in St Pete Florida. I hope this helps you, Nicole.

Here's my story

My autism was a lot worse when I was little. I couldn't talk properly and I ticked (acted out) more often than I do today. I had to go through many tharapy courses before I accomplished basic communication. I was picked on heavily in middle school and with the exception of one, had aids who basically didn't care. Then I moved to Indiana where the people are kinder and I can breath easier. My hobbies include games, reading, and playing with my pets, all of which helped me get to where I am today.

Post a story about a time autism was difficult for you.

I want to hear your troubles so I can better help all of you. Please post a story if you ever feel like sharing your troubles.

Welcome to AutismVoices

Hi. My name is C.R. and I am a high school senior. I am almost 18 years old. I have high functioning Autism. Growing up I had assistants that went to class with me, but I've been on my own for years now. In school, at least. I live with my mom, and plan on going on to college next fall, probably doing something with animal science.

Anyway, I noticed that there were a lot of blogs by and about parents of kids with Autism, but couldn't find any written by Autistic people themselves. So, here we are. I know kids with Autism use the computer - I am online pretty much any time I'm home. Maybe I can hear from some other people with Autism and how it is for them.

I will be posting as regularly as possible - depending on how much homework/housework I'm getting killed with. So keep your eyes open for new posts, and feel free to leave a comment introducing yourself.

C.R.