Big Fat Happy

Josh is smart.  He’s REALLY smart.  So, when his efforts to go to college were unsuccessful, he was devastated.  But they say three’s a charm, and whoever they are, they’re right! (So, they are not the theythat say you can drive seven miles over the speed limit and not get a ticket…because they are wrong).Josh just finished taking a college math class and just got his final grade. He got – insert drum roll here – a big fat happy “B”! Woohoo!!

College is not hard for Josh, it’s exhausting.  His intelligence is not and has never been the issue – it’s his Autism all the way.  Imagine if there was a super power that allowed you to take in every bit of information from your surroundings, with every sight, sound, texture, and smell amplified beyond reason.  It kind of seems cool…until it’s realized that there’s no way to turn it off! Now…take a test.

In that scenario, consider the effort it would take to interact effectively. Josh has been in therapy for years to learn the nuances of communication, so when he went to college he put those lessons to use.  A bit too much!  He has learned to be social, but it still takes a lot out of him.  That means that after social interaction he needs down time, where he can regroup and recharge. Instead, he would have class…and super powers…and at times it’s overwhelming.

The safety nets that were in place during high school are gone. I can’t hold his hand like I did when he was a little boy. This is his third attempt at college, and he’s on his own.

All that and he still got a big fat freaking happy “B”!!!  That is not a measure of intelligence, that’s a measure of character.  Josh is a super hero.

Listen to the Podcast: JHA025: Lessons Learned | http://www.sonyaking.com/jha025-lessons-learned