The writer of this blog is David - a middle aged, white guy from middle America. But don't stop reading now, because he isn't the star or even the subject really of this blog.

 

Friends, that is Noah. He is an extraordinary 11 year old boy. He also has Autism. He also has an Intellectual Disability. He also has a pretty unique, entertaining, heartbreaking, radically emotional story that I have tried to capture through individual "scenes". You see Noah is a rarity, but there are many points along his path that have a ring of familiarity for many special needs families. His struggle is part of their struggle. His breakthroughs are part of their breakthroughs. The journeys are different, but the pain and the joy are familiar.

​

Unfortunately so is the isolation. Mom & dad find it really difficult to make friends who have any commonality with us. It feels impossible at times to find a church that we can attend together as a family. With all of our family out of state, social media has been our only lifeline at times. In fact this blog is an outgrowth of a Twitter handle (@AutismScenes) started in 2013 as an avenue to process all of these crazy emotions and maybe raise a little awareness. What I didn't realize then was how many people over the years would eventually follow it and how many of them would reach out and empathize with his arduous journey.

 

Because of them, I'm planning here to highlight one recent "scene" shared on Twitter each week and expound on it further. Perhaps I'm dreaming, but I hope to start a conversation - even a community on here. I will post at least one blog post every Friday to start with so you can hold me accountable. I will also respond to every comment made in good faith. If people connect with it, I may increase the frequency over time.

​

Please comment, like & share these posts to get the word out. Please also follow Noah's story on Twitter @AutismScenes. Feel free to contact me directly if you would like as well using the Contact link at the top of the page. Unfortunately, even six years after I started the Twitter account, there is a need for spreading awareness of those with special needs. There is also still a need for community. Please, join this one. Thank you for reading!