The Joy of Puzzle Solving for My Autistic Sister
I have a younger sister named Jessica who is 14 years old and has autism. She has loved completing puzzles for as long as I can remember. When we were little, our parents bought us easy puzzles to do together, but I immediately realized she was way better than me. She would put in endless hours of work until each piece was put in its proper place, remembering where every piece would fit into the puzzle.
As time went on, Jessica's puzzles grew more and more challenging. I looked on in amazement as she attempted 500-piece puzzles, then 1000-piece puzzles, and finally a 3000-piece puzzle, a gift from a family friend. It was about twice as big as any puzzle she had ever worked on, so I wasn't sure she was prepared, but Jessica was adamant.
During our spring break, I remember finding Jessica in the middle of her puzzle. She had spread it out on the dining room table, and the pieces seemed to pile up endlessly. But she was working on it with such determination and focus that it was hard not to be impressed. Every time I went to check up on her at the table, she had made noticeable progress. Piece by piece, the puzzle was coming together.
Jessica’s work in progress
I’ll never forget the day she finished the puzzle. As she put in the last pieces, a smile spread across her face and she let out a triumphant cheer. I'll never forget the look of joy and accomplishment on her face as she stood up from the table, arms raised in triumph. My parents and I celebrated with her, taking pictures and praising her for her incredible achievement.
Even today, I still look back on that moment with a smile. Jessica's knack for puzzles is more than just a hobby— it's proof of her perseverance and incredible spirit. She has taught me that no challenge is too big if you're willing to work hard and believe in yourself. And that, to me, is the true power of puzzles.
Jessica’s 2999-piece puzzle
Just FYI there’s a missing piece in the picture above but she found it two weeks later in her room!
