Lord, I have a problem; it's called autism

(EDITOR'S NOTE: The following letter was written by Kim Messer of Blacksburg on behalf of her son Dakotah, who is featured on next week's Weekly Ledger front page.)

Lord:

Are you there?

My name is Dakotah. I am nine years old. Mom and Dad said if I had a problem I can come to you. Well Lord, I have a problem. It's called autism. Could you please help me?

When I was younger I played with my sisters and everybody else. My family taught me so much. My mind was like a sponge. Around 15 to 18 months later my mind started to change. I could not stop it.

I was slipping away. I'm different now. I see things differently, smell things differently, hear, feel and taste things differently. My whole world changed in just a few weeks. Mom and Dad couldn't explain it. Doctors were unsure. There were no explanations.

Some things are so confusing. I just don't understand. I get so anxious, angry, happy, sad. I have no control. My emotions come and go. My family loves me so much. I love them. I love everybody. See, autism allows me to love unconditionally, not to be judgmental, no pointing, staring or laughing. Everybody should have some of my problems.

Autism keeps me from having friends over. I don't socialize well. Dad wants to play ball but I don't have any interest in it. I do like to ride the tractor with him. He seems to enjoy it. I love it when Mom says "smile." She always has a camera in her hands.

My sister Sierrah helps me to bed at night. I wish I could participate more with my family. Everybody in my family prays for me. I know that one day there will be a cure for autism. Then my classmates and all the other people trapped by this problem can have a big party and socialize like never before.

When that day comes, I will be myself again. I will see things differently, smell things differently, hear, feel and taste things differently.

Mom and Dad said I could come to you if I had a problem. Lord, I have a problem. It's called autism.

Dakotah