Keever Rosebrock wrote a speech about living with autism. Photo: Supplied.
Keever Rosebrock is an 11-year-old student at Dapto Public School who loves his dog Bandit and reckons he’s probably addicted to his iPad.
Keever also has autism and wants people to know that “living with autism is just my normal”.
“I was born with it. I’ll always have it. I just have to learn to work around it and that’s OK,” he said.
Keever, who was diagnosed at age five, wrote about his life story for a school public speaking competition and shared it recently on International Day of People with a Disability.
In the interest of #autismawareness, his proud mum Chanelle contacted Region to ask if we would like to share it with the Illawarra.
“When he was diagnosed with autism, I cried,” she said.
“I cried because I was upset for my son; I cried because I felt guilty; I cried because I didn’t know how our lives would change or how I’d navigate being a single parent of two children, one living with a disability.
“But six years on, I wouldn’t have it any other way. We make adjustments and life goes on!
“The topic for the speaking competition was ‘Difficult Journeys’, so he thought it would be a good idea to write about autism – because that’s what he knows best.
“Others may perceive living with autism to be a ‘difficult journey’ in life, but to Keever he has accepted that things will always be a little different – and perhaps more challenging for him – than for his peers.”
In his speech, Keever explains that people with autism are neurodivergent, meaning his brain works differently to everyone else.
“I guess you could say my brain is unique.
Keever with his support dog, Bandit. Photo: Supplied.
“Every person with autism faces different challenges. For me, I forget a lot of things.
“I learn things, then I have to be shown how to do them again, not just the next day, but for years. Like how to use a knife and fork.
“I get really angry when people annoy me; ten times angrier than a regular person.
“Then there’s the opposite of anger, when I can be overly affectionate. When I was three, I walked up to a complete stranger, a homeless man, and gave him a hug. I didn’t know about stranger danger at that age.
“Even now my mum says I am a very affectionate person which she is so thankful for.”
Keever says he has lots of support from medical professionals and therapists, who help him to overcome some of his challenges with movement, speech, emotions and behaviour.
“When I was younger I struggled with my speech. I really didn’t talk much until I was about six.
“Stimming is another autism trait. This is usually a repetitive movement to help cope with emotions.
“I twirl my hair and my shirt. I repeat what I’m saying a lot. Sometimes I move back and forth in the one spot.
“Sensory issues are a big part of autism. I like to do my home reading next to my support dog Bandit because I love the feel of his fur so much.
“I’m definitely addicted to my iPad – well, any screen really.”
Despite continuing with therapies that help him live with autism, he says his biggest support is his mum.
“It doesn’t matter how many therapists I’ll have for the rest of my life, my mum is the one that’s taught me the most.
“People who don’t have autism probably think that having autism is one of life’s difficult journeys,” he said.
“For me, living with autism is just my normal. I was born with it. I’ll always have it. I just have to learn to work around it and that’s OK.”
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