Each autistic person has their own strengths and challenges. We are
proud to share their stories in support of our continued work to
increase understanding and acceptance, across the spectrum and
throughout the life span.

Meet Kendall F., 19

My name is Keith and I'd like to introduce you to my 19-year-old son,
Kendall. I also want to share my personal story as the father of an
autistic son who has had my fair share of ups and downs as it relates
to his journey. Hopefully, other dads and parents out there will
relate and realize that no matter what you're going through, you will
find a way to persevere.

The phrase "God will never give you more than you can handle" has
been a sentiment that I've leaned on for moral support many times
since Kendall was diagnosed at the age of 2. To be honest, when my
wife and I first received the news, I had a difficult time accepting
it. I love my son unconditionally, but I struggled with him being
labeled so early in life and the challenges he would almost certainly
face because of it.

Very early on in the diagnosis process, my wife and I were told by
medical professionals that our son would likely only repeat things,
never have a conversation, never tie his own shoes, ride a bike or do
anything a typically developed child might do. Hearing news like that
can really hit a parent hard, especially if we simply accepted those
words as facts. Granted, Kendall needed and continues to need autism
services and a solid support system to get to where he is today, but
thanks to our persistence, he has surpassed everyone's expectations.

It was our refusal to sell our son short that has helped him break so
many barriers. Today, Kendall can read, tie his shoes, ride his
bicycle and has become more interested in his health, which has led to
a love for working out with weights and doing cardio exercises. He
sees me wash dishes - he wants to wash dishes. If I'm cleaning a
bathroom, he wants to understand how to clean the bathroom. He just
recently started working part-time this summer, which makes me hopeful
that in the future he can possibly make a living for himself with the
help of more vocational training.

Although it hasn't always been easy, I always believed that Kendall
would succeed at whatever he decides to do. Without even knowing it,
he has taught me a very important life lesson through his own
successes. You see, patience is something that I never had. Everything
always had to be done immediately but having Kendall in my life taught
me to calm down, relax and things will get done in due time.

Kendall and I will always have a special bond that began the day he
was born at just 3 pounds, 10 ounces. I was always very protective of
him and wanted nothing but the best for him. I'm just so happy to see
that he is maturing and learning that he has a voice and can use it to
make a difference in the world. He's also very compassionate and a
hopeless romantic. I know one day he'd love to be in a relationship.
Will it happen? Maybe in time, but for now I will be by his side
helping him explore the world and continue to grow as a person.

As a father, I believe that it's important to spend time with my
family and share with them some of the things that helped me get along
in life and be an asset to society. Autism has taught me that my son
may see some things differently, but when it comes to love and
cherishing your family, we see the same things.

Learn more about Kendall through his words in this Q&A: [link removed]

How does your autism make you unique?

Well, autism makes me unique by helping know who I am.

What struggles have you faced because you have autism?

The hardest thing about me is to follow directions. My parents are
helping me understand how to stay focused and follow directions.

What areas has autism helped you excel?

I do some chores around the house like cleaning my room and the
bathroom. I wash clothes and stay organized. It is self-advocacy doing
things by myself.

How has your dad supported you through your autism journey?

Well, my dad has supported on things I like to do like bowling and
exercise. He believes in me. He supports me on running because I run
every single day and eat healthy things like vegetables.

What do you love about your dad?

What I love is the way that he makes me laugh, takes me to new places
and helped me get a summer job.

What makes you most happy?

I like summer. I love singing and dancing to all kinds of music. I
like exercising to make my body healthy.

What are some of your goals for the future?

Well, the one goal in the future is to teach. I want to teach young
students some easy skills like ABCs or numbers or even how to read a
story or have some adventures together. I would like to do some
singing too.

What advice would you give to someone that just found out that they
have autism?

Just take it easy and go with the flow. Stop worrying about things
that are in your mind. Sometimes I feel like I have all these thoughts
in my head and sometimes you may feel like that too, but when you feel
like that you shouldn't focus on that. What I try to do is focus on
the good things.

What five words best describe you?

I am funny. I'm musical because I love singing and dancing. I love
being creative. I am hard-working and organized.




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