Q: What’s your name, and why are you here today?
A: My name is Jacob Reid. I [have] two very special nicknames. Most people call me Jake, and I’m here to talk about autism.
Q: What is Autism Awareness Day?
A: Autism Awareness Day is a big day to show respect to those who are autistic worldwide, specifically. In order to do that, most people wear blue, like I am [doing] right now, since I’m part of the spectrum, and it’s a way that we get to show support and love to those who raised their kids with autism and who are part of autism.
For me specifically, I have really high stress values, which affects me really quickly. People don’t know what to expect. They don’t know what to do. It’s easier for the parents and teachers here to just help them out more. All my teachers are really genuine and nice to me, especially my friends. Some of them may not have a clue I’m autistic, but at least they’re genuine, and they can help me out.
Q: When did you first find out this day was a thing? And what was your first reaction?
A: It was after spring break or something. I knew April was the month for autism awareness, like the whole month, and I searched if there was an Autism Awareness Day. And I saw that it was Wednesday, April 2, so I’m like, Hey, I should probably let others know and make sure others could support us in a way that we will feel very included. We do have an inclusion club here at City High, which is pretty good, but mostly from my perspective, I think it’s better for those who are not part of the inclusion club to realize, like, how autism is like and help others to learn more about it.
Q: What should people do to be more inclusive and aware of autism, like in your experience?
A: They gotta know how we react. For example, you get upset for some reason, and the others are like, what am I supposed to do? What are we supposed to do to help him out? Just come over here and let me know what you could do to help calm down, like go for a walk or refill a drink, whatever, and mainly, just help out in a positive way. A problem I face when I’m autistic is mainly the noise. It’s the most effective. I do enjoy my normal classes, but it really depends. Like, sometimes I go in there, it is so loud.
Another thing is crowds; when the bell rings, I go out to a class, and hallways are a bit of a game changer. That’s why I’ve had a couple of IEPs and just leave class a couple minutes early, so that way I won’t have to be in a crowd. The plan has been working out pretty well. What also works out well is the two therapy dogs, and they’re pretty sweet dogs.
I’m a dog lover, and I’m always thrilled to see them every week. The big thing people gotta know is they just have to learn that [people with autism] are just being themselves, and they can’t be judged on what they look like and how they act.
