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The Daily Orange'I am not human to them'
Hesham Khater communicates through a computer due to his autism. His parents look to religion to help their son overcome obstacles he faces
By Adeniyi Amadou
Posted: 10/21/08, 3:20 AM EST Section: Feature
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It looks like a typical family house in any affluent neighborhood of Syracuse.
As the loose screen door swings open, the living room appears with family portraits overlooking the Persian rug and overstuffed couches. Sitting on the couch are Mohamed Khater, his wife Magda Bayoumi and their oldest son Hesham.
Hesham is autistic.
His mouth open, Hesham stares vacantly into space. His two younger brothers, Ashraf and Ahmed watch him type on a small computer with the help of his mother as she gently guides his right wrist.
This is how he communicates. Hesham cannot speak. An empty gaze and a frozen grin accompany each movement he attempts.
But for his parents, both Syracuse University alumni, it is important he stays active and continues to learn.
Hesham graduated from Syracuse's Corcoran High School in 2005, his father said pointing proudly at the graduation picture on a nearby table.
Hesham started taking classes at SU last fall. But he wasn't able to continue this semester because he and his family have yet to find someone to help him get around campus every day.
"I need to go back to school," Hesham writes on his computer. "Please find someone for me."
As difficult as autism can be, Hesham and his family have something that lightens the load: faith.
"Our faith is bigger than the pain," Mohamed said.
Hardship, Mohamed added, is a test from God.
The truth, he said, is no training could have prepared his wife and sons for the struggle with autism he's faced, but their faith took on an extra dimension after Hesham was diagnosed with autism.
"We always had faith as Muslims," Mohamed said. "It's coming from Allah. Everything happens for a reason.
"I told (Magda) we must accept what Allah gives us. God is testing us with this. Instead of saying, 'Why us?' We have to say 'Hamdulillah,' thank God, because everything that comes from God is good. It's hard on him, because people don't think he's intelligent."
As his father spoke, Hesham's eyes filled with tears. And as he rocked his body with frustration and gasped for breath, Mohamed rubbed Hesham's back gently.
Suddenly, Hesham got up and nervously paced the flour, gasping, with a helpless grin on his face. Eventually, he crawled back between his parents onto the couch.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
Tom Brown, S.U. Class of '68
posted 10/21/08 @ 5:42 AM EST
A beautifully written story. Thank you for bring this to us.
Lynn Bushnell '72
posted 10/21/08 @ 8:40 AM EST
This is an example of the best college journalism to be found in the country. Compelling reading. Great work.
Sari Signorelli
posted 10/21/08 @ 11:23 AM EST
Your story illustrates journalism at its best, you've opened a window into a world readers might never have had the chance to view. I hope it opens opportunities for Hesham. (Continued…)
CalifCuse
posted 10/21/08 @ 7:17 PM EST
Well written; a quality article to be proud of. Good job!
Gerry
posted 10/22/08 @ 1:40 PM EST
Thank you for this article, Syracuse should be proud of the services that it offers. What a wonderful family! Many people have [in comparison] minor difficulties of this sort, struggle in the moment and fear for the future of their children. (Continued…)
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