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I am on the autism spectrum.
I have cerebral palsy.
I have Down Syndrome.
I am Antoine Smith's sister and caregiver.
Antoine is autistic.
He's also blind in his left eye, minimal blind
in his right eye.
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His disability does not define who he is.
He is capable.
He is able to be, he is able to love.
I am proud that I have my college education
from Wright State University.
Math is one of my favorite subjects.
I love it.
And I also am a very good speller.
I can spell anything.
I am majoring in psychology, with a minor in neuroscience.
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When, I bring Antoine to a doctor's appointment
I think people should recognize him.
A lot of people talk at me, not to me.
I love when people smile and have big expressions.
I have a very hard time reading facial expressions.
And so sometimes if someone just is clipped,
or has a short response.
they're not trying to be dismissive, but I feel
dismissed.
Sometimes it's a quick, the answers are quick.
The responses are quick and it shouldn't be that way.
And it wouldn't be that way.
If he could talk, if he could sit down
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Approaching someone where you're not sure whatever
disability it might be, I think a lot of the work goes on
before you even enter the room.
Just trying to get an idea of, wow, what
what must it be like?
And how can I show up for this person?
Always speak to the patient first, no matter what
if you see that they are not understanding you
then talk to the caregiver.
Approach the situation with an open mind,
it's okay to talk to him and let him know that,
Hey, today's your visit?
You know, is it okay if I touch you?
Is it okay if I approach you?
For someone with autism, the more predictability
the more knowledge, the more mentally prepared we
can be, the better.
If I'm going to see a nurse first and then a resident
and then the doctor, and kind of tell me the names
and tell me what, what, what they're going to do.
When people we'll ask Carrie questions she needs
greater time to respond.
And if she senses that you're not happy with her response
she's going to change it because she wants to please you
You talked right to me, and it makes me
understand everything that he's telling me
and important information.
And I try to hear him really try to hear him.
We are more alike than different.
Some people with autism may stem
or some people may rock back and forth in the chair.
Or some people like me just might not make good eye contact.
There's always things that we're uncomfortable with
in life. But if you can get beyond it,
the gift you're going to get back is much bigger
There is a light within all of us that connects all of us.
And, you know, I feel like too often
people don't see my brother's light.
I feel very happy when I'm included.
I feel so good about it.
When a caregiver responds with empathy and kindness
it makes me feel relieved and it's okay
for Antoine to continue to be who he is.
Embracing people with disabilities is very important
because when we embrace someone, we are investing in them.
We are supporting them.
And that's what I want people to do to me.
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