Sarah Stanley

Jimmy

Jimmy: My Superhero, My Son, and His Autism Superpower

From the moment Jimmy came into my life, I knew he was special. But as he grew, I started noticing little things—things that made him different from other children his age. He didn’t always meet my gaze when I spoke to him. Words didn’t come as easily for him as they did for others, and when he was around new people, he preferred to stay in his own world rather than engage. Change was hard for him, and when things didn’t go as expected, it could lead to a meltdown that felt impossible to soothe.

At first, I didn’t fully understand. I worried. I questioned whether I was doing enough. But as time passed and I learned more about autism, I began to see the beauty in the way Jimmy experiences the world. His mind works in incredible ways, and his passions shine through in ways that amaze me every single day.

Football: Jimmy’s Escape, His Passion, His Gift

One of the most incredible things about Jimmy is his love for football. It’s not just a hobby—it’s his thing. He watches, he studies, and he just knows what to do. It’s as if the game speaks to him in a way that words sometimes can’t. While life’s social rules can be confusing, football makes sense. The structure, the strategy, the movement—it all clicks for him in a way that is simply breathtaking to watch.

But that doesn’t mean it’s always smooth sailing. When something doesn’t go the way he expects—like a call he doesn’t agree with—his emotions can take over. I’ll never forget his first-ever yellow card. It wasn’t just a moment in a game for him; it was a huge thing. Days passed before he could fully process it, before he could accept that sometimes in football (and in life), judgments are made that we don’t always understand or agree with. And for Jimmy, that’s tough. But he keeps going. He keeps learning. And with every game, every challenge, he shows just how strong and determined he truly is.

Autism: Understanding, Not Changing

For a long time, people have talked about autism as something that needs to be “fixed” or “managed.” But here’s the truth: autism isn’t something to be cured—it’s something to be understood and embraced. Jimmy doesn’t need to change to fit the world; the world needs to learn how to accommodate and celebrate kids like him.

Yes, he struggles with change. Yes, communication can be difficult. Yes, meltdowns happen when things become overwhelming. But that doesn’t mean he’s less—it means he experiences life in a way that is uniquely his own. And that is something to be cherished, not feared.

Jimmy: My Superhero

If you ask me who my superhero is, I won’t name a comic book character or a celebrity. It’s Jimmy. Every single day, he faces challenges most people don’t even think about. And every single day, he overcomes them in his own way. His brain is wired differently, but that difference is his strength, not his weakness.

So, to every parent walking this journey—know that you are not alone. The early days of uncertainty, the struggles, the meltdowns, the moments when you wonder if your child will find their way—they are all part of this path. But so are the breakthroughs, the victories, and the moments of pure, unfiltered joy when you realize just how incredible your child is.

Jimmy, you are my heart, my joy, and my superhero. I wouldn’t change a single thing about you. Because you, just as you are, are exactly who you’re meant to be.

#AutismAwareness #MySuperhero #AutismAcceptance #FootballIsHisLanguage

Why I’m Walking for Autism: For Jimmy I’m walking for autism — not just for awareness, but for understanding, support, and hope. And most importantly, I’m walking for Jimmy. Jimmy is someone who can light up a room with his smile. He’s full of love — th

Walk for Autism is a fundraising challenge run by Autism Initiatives Group. Autism Initiatives Group is working towards a world where every autistic person has the support they need to thrive, every opportunity to fulfil their potential and a supportive, inclusive community to live in.

I'll be walking a total of 10,000 steps a day 26th March and 2nd April to raise money for this charity.

Any donation big or small is greatly appreciated 😊