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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 we’re talking with Monika Brooks of www.mochaautismnetwork.com. She is the mother of Star Wars aficionado Ken, “Da Youngsta,” who is 12 years old. As he’s not a fan of being interviewed at length, Monika is handling the introductions.

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

My one sentence for my son would be: His Awesome will Astound you…

Do you have any autistic superpowers? What are they?

My opinion is that my son’s powers include the ability to question EVERYTHING and challenge the norm.

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

My son seems to be happy while reading about star wars or watching star wars

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

My son seems the most anxious when attention (bad or good) is geared toward him in any way.

Are there specific topics you find particularly compelling?

The items he finds most compelling are Maps, Star wars (any version), Legos… Oh, and Lego Star Wars.

What are your preferred ways to be social?

He is most social around his younger relatives. But if you are doing anything Star Wars, he will talk with you.

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

I asked him about his friends and he said, “I like the people that like me even though I’m weird.”

Are there parts of your life you wish were easier?

He is still working his way through the Diagnosis, he says most times, ” I wish folks wouldn’t say “autism” so much. I’m a kid too”

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

He is still working on goals. But he seems to like the Basketball camp/clinic at the YMCA, and he says he wants to make more baskets

What does bliss feel like to you?

He seems happiest when he is listening to music