Of Normal People and Geniuses

Suresh is an average kid. His medical reports may prove otherwise. We may refer to it as autism, but to me Suresh seems just like the rest of us.

He may ask you to sing the lyrics of a song (that’s been stuck in his head for months) over and over again every time he sees you (“ahaa Ma-dha-ni-qua”, it's probably African, totally rad right?) and he doesn’t always follow a conversation, or even pay attention to it. Nevertheless, Suresh has a memory of a mammoth! After a five minute conversation with him he would have got your name, address, flat number, phone number and even car number by heart! If that’s not genius I don’t know what is! As far as paying attention is concerned, I’m sure he’s not following a conversation simply because he’s got a lot of deeper thoughts running through his mammoth sized mind. I’ve always wondered though, what must he be thinking of so much? Probably just more numbers and equations.

Only a handful of geniuses have the ability to disconnect themselves from the world and allow themselves to think. Emily Dickinson, Einstein, Thomas Jefferson, Mozart, Marie Curie, Jane Austen and Van Gogh to name only a few. Yes, all of them were Autistic too. That, however, has never defined them.

I’m glad Suresh is at the ranks of some of the greatest humans to walk the planet. It’s sad, however, that the rest of the world doesn’t see it that way. Yes, he might get on your nerves with all the forced singing and the loud unnecessary noises. But hey, everybody has struggles to overcome every day, everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. I’m sure what Suresh goes through is much more complicated.

Nevertheless, he’s a happy chap, not affected by those who tease him, scare him or are scared by him. Facing most difficulties with a smile and always cheery, a joy to be around and an inspiration to all. So that’s Suresh: my super genius and completely normal friend.




P.S.
I've changed his name up there.
I had written this last year because his mum asked if I would write something since it was Autism Awareness Week. However, I was hoping the internet would make sure he is remembered throughout the year and not just for one lousy week.