08/20/2024
He’ll be 23.
Shocking, really. How it went so fast and soooo slow at the same time.
I think about what most neurotypical 23-year-olds are doing. Graduating college, getting jobs, buying cars, going out and partying with friends, online dating, moving in with romantic partners, thinking about marriage and starting a family.
It’s a little different over here.
Different but not less.
I think about his entire academic career. The meetings with educators, therapists, and the county boards.
Talking about basic life skills, like doing laundry and grooming.
And job skills like stocking shelves and bagging groceries.
I never really fully engaged in those meetings. I showed up. I listened. I participated.
But I never bought in.
Something told me that none of it was necessary.
I just knew.
It was a year ago when everything became abundantly clear that Jakob would far exceed all those expectations set for him.
And even far exceed the successes of many of his neurotypical peers.
To the surprise of so many.
In the best kinds of ways.
If you’d like to help us celebrate his birthday on September 3, I have two ideas for you.
He still loves to get mail. You can send him a card. He has his own PO Box which he still enjoys going to the post office to check twice a week.
Or…
Come meet him. See and hear him spell. Learn about apraxia and autism. Help someone like him free their voice.
Join us for An Afternoon of Spelling with Andrew and Jakob presented by the the Love, Andrew Autism Foundation on September 14.
Support Jakob in his quest to help those like him who are being mislabeled, misunderstood and underestimated.
Help free a voice.💙
Jakob Sidney
PO Box 206
South Lebanon, Oh 45065
Link for event in comments💙
