Thoughts from My Family:
A Few Words from Taylor’s Father
I’m happy that Taylor has put this website together. I think it’s a great way to show who Taylor is, where he’s been and where he is going in his life. His is a compelling story that I believe will be interesting and informative for anyone touched by autism in their lives. I’m happy to be contributing to it, offering my insights when I can.
First, though, I need to mention one thing: I’m not an expert on autism; I’m just a parent. I don’t pretend to have any answers and I’m certainly not touting a “cure” for a medical condition which no one fully understands. My own belief about autism is that it’s a series of disorders that manifest themselves so similarly they all end up having the same label. “Autism” means profoundly different things to different people, and with good reason.
Another thing I believe is that two individuals with the same “brand” of autism can be extraordinarily different because of the differences in their personalities. This website is about one personality: Taylor Crowe. Ever since Taylor learned how to express himself, he has been able to tell those around him surprising and insightful tales about what his form of autism… and his life… has been like. For those with an interest in autism, what he has to say is definitely worth hearing.
A Few Words from Taylor’s Mother
Being Taylor’s mother has taught me so much. One significant lesson as I act as an advocate for Taylor has been for me to trust my instincts.
After Taylor transitioned from that happy, verbal two-year old to a tantruming, sullen and non-verbal three year-old, his father and I first sought help from a pediatric psychiatrist. This physician’s immediate recommendation was for Taylor to be placed in a locked hospital pediatric psych ward for a week, with minimal contact with parents or family. I held such trust in physicians that it was a major step for me to trust my instincts above the physician and refuse this plan. We then sought help from other physicians and institutions whose interventions seemed more reasonable.
Later, when Taylor was of early grade school-age, a school administrator told me that a special class existed for language-disabled children and that he felt it would be perfect for Taylor. I observed the class at length and knew that this class was not where Taylor belonged. I had taken observational notes, and therefore supported my position at the IEP meeting.
When we encountered physicians, therapists, and teachers who would benefit Taylor, it didn’t take long for us to know… again, seemingly by instinct. That’s not to say that our path with Taylor has been perfect, but at least we have felt that we made the best decisions we could have at the time.
Perhaps “instinct” is not exactly what I mean; perhaps I should have said that I trust my heart.
A Few Words from Taylor’s Stepmother
I really can’t begin to describe the happiness Taylor has brought to my life and family. He was two years old when I first met him. Watching him grow up has been fascinating.
Taylor’s dad David and I were married in 1996, a joyful blessing to me because I’d always wanted a house full of children. Taylor and his younger brother Austin, along with my son Adam, created a wonderful family. When David and I married, Taylor’s family grew more than he realized because he instantly had new aunts, uncles, cousins, and two additional grandparents! This turned out to be a blessing for Taylor because he suddenly had a huge family to cheer him on and celebrate every accomplishment, large and small.
Our family has unique dynamics. All three boys kept us very busy as they were growing up, and it was always fun to see what was going to happen next. Now that they’re adults, I know they feel the kind of connection only brothers have. I’d like to think that what I’ve contributed to Taylor’s life is a strong sense of family and the value of unconditional love. Taylor continues to surprise and delight me on a daily basis. He makes me very proud.
You’ll notice that I haven’t used the word autism in these comments. One of our family members mentioned this to me as I was writing this, and the reason is simple: I’ve treated Taylor with exactly the same love and expectations I’ve had for his two brothers. Taylor is Taylor, one of three unique siblings, part of a great family.
My Perspective about Growing Up with Taylor
by Adam Baron, stepbrother
When I was about four years old my Mom and Taylor’s Dad started dating, and I began spending more and more time around Taylor. For the first few years I never knew anything was different about Taylor. I knew he’d go to different therapists throughout the week but I was unaware about why he was going or what he was doing with the therapists.
I remember the day I actually noticed something was different about Taylor: I was seven years old, Taylor’s brother Austin was nine, and Taylor was eleven. Taylor, Austin and I were playing outside my Mom’s apartment. I don’t remember exactly what happened, but I asked Austin “What’s wrong with Taylor?” Austin got really angry with the question and ran inside to tell on me. I had no idea what was going on. From that day forward, my view of Taylor changed.
As the three of us continued to grow up, our parents got married and we all moved into the same house. I think it’s interesting that Taylor and I have always gotten along very well and I’ve never had the “sibling issues” many brothers and sisters of children with autism have. I think this is because I’m an only child and have always had the opportunity to spend quality time with my Dad and my Mom. I’ve never felt neglected in the way some siblings of children with autism do.
When I was a teenager and my friends started coming over to the house, Taylor was always the first person I introduced them to. We did lots of stuff together. Most of my good friends became Taylor’s friends, too. For me “Taylor was always Taylor.” It’s who he is, and I’ve always tried to help him in any way he needs. I know I’ll do this until I physically can’t do it any longer.
Hiking in Big Bend National Park, Texas
December 2009
Some Comments from Taylor's Aunt and Uncle
I am Missy’s sister Cheri, Taylor’s aunt by marriage.
I come from a very close family, we’ve always loved each other unconditionally. When David and his children became part of our family we had three more individuals to share this wonderful life we’ve been blessed with.
My grandmother, Gladys Bowlin, has always told our family that God NEVER makes mistakes, so it’s always been clear to me that the Crowes came into our family for special reasons. David has been a wonderful brother-in-law, Austin a fun-loving nephew and Taylor an inspirational wonder. Our family has learned much about life from their family and our family has shared the meaning of unconditional love with them: together our circle has been completed.
Each member of our family has special talents and purposes. One of Taylor’s talents just happens to be art and one of his purposes just happens to be autism. David and Taylor have made sure that Taylor’s experiences with autism give hope, and answer questions, for other families living with similar situations
Though he may be a well-known and talented autistic person to some, to me he’s just my sweet nephew. We’ve truly been blessed just by knowing Taylor. Cheri Landgraf
We're Taylor's aunt and uncle through Missy's marriage to Taylor's father, so I first met Taylor when he was nine years old.
I had a prior assumption about autism that was without foundation. Taylor is very genuine and loving. Taylor’s conversation always involves succinct remarks and an inquisitive innocence.
I’ve learned this from Taylor: think before speaking, especially when talking to people with autism. Taylor takes things at face value and very literally. He brings joy, humor, and knowledge to any conversation (sometimes just bringing him into the conversation is the most important thing). While watching Taylor it’s evident that his mind is constantly turning: he has so much to offer and much to share.
I’m glad that a part of my life involves Taylor. I’ve enjoyed watching him grow into a respectable, fun-loving individual. I’m particularly proud of how he addresses his autism and wants to share his life and what he has learned with others in order to make their lives and their families’ lives better. Luke Landgraf
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