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Tyler: When I walk barefoot I take in the
sensations of the Earth like the grass, rocks and
dirt because when you walk barefoot you actually
receive positive energy from the ground and it
helps calm you down and it relieves the stress of
day-to-day life.
♪♪
My name is Tyler Leech.
I'm 26 years old.
And what I want people to know about me is that even
though I have autism I enjoy being around people
and making new friends.
My autism is high functioning and while
there are some times where some things might be a
little difficult I think it makes me who I am.
Sheri Leech: Tyler was diagnosed when he was 22
months old and he was developing normally with
his milestones and all of a sudden I noticed that he
wasn't talking anymore, wasn't even saying mama.
I was devastated.
He had occupational therapy, he had speech
therapy, I just took advantage of what was out
there and did a lot of networking, a lot of
research, a lot of reading.
Tyler: Some of the challenges that I have
faced were difficulty being in areas with loud
noise and a bit of anxiety.
It took some resources, a lot of patience and a lot
of love because back then I was very impatient with
a lot of things and I think there were some
times where my family wasn't patient with the
way my autism was either.
So I think that by having the time to focus on what
I needed and to learn from each other I think it
helped out a lot.
Tyler: I went to college at Des Moines Area
Community College, or DMACC.
I had a few doubts when some of my classes proved
to be a little difficult.
But I just put the time and effort into the
studies and gave myself some pep talks so I can
show myself that I can do it.
Tyler: I work at Wells Fargo in Des Moines as an
operations processor.
So I look at merchant applications, enter their
data into our computer system.
Brian Tjaden: Tyler is a great asset to us because
the work can be repetitive and that is what he really
likes.
So we'll even give him more volume of work to do
just because we know that he'll be able to get the
work done on time and accurately as well.
Amy Jarnagin: The Diversibilities Team
Member Network is one that supports our team members
with disabilities.
Tyler engages in our team member network as a
member.
And so we'll have him invited into colleges or
into other speaking environments and he might
be scared to death to do it and he always says yes
to the opportunity to be able to learn and grow.
Tyler: I say I'm pretty independent.
I cook meals and I do some cleaning on a regular
basis.
I am able to handle the laundry pretty well.
I manage my budget.
7.
17.
27 for three.
Tyler: My grandfather and I, we've played cribbage
for a long time.
In fact, it was cribbage playing with him that I
learned how to count.
I've got a run of four.
Tyler: So these are the ribbons and medals that
I've won through Special Olympics.
Special Olympics really means a lot to me because
I get to meet new friends through the program and
also get active.
Tyler: I also drive to and from places every day and
I never thought I was going to get my driver's
license let alone a permit.
But I took the time and dedication into doing the
driver's ed class and it got me to where I am now.
♪♪
Tyler: I'm a pretty social person.
I enjoy going to church.
I attend autism walks and events.
I sometimes go to different sporting events
on occasion.
I hope to get my own place eventually and I also want
to try to get into the dating world, though it is
a little nerve-racking.
Sheri: There is a fine line about a parent
possibly having their own fear and holding their
child back.
I think everybody is different.
I just knew that my son was going to have a life,
the best life he could have and do as much as he
could and he is so passionate about being a
role model and making a difference for other
people with special needs.
So I am very, very proud and he has found his
purpose and it's just a beautiful thing.
He looks at his autism as a gift and I guess so do
I, but I didn't always look at it that way.
Tyler: My advice to people who have a loved one with
autism is to check out the resources that are
available to you because they do help in the same
way that they have helped me.
And just take the time to learn about your loved one
and be patient with them because it's a big
learning process.
And when you take the time to learn about them you
might even learn something about yourself.
♪♪
This program is part of the Move to
Include Initiative made possible with support from
the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private
corporation funded by the American people.
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The Max and Helen Guernsey Charitable Foundation in
support of educational programming on statewide
Iowa Public Television.
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