For the Love of Brian

It all started when I met Brian, the 42-year-old son of my sister-friend JM. His first question to me was, “Regine, when is your birthdate?”

Once you answer Brian, he will fire back with the day of the week you were born and the day you will celebrate your next birthday. All of this within a second. He is that fast. He will also tell you your age in the same breath. Since Brian is exceptionally proud of his abilities, he will announce your age with a booming voice and do so from the rooftop. So, you might want to be very careful and exercise caution when responding, should you not be ready to publicize your age. 

Brian is autistic. Brian holds a steady job and volunteers weekly at a food bank. As challenging as life can be for him and those around him, Brian is one of the luckier adults with autism. 

Brian is my first encounter with autism. It took me a while to understand this neurological disorder. Knowing Brian and his family has urged me to seek knowledge of autism and the challenges he faces. 

It was not always the case. I once interviewed a young engineer who exhibited signs of being on the spectrum. He had just graduated from college and was interviewing for a full-time position, which is how I met him. 

The young man was brilliant and interviewed passably well. There were signs, however, that something was different. He could not make eye contact and was very fidgety. We did not know how to interpret his lack of engagement and his uneasiness in dialoguing. Our interview panel selected someone else. 

I wished I knew then what I know now. That could have affected the entire process, at least brought up the topic to the forefront for deliberation. And that is how progress happens. 

Fast forward a few years, and my friend CWM calls on me to be one of a few hosts raising money for the Autism Alliance of Michigan’s annual gala. Before and during the gala, private funds are raised to provide free services that improve the quality of life of individuals with autism and their close ones. I thought of Brian immediately and consented to my friend’s request without hesitation. It was my opportunity to do something that would help relieve the nagging feeling that I could have had a more significant impact on the life of this young college graduate that I once interviewed. 

That year, the Alliance would embrace the lofty goal of creating 101,000 jobs for autistic individuals over the next ten years. The Michigan Autism Alliance strongly believes that achieving independence and maintaining health and wellbeing are foundational rights of people on the spectrum. To achieve this, the Alliance provides free services and resources through early intervention, education, and employment assistance.  

Through a partnership with the Alliance, local employers such as Home Depot, Motor City Casino, and English Gardens hire individuals with autism. Although I have not promoted for-profit companies on this website, I have no reservations about asking my readers and followers to consider patronizing the abovementioned businesses in Southeast Michigan. 

The unemployment rate among adults with autism is very high. Having a job promotes a sense of self-worth in all individuals, especially autistic people who suffer from isolation and lack of understanding. 

Having a job means the world to Brian and others like him who have special needs and are willing and eager to contribute to society. 

You can learn more about the services offered by the Autism Alliance of Michigan and contribute to its mission by accessing its website at the following link.  

I would encourage us to come together to embrace those with special needs and help integrate them into society. During the pandemic, we all experienced a sense of isolation. As we reconnect with family and friends, let’s extend our hearts and take actions to lessen the heavy load of isolation many suffer on the spectrum and encourage their growth. 

I will reach out to you next April when we hold our annual gala in honor of Autism Month and our autistic population. I am sure I will be able to count on your generosity and our love for Brian.