Personal Autism Awareness
I recognized her the moment I saw her. Her mannerisms were sharp, deliberate and distinct. It was her western-style shirt, however, that confirmed that I was about to have a brush with genius.
It is not often that one gets to “bump into” a recognized genius in an everyday place like an airport. There is no manual for this sort of thing, so I sat down next to her and said, “I saw the movie about you on HBO.” She was so proud of it. She was like an excited child as she talked about the movie. Did I know that it had been nominated for 15 Emmy's?
“Did they portray you correctly?” I asked, “Do you really remember an image of everything you see?” “Yes. It was very accurate,” she responded.
“I used to work with children with autism when I was in college,” I told her, and we talked more about her advocacy work. We also talked about her work with the livestock industry.
“I sure have some suggestions for the TSA about air travel,” she told me. I almost laughed aloud at this frank declaration. Within moments, she presented several simple solutions to make air travel more efficient and streamline procedures for the passengers as well as the TSA agents responsible for security. I knew, because her mind could see and process every detail, that her solutions were sound and, if implemented, would greatly reduce air travel frustration.
“I am thirsty,” she said suddenly.
We walked down the concourse to get something to drink. She purchased a bottle of water and I expected she would leave me there and go back to her gate. She waited. She was uncomfortable, but she knew that waiting was what she was supposed to do.
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