In early 2023, a simple direct message on Twitter sparked a lifelong best friendship rooted in faith, joy, adventure, and purpose. What began as a digital connection blossomed that year into a brotherhood that same year defies the ordinary. Together, we navigate life as sightseers of laughter and discovery, embracing our unique gifts, celebrating our persistence, and walking intentionally on God’s timeline.
As special best friends who both navigate the world with autism, we have discovered that our greatest strength is our team effort. We aren’t just pursuing our dreams in communication, broadcasting, and politics separately; we are doing it side-by-side as a duo team. Justin has completed his Bachelor’s degree in Communication, and Ayden crossed the finish line and graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree this year. The Mission? Leveraging what we can.
The next long awaited goal, and milestone in our journey will be how we will begin living in our state in life that God has blessed us with. Our "state in life" is a theological term used to describe how we are two souls who mirror each other’s hearts, challenge each other’s minds, and stand unshakable in our commitment to one another’s growth. By having a stable best friendship for life, we won't face the uncertainties of being alone now and in the future. It allows us to recognize that we can use a little check in support including but not limited to: being the primary mutual supports, operating under a self-directed 'supported living companion' model. This arrangement is specifically designed to fill the gaps for people on the spectrum like us who may 'fall through the cracks' of traditional agency programs, those who do not qualify for formal, high-needs assistance, but still greatly benefit from routine, daily check-ins such as from the community we engage in (Church, for example, and other local support resources). By serving as supported living companions for one another, we provide essential, everyday scaffolding in areas like meal preparation, cooking, and financial management. We can be the example to others as we have been told: “You guys could serve as a model of support for others.”
Rather than living the "Great Society" narrative, as we get closer to living together in a roommate style together will be allowing us to ground our friendship in the daily rhythms of life, supporting one another’s routines, and building a shared life centered on mutual respect and ultimately faith and Jesus. It is a joy to turn our shared dreams into a shared reality. By having this lifelong plan, we remove the barrier and uncertainty about living arrangements.
Living with autism, we have faced unique challenges and perspectives. Our friendship has only strengthened as we navigate the world together, supporting each other and growing authentically along the way. Through communication, creativity, and connection, the possibilities for all of us are endless.
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