Have you ever spent hours, days, or even months placing pieces of a puzzle together to match the picture on the box? One could describe life as a complex puzzle. In our youth, we have ideas about life's outlook and aspire to our many dreams. Every day, we put pieces together, move them, turn them, and occasionally learn there is a piece that does not belong. For the last 40 years, Matt has been putting together his puzzle. Recently, with the turning of another decade, Matt reflected on his recent struggles and triumphs.
Matt has been a part of The Arc since he was sixteen years old. At that time, he was participating in an afterschool recreational program. Twenty-four years later, The Arc remains an important piece of Matt’s life. Today, Matt participates in The Arc’s Family Support and Recreation, Community Based Day Supports, Day Habilitation, and Residential Programs. A significant step for Matt was moving into a group home readied with supports to help him live as independently as possible. By living in his community, Matt's many relationships continue to flourish. Matt enjoys spending time with his family, girlfriend, friends, and local legislators. According to Matt, he should run for mayor because of the number of people he knows. Who knows, maybe one day he will. Matt also participates in several sports, including baseball, basketball, swimming, bowling, and even dancing. To add to Matt's athletic abilities, last April, Matt completed the Running for Opportunity 5K event! With all this enrichment, Matt's puzzle was coming together.
Despite seeing Matt thrive in many ways, his family believed something was still missing. Matt exhibited unexplained behaviors and with support from The Arc, his family advocated for further medical evaluations. After many years of remaining patient, Matt and his family finally received an answer; Matt is on the Autism Spectrum. This diagnosis would be a crucial piece of his puzzle and allow Matt’s support team to understand his behaviors and mannerisms entirely. After putting this piece in place, Matt, his family, and his team at The Arc can collaborate on strategies to help Matt live his best life. Every day, Matt continues to shape his puzzle to match his needs, goals, and dreams with The Arc always by his side.