Autism is Hard
Follow River, a happy and upbeat 12-year-old, as they navigate the challenges of being autistic in Midland, Michigan. River faces misunderstanding and isolation but learns the power of tolerance and friendship along the way.
River loved their town, Midland, Michigan. But lately, River felt misunderstood at school. Some classmates didn't understand why River needed to wear their cream glasses all the time or why they sometimes acted differently. River wanted to make friends, but it was hard when no one seemed to get them. River felt alone.
One day, River decided to join a group of kids playing soccer. But every time they tried to join, the kids ignored them. River's heart sank. Soccer was supposed to be fun, but now it felt like a big wall was blocking them. How could they make friends if no one even gave them a chance?
River decided to try something different. They brought their favorite puzzle to school and invited some classmates to join. But the kids laughed and said puzzles were boring. River felt embarrassed and wished the ground would swallow them up. It seemed like nothing was working.
- Maybe I should just give up, River thought. They felt so different and couldn't see how things would ever change. No one seemed to understand them, and trying to fit in felt impossible. River sat alone, feeling defeated.
That afternoon, a new student named Jamie approached River. Jamie had heard about River's struggles and wanted to help. - Hi, I'm Jamie. I think your puzzle is cool. Want to show me how to solve it? River's eyes lit up. Maybe things could get better after all.
With Jamie's encouragement, River started to feel more confident. They worked on the puzzle together, and soon other kids joined in, curious about the fun they were having. River realized that not everyone would understand right away, but with patience and a little help, they could find friends who accepted them. River felt happy again.
River loved their town, Midland, Michigan. But lately, River felt misunderstood at school. Some classmates didn't understand why River needed to wear their cream glasses all the time or why they sometimes acted differently. River wanted to make friends, but it was hard when no one seemed to get them. River felt alone.
One day, River decided to join a group of kids playing soccer. But every time they tried to join, the kids ignored them. River's heart sank. Soccer was supposed to be fun, but now it felt like a big wall was blocking them. How could they make friends if no one even gave them a chance?
River decided to try something different. They brought their favorite puzzle to school and invited some classmates to join. But the kids laughed and said puzzles were boring. River felt embarrassed and wished the ground would swallow them up. It seemed like nothing was working.
- Maybe I should just give up, River thought. They felt so different and couldn't see how things would ever change. No one seemed to understand them, and trying to fit in felt impossible. River sat alone, feeling defeated.
That afternoon, a new student named Jamie approached River. Jamie had heard about River's struggles and wanted to help. - Hi, I'm Jamie. I think your puzzle is cool. Want to show me how to solve it? River's eyes lit up. Maybe things could get better after all.
With Jamie's encouragement, River started to feel more confident. They worked on the puzzle together, and soon other kids joined in, curious about the fun they were having. River realized that not everyone would understand right away, but with patience and a little help, they could find friends who accepted them. River felt happy again.
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