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We’re featuring “Slice of Life” conversations with Autistics of all ages — kids through adults — throughout April’s Autism Acceptance Month

Our goal is to help TPGA readers understand that autistic people are people who have interesting, complicated lives and who are as diverse and varied as any other population united by a label.

We
are the people in each other’s neighborhoods, and the more we know
about each other — the more visible autistic people and children are —
the more common autism acceptance will be. That is our hope. 

Today’s Slice of Life is a conversation between Jack and his mother, TPGA contributor Jean Winegardner, who also blogs at Stimeyland and Autism Unexpected.

What is your name?

Jack.

What would you like a one-sentence description of yourself to say?

I love video games. My trigger word is lasagna. [That last is a hybrid from the Muppet Movie and Garfield.]

Do you have any autistic superpowers? What are they?

[smiles] Playing video games.

What are some situations that make you happy, or satisfied?

Video games. Doughnuts. My hockey makes me muscular.

What are some situations that make you sad, or anxious?

When Quinn [his brother, who was practically sitting on top of him at the time] annoys me. School. Because I have to do everything the teacher says.

Are there specific topics you find particularly compelling?

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Jack’s drawings of video games.

Video games.

What are your preferred ways to be social?

Play with myself. Play in the back yard.

What traits do you prize in a friend, or companion?

They’re friendly and fun.

Are there parts of your life you wish were easier?

Yep. [What?] School. An easier life. [What makes your life hard?] School.

What’s the next big goal you have for yourself?

Play every video game I create.

What does bliss feel like to you?

When I go to play video games.