“As I grew up, I wondered why things like social interactions were struggles for me. Then, I was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome.”
“Asperger’s enhances our perception of life – the cons, but also the pros. I’ve always had a sense of humor and have never given up on my hobbies like juggling or piano playing – and I also never gave up on simply being nice to others the best I could. If there’s one thing I learned from being teased is how much it hurts. Having autism, that feeling is enhanced – I can’t forget those things that happened in the past. I don’t have a photographic memory, but I remember a lot of stuff that happened, and I don’t want other people to feel that.”
“I’ve also applied my memory to the things I enjoy – like learning about the Constitution and the presidents of the United States. I feel proud of being raised in a patriotic household and going to a patriotic school. That’s why I’m interested in wanting to conserve what America was founded on.”
“I’ve studied the Constitution thoroughly and it gave me a greater appreciation of what the founding fathers put together – the democratic republic and popular sovereignty. It’s a nation where we have a voice, and I admire that.”
“In this day and age, people are impatient and just want their agenda to be implemented. But, disagreements are inevitable.”
“There are a lot of people in this country, and each person has a background, a family history and their own ideology. Just have conversations, take everything without bias, consider the points made and try to come up with a solution.”
Matthew Kenslow
Costa Mesa, California
Matthew Kenslow is an advocate for those who, like him, are living with Asperger’s Syndrome. He is working towards bringing people together to find creative solutions for the challenges America faces and preserving Constitutional values.
