S.J. Strong: Marching to the Same Sound, but a Different Rhythm: Autism Awareness

By Gail R. Wright

S.J. is an original, exceptional person who was diagnosed with autism at a young age. In an effort to foster awareness, he shares his personal story and perspectives about autism as he learned to cope with his symptoms and become all he was meant to be in the eyes of God.

While providing a glimpse into his life journey on the spectrum, S.J., with input from his parents, details the challenges and successes he encountered along the way as he endured unique struggles, found ways to be happy, embraced the simpler things in life, chose to be grateful, and remained optimistic about the future. Throughout his testimony, S.J. offers his perspective as a youth who learned to make decisions in his everyday life and ask for help from his parents, family, friends, and teachers. Most importantly, S.J. reveals how his path led him to ultimately realize that he is an overcomer with a God-given purpose. Included are exercises and other activities that encourage thoughtful reflection and build social skills.

S.J. Strong shares the perspectives and experiences with autism from a young man and his parents with the intent of providing awareness and hope to others navigating the same diagnosis. It is also an awareness to aid others in understanding more about autism’s symptoms, struggles, and paths to victory from a child’s view.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Mar 24, 2021
• ISBN: 9781664226630

Gail R. Wright

Gail R. Wright is a certfied temperament counselor, an award-winning poet, youth advocate and christian school teacher. She holds a Master of Christian Education and formerly employed as recreation services program specialist. Gail is the author of four other books. She has a rapidly growing collection of poems and is still writing. Gail thanks God for her opportunity to touch the lives of the youth and help train the next generation.

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ISBN: 978-1-6642-2662-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-2664-7 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-2663-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021904510

WestBow Press rev. date: 03/22/2021

From the Author, Gail Wright

To My Family

In memory of Thomas and Evangeline Roberson, my loving parents, who were promoted to heaven in December 2019: I thank you for all your love, words of encouragement, guidance, Godly wisdom, and support for my work and projects during your time here on earth. You were my life coaches, teachers, and mentors.

To my dear oldest sister, Mary who was promoted to heaven December 2020. I thank you for always encouraging me and supporting my work.

We love and miss you all.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you (Psalms 32:8 NIV).

To my blessed sisters, cheering squad, Linda, Verda, and Angie, and my brothers-in-laws, who have continuously been my faithful supporters who have encouraged me in all my work and told others about my books. They always had a blessed word for me.

To my nieces, my nephews, my great-nieces, and my great-nephews who have been supporters by reading the previously authored books.

To my extended family and friends, who have been a support.

CONTENTS

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1: From the Mind of a Youth to Our Ears: Are You Listening?

Beating the Odds

Be You: Happy Being Me

I Have a Voice Too

Poem: Happy

Chapter 2: Being Me

Being Different but the Same

Gifted: Yes, I Can

Poem: Being Me

Chapter 3: Belonging

I Belong Here Too! Quitting is not an Option

Poem: Belonging

Chapter 4: Life Happening: Changing and Rearranging

Global Pandemic

Poem: Love

Poem: Your Life Matters

Poem: Expect You to Respect Me!

Chapter 5: Ask the Parents

Nickie Speaks about Autism

Shonn Sr. Speaks about Autism

Chapter 6: S.J.’s Achievements

Poem: Proclaim: We Win

Chapter 7: Men’s Support Group

Poem: Peace of Mind

Chapter 8: A Moment of Thoughtful Reflection

Chapter 9: Building Social Skills

Chapter 10: Notes Page for Lessons Learned (Journal)

References

About The Co-Author

PREFACE

When I was young, I learned from my parents how to care about others as I watched them selflessly serve people, show compassion, and give of their time and money to help those in need. They taught us to be kind and show respect to all people.

I discovered respecting others is an important behavior to demonstrate as you live in a culturally diverse society with many differences. More realization came as I grew in age going to work, school, church, and other community places where I’ve encountered several people who looked, spoke, and dressed differently than me and held different views.

Despite differences, I learned that we would