Chapter Two: The Elementary Era

Chapter Two: The Elementary Era

In this episode of Fighting Dragons, Topher Scott takes us on a nostalgic journey of his youth, focusing on his preschool through elementary school years. He regales us with vivid memories, ranging from observing a step stool in preschool to being jealous of a peer's milk allergy. He navigates through the joys of Christmas and the harsher realities of bullying, leaving us in awe of his candidness, strength, and immense resilience. He details his mother's intuition about his Autism, even before the doctors had named it and ends the episode on a heartening note of belonging and acceptance in the fifth grade. This episode showcases Scott's raw and poignant experiences of growing up with Autism.

Chapter One: The Early Years

In this episode of Fighting Dragons, Topher Scott guides listeners through his journey of living with Autism. Tracing his story to his parents' youthful marriage and his father's military enlistment, Topher shares about his early life feeling the potent bond of love within his family. Even as a child, his experience with Autism began to surface, especially when his parents divorced. Despite his struggles with social interactions, and emotional management, he also reminisces about the comfort he found in his grandfather, Uncle Steven, and a lifelong love for movies, with a special mention of Star Wars. Moving frequently due to his father's military career made it difficult for lasting friendships, teaching him the importance of self-reliance. Though difficult, Topher believes that his Autism, while presenting unique challenges, had a significant hand in shaping who he is today.