Kids with autism deserve a chance

Kudos to Mr. Gallichio of Des Plaines (“Don’t define people by their disabilities, May 13 Fence Post)! The word “genius” evokes the image of Albert Einstein. But he was believed to be mentally retarded as a child. As an adult he still could not take care of himself. Yet he revolutionized the world with his theories. He did not regard himself as smarter than anyone else; he just stuck with problems longer and tried harder. Einstein should be the icon for autism and profound disability.

I was autistic before the diagnosis was invented. I was branded a bad child, a loser and a hopeless case because I could not understand or fit in with the conventional molds of society. I was forced to fight hard for survival. Now I am doing fine with a good career.

When my son was 3 years old, doctors told me that he was a hopeless case of severe autism. They were certain that he would be in an institution by age 15. He is now 23. He has lived up to the challenge that a disability only means that he has to try harder to succeed. He is taking college courses. He is doing very well with computers. He has a driver’s license. He owns a car. He communicates excellently with good eye contact. He reads and understands what he reads very well. He has proved that he can do as well as anyone else can.

A huge miracle was Clare Woods Academy in Bartlett, a school for children with all kinds of disabilities. It is a place everyone should visit. People with special challenges can accomplish amazing things if given the chance. In reality, everyone has disabilities and limitations of some sort. Everyone deserves a chance to prove oneself. Please give everyone a chance.

Richard P. Lorimer

Streamwood