A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes
Brian Heuring shares his story
by Brian Heuring
This is about me, Brian, who,
after receiving many misdiagnoses, received the correct diagnosis
of high functioning Autism at age 18. Many years of transitioning
from school to work, moving into my own apartment, learning independent
living skills, becoming a strong self-advocate, and being a contributing
member in my community have followed.
My lifelong dream was always
to work with children. Upon completion of 12th grade, I had made
no progress toward achieving my goal until early that summer when
a program was found at a technical college teaching students to work
with elderly people, people with disabilities and young children.
I enrolled as a postsecondary option student. I was making slow but
steady progress through the program when the college conducted an
evaluation of my employability in that field, and recommended that
I change programs. The college changed my program to job-skills training,
for which I received a certificate.
Following graduation, I worked in a grocery store and
fast food restaurant, but continued to dream of working with children.
I got so depressed, I didn't want to live. I searched for people
and organizations that could help me. Within a year of graduating
from Partners in Policy-making, a leadership training program for
adults with disabilities sponsored by the Minnesota Governor's Council
on Developmental Disabilities, I moved into my own apartment and
got the job of my dreams working in a day care, where I've been for
seven years. I attend conferences sponsored by the Autism Society
of Minnesota, Arc, and the self-advocacy organization Advocating
Change Together, where I am accepted and valued. I am empowered to
speak up for myself and others. I am given knowledge about disabilities
and inspired to do things I never thought I could do. I've mentored
at Autism camp. I've volunteered at a day care. I get involved in
my community. I help children at two elementary schools and Sunday
school, play on a church softball team, give presentations at our
library, and do public speaking. This past summer, I pulled the curtain
for the children's theater and the community theater musical production.
Throughout my school years I had unpleasant experiences
most of the time because I was different than other people my age.
It was helpful when teachers were patient and kind, and when they
reassured me that they believed I could do it and stood up for me.
The teachers who were not helpful were the ones who were impatient,
short-tempered, constantly harped on me and put me down. Every year
classes got harder and harder and it got easier for me to give up.
As an adult, I have workers who help me learn independent
living skills. I want them to respect me and treat me like I am capable.
For example, if I make a mistake, let me figure it out and correct
it myself. If I don't know how to do something, I want people to
help me find a method that works for me so I can do it.
Even though I did not
have the advantage of early diagnosis, I did not give up. I have
achieved a successful, satisfying life. I encourage everyone to
work towards their dreams and goals even when it gets difficult.
Never underestimate the abilities of any person and never give
up on their dreams! ![]()
Brian Heuring lives
in Litchfield, MN. The title of this article is from a song in
the Disney film Cinderella (1950).
Reprinted with
permission from Impact: Feature Issue on Supporting Success in
School and Beyond for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders,
Fall/Winter 2006/07, published by the Institute on Community
Integration, University of Minnesota. The entire issue can be
found online at http://ici.umn.edu/products ; a
free printed copy can be requested from the Institute at 612-624-4512.
