Alex and Jamie are runners, and yes, they happen to be autistic.
I have run one marathon - it was very tiring and honestly I not sure the last child birth was much more painful. But I wanted to do it, and I trained in the snow, like many do, only to run on a burning hot day. And I did it... in a time I'm not sharing with you here. But running marathons is pretty cool and these guys achievements are awesome. And they are known for how well they do, not being autistic.
Just like I think of Anthony and how he loves his karting, not just that he's autistic.
And how David loves colour, not just that he's autistic.
And how Jane loves books and cooking, not just that she's a girl.
Because this focuses on the person, the artist, the runner, the sports driver. And that's wonderful and as it should be. If you'd like to see the video, please watch below, and thanks again to Bright Vibes for bringing it to my attention.
Published to support this week's #wetalkmakaton sign of the week!
Such an important thing... seeing the person and not the disability. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHi Ann, what wonderful parents Alex and Jamie have to encourage and support them to do something they obviously enjoy (even though their expressions give little away!). It's stories like this that will help people to see through autism to the person in front of them. Your Marathon experience sounds like my first one, when we had trained all summer in the heat, only for it to be freezing and miserable on the day. It did hurt far more than childbirth, but I can recommend having another go. The second time was a totally different experience and I came home smiling and believe me it had nothing to do with my time!
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up with the #MMBC.
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