02-22-2006, 12:32 PM
Matthew Ross is not like most boys. Sure the 14-year-old likes sports, but how many kids collect politician's autographs like baseball cards? And how many boys chat online with the Governor everyday?
But what really makes Matthew different than his classmates is that he's autistic. And that's not easy when you are a teen-age boy trying to fit in.
Matthew Ross, Odessa:
"One time they shoved my head down a toilet, the second one they poured food on me."
But Matthew doesn't let his autism stand in his way.
Susan Ross, Matthew's Mom:
"I mean he's come home and cried a couple of times, or he gets upset. But it hasn't stopped him. He continues to go along which is cool."
For the past 5 years, Matthew has been taking his message of perseverance to audiences in the Washington, DC and other cities around the country. He also tells those he meets, that it's OK to be different.
Matthew Ross, Odessa:
"My message to them is to be nice to people, even if you don't like them."
For his work, Matthew is being recognized by the non-profit group Yes I Can. In April, Matthew will be one of just 27 people recognized by the group for his efforts to prove people can overcome disabilities.
It's an impressive award for a boy who says maybe, just maybe he'd someday like to be President.
Preston Rudie, Tampa Bay's 10 News
But what really makes Matthew different than his classmates is that he's autistic. And that's not easy when you are a teen-age boy trying to fit in.
Matthew Ross, Odessa:
"One time they shoved my head down a toilet, the second one they poured food on me."
But Matthew doesn't let his autism stand in his way.
Susan Ross, Matthew's Mom:
"I mean he's come home and cried a couple of times, or he gets upset. But it hasn't stopped him. He continues to go along which is cool."
For the past 5 years, Matthew has been taking his message of perseverance to audiences in the Washington, DC and other cities around the country. He also tells those he meets, that it's OK to be different.
Matthew Ross, Odessa:
"My message to them is to be nice to people, even if you don't like them."
For his work, Matthew is being recognized by the non-profit group Yes I Can. In April, Matthew will be one of just 27 people recognized by the group for his efforts to prove people can overcome disabilities.
It's an impressive award for a boy who says maybe, just maybe he'd someday like to be President.
Preston Rudie, Tampa Bay's 10 News