My Early Story with Autism.

HI, my name's Larissa. And as an individual with Autism, I want to share some of my experiences. (Some of the memories I tried to remember are according to my mom's experiences shared to me) It all started when I was born on a stormy day of October 18, 1994, in the island of Saipan, Mom told me how she struggled a lot with my alcoholic father, my sister with some asthma attacks, and my new birth to this world. Mom always trusts big responsiblity to my sister for watching me "without a blink" she says, while she works. Mom hired maids during a few years, until one day, the last maid was fired due to negligence to me, when attempted to hit me on a wall. At that time, I couldn't remember if she really hit my head by accident, or on purpose. But either way, it was over, as my mom quit her job for years working @Nikko Hotel. It was very hard for my mom, since her job really supported the family, treating me and my sister to nice restaurants and pretty places, but she had to sacrifice quitting the job, since no one else can watch us. Not even my father could watch us well enough at that time.
So we depended on my father's financial support, however not much, and became poor gradually. But my mom never regretted to stay, for our safety. Then over the years continued, My father, still alcoholic, my sister graduated elementary and middle school with many awards & trophies she earned. By 2nd grade, (since that's the starting point of my memories) I realized my behavior was unusual. I started to have bullies in school throughout those years. By the age of 10, my mom finally got me diagnosed with Autism, @Community Health Center. While my mom continues the struggles for me, my sister joining the military after high school graduation, and my father finally quitting his alcoholic ways, due to his sickness, I am still pressing on, ready for the ongoing obstacles before me... (to be continued...)

Larissa Marie
Mililani, HI