Hey Donald Trump. My brother is in his early 20s and on the autism spectrum. Here's our story...
@xaviergonjr
My brother is in his early 20s and on the #autism spectrum. He was diagnosed when he was about 5.
Here's our story...
When my brother (Vincent) was a baby, we noticed that he wasn't quite developing in the same way my sister had.
Even back then, I remember looking into his eyes and feeling like something was...different.
He had this blank stare that seem to foreshadow what was to come in the following years.
Around the time that toddlers typically begin to talk or say words...Vincent didn't.
We all noticed. My mom was especially worried.
My parents took Vincent to get his ears checked. Maybe he couldn't hear. Perhaps that was the reason why he wasn't talking yet.
After many doctor visits...the diagnosis came.
Vincent was autistic. Non verbal.
Those first few years after that were extremely tough for the family. We were frustrated that we couldn't communicate with him. And little did we know...he felt the same way about us.
You see, the thing about autism is that it doesn't take away your desire to communicate. It just....complicates the process.
So many times I saw my brother struggle and get angry because it was obvious he was trying to tell us something...but literally couldn't speak the words.
The school years didn't get much easier for us. At first, Vincent was placed in a special needs class because...well frankly...the school didn't really know what else to do with him. The resources at the time were just not there.
But my mother would not stand for that. She fought to get Vincent into a "regular" classroom. She wanted him to be able to interact with kids in a "normal" setting.
She fought the school board, school district...and everything in between.
During his time in school (elementary, jr. high, and high school) Vincent attended a "regular" classroom. He was accompanied by an assistant who guided him through every part of his day.
And just a few years ago....Vincent graduated high school.
It was a proud moment for our family.
However, even with all the progress my brother has made over the years...life for him will never really be "normal".
As a young adult in his 20s, Vincent is still reading/writing/speaking essentially like a 5-6 year old.
He will always be playing catch up.
He will always need someone to guide him.
He will always be dependent on someone.
But one thing has always been consistent.
Vincent has always been a joy.
He's funny.
He's caring.
He's loves his family.
And unlike you, Mr. "President"....
He actually has empathy.
He understands when someone is sad or upset.
He reacts and offers his sympathy just like anyone else.
Donald Trump Your attack on Greta Thunberg this morning was pathetic. It was sad. It was beneath the office of the President.
The fact that she is on the autism spectrum makes it all the more personal to me.
Because, when you attack her....it's like you are attacking my brother. When your GOP stooges attack and mock her....it's like they are attacking my brother.
How sad for our country that we have such a disgusting and vile human being occupying the highest office in the land.
How sad indeed, Mr. "President".
Why don't you try and #BeBest...for once.
From this thread:
Link to tweet
= new reply since forum marked as read
On top of all the challenges described in that tweet, we were a military family, moving constantly. Try to imagine what that was like for him. Hearing Trump trash a young gal on the spectrum, an ACCOMPLISHED young lady, makes me sick. There is absolutely no low he won't sink to, and his sick fans will keep on cheering him. It is disgusting beyond belief. 
