PERSONAL NARRATIVE
for anybody to automatically equate any type of
therapy to abuse is absurdly unfair at best.
As long as we always consider the specific natures
of our children, we can stay on track and do right by
them. Operating within this mindset, there’s nothing
I wouldn’t do to create a better life for my boys. I be-
lieve in autism parents. There’s nobody who knows
their children better or cares for their children more,
and so, there’s nobody more capable of steering the
ship. It’s their family’s unique experiences that will
guide them. They may not always know what to do,
but there’s nobody more capable of figuring it out.
That’s where I find myself, and acknowledging my
lack of knowledge is the perfect starting point.
It’s tempting for humans to think they have the an-
swers. But when you think about it, that’s impossible.
Are we so full of ourselves that we think we’re the final
products of evolution and innovation? Do we know
enough to make grand statements on autism with
any certainty? I always remind myself to take a giant
step back and look at the big picture. Step way back.
Doing so can make the little disagreements within the
autism community seem silly and unproductive.
Our understanding of the brain is in its infancy. Sci-
ence and technology will inevitably take us places we
can’t fathom. Earlier, I mentioned how advances in
technology have completely overhauled our ways of
engaging with those on the spectrum. Fifteen measly
years ago the Internet wasn’t developed to the point
of providing people with autism a platform. There
were no personal tablets giving the masses a reason-
ably accessible communication device they could
take with them everywhere. Fifteen teeny tiny years.
What will the world be like in another fifteen years?
What about one hundred years from now, or longer?
Conceding our lack of knowledge here can either scare
us or present us with opportunities for serious opti-
mism. The world may not be ideal for an autistic wired
brain right now, particularly for those who are lower
functioning. Yet we still observe those on the spectrum
displaying enthusiasm and happiness when engaged
in activities that suit them. If we consider happiness
a key measure in living fulfilling lives, who’s to say we
won’t see advancements that begin to exponential-
ly improve our understanding and engagement with
people with autism. It seems pretty likely to happen.
To some, this could all have just been barely organized
ramblings. To me, it’s a mentality that provides a foun-
dation on which I can build a tower of autism under-
standing that won’t crumble when I replace a piece
here or there. My entire life, the world has been teach-
ing me that being unsure of myself or changing my
mind is a show of weakness. At this point, I’m quite sure
it’s the opposite. Flexibility of opinion and open-mind-
edness are qualities that can take the autism commu-
nity where it needs to be. That’s why you won’t get any
concrete answers from me. I’m just a dad trying to fig-
ure things out. I know nothing, and it’s fantastic.
Luke Vincent is a proud father of two boys with au-
tism and the creator of “Vincentville,” a YouTube
channel creating a community of autism support
and awareness through entertainment. Find him
and his family on social media.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/vincentvillevlogs
Instagram: www.instagram.com/vincentvillevlogs
YouTube: www.youtube.com/vincentville
www.aikoandegor.org,
facebook.com/aikoandegor,
@aikoandegor
• Aiko & Egor: Animation 4 Autism is a tablet and smart
phone app designed for children with autism to easily
learn and engage with their families.
• To download, search “Aiko & Egor” on the iTunes Store
for your Apple device and the Google Play Store for your
Android device.
• Visit www.aikoandegor.org to learn more about the app,
watch animated videos, and sign up for our e-newsletter.
The app is developed by See Beneath,
a San Diego-based nonprofit co-
founded by autism experts with years
of experience in autism research and
intervention.