I’ve never seen anyone express as much joy cleaning their home as Matt Resnik. While I doubt he actually enjoys the loud vacuuming or quiet dusting, he certainly values checking things off his list.
From doing laundry and emptying the dishwasher or trash to cleaning all the counters and doorhandles, Matt meticulously advances through each step with confidence, earnestness—and a smile.
Routines and practice over the past several years are paying dividends—not only for Matt, but for his parents and family, too.
We find great joy in knowing how much he loves his independent life at First Place–Phoenix, which includes hanging out in his rocking chair, and watching videos and listening to music whenever he wants. Or helping himself to a bowl of popcorn at all hours (crumbs don’t lie!) and nightly reading with Grammy. And he loves playing Scrabble, Mario Kart and air hockey with friends who teach him new techniques and cheer him on.
Matt’s days are filled with his SMILE Biscotti business, where he’s learning new skills like navigating transportation, entering data and making sales calls with coworkers. He also volunteers each week at the Heard Museum, where he has mastered the library filing system. Wherever he goes, Matt constantly shows us the ways he works at overcoming the myriad challenges of autism as he also teaches us about kindness—and how to listen with our ears, eyes and hearts.
While we don’t know what Matt dreams about at night, as parents we do know we’re living the dream while he confidently continues to build a more joyful, independent life outside of our family home with friends, a supportive community—and a smile.
Lately, Matt has hailed Waymo One, an autonomous ride-hailing service operating in Phoenix, to deliver biscotti to SMILE’s local retail clients. With Waymo, Matt can get around Phoenix independently without relying on any other person to drive him.
“Matt is packaging biscotti, he is delivering biscotti, he is learning how to navigate transportation, and for the first time in his life, is able to learn how to do this more independently,” Denise said of Waymo One.
View the full article at Let’s Talk Autonomous Driving
COVID-19 turned our world upside down, forcing us to rethink and redo our days, homes, workplaces—and all the spaces in between.
Matt’s maternal grandmother, Grammy Patti, could no longer volunteer as a reader to second and third graders. Matt’s SMILE Biscotti business took a big dip and his repertoire of activities was reduced. What happened next was a blessing as this special duo discovered a whole new dimension to their relationship that continues to this day.
Every night at 8 p.m. sharp, Matt FaceTimes with Grammy from his First Place–Phoenix apartment to read a few chapters together from books she chooses based on his interests. She always purchases two—one for him, one for her. Once completed, they often gift their books to others.
Matt has read more chapter books these past few years than he has in his entire life (he turns 32 this summer). While we still can’t be sure just how much he understands beyond his reciting the words, he obviously finds unfettered joy in his nightly reading dates with Grammy. He also gets to select who reads first. Troubleshooting is also part of the process. Instead of Matt abruptly hanging up after concluding a chapter, they now count “1, 2, 3!” together and blow kisses before ending the call.
Grammy takes her responsibility and commitment seriously, knowing how much Matt counts on her—and how much this treasured time with her beloved grandson means to her, too. She’s taken Matt’s FaceTime call from the quiet corner of a theater lobby, the passenger seat of a car—and even in the ladies’ room! Our entire family has been deeply touched by this endearing ritual. What’s good for Matt and Grammy is good for us all!
Craving for a biscotti now? Stop by these fine establishments.
