Between Spectrums

Unexpected Friends

Have you ever moved to somewhere new and felt that you were alone? That's how Sophia felt till she met Jack (not his real name). She moved to New York from Singapore. Like any other kid who moves to a new town, she doesn't like her new home and school was different to her. She didn't have much friends and felt lonely. Then she noticed a boy who flaps his arms, screams, and often gets pulled out of class by his aids. One day, during lunch, she decides to sit with him. From there he asks her questions, some get to know you questions, and she answers them. They would play together, go shopping, and from the time they share together their friendship becomes strong. When Sophia needed Jack the most he was there as a friend. Because of him, she wants to be a child psychiatrist and has a passion for autism. This story is pretty incredible. One is a girl in a strange new world, the other is a boy in his own world, and together is a friendship that should last for a long time. 

I can relate to Sophia cause I moved to a variety of places. And in each place I made new friends. Some friendships don't last long, but there are some that can stand in the test of time. I have friends from school, mission, work, church, and just in general. How is that possible? There's no secret to making friends. It's simply talking and being friendly to those around you. People with autism can be most faithful of friends. You just need to get pass the stereotypes and allow them to be. Also, speaking from personal experience, don't let your personal pride get in the way of being friends with them or anyone else. It leads to hurt feeling that can or can't be fixed. So I encourage to be friends with people around you, especially the unexpected ones.

Thank you for your time

Tay Gallagher

You can find Sophia and Jack's story as well as other stories by going to theautismsite.greatergood.com