What If We Were a Bit More Like Dylan?

Written by Dylan’s mom, Amy Shope

There’s a special kind of peace that settles over us when we’re at the lake with our sweet Dylan.

No distractions.

No phones.

No noise.

Just us—together.

If you have been following our story, then you may know that my 24-year-old son has severe autism. While there are daily challenges that come with that, there is also profound beauty in the way he sees the world. Dylan doesn’t care about social media. He doesn’t chase likes or followers. He doesn’t compare his life to anyone else’s highlight reel. What he wants—what he values—is so simple: your time, your attention, your presence.

Last night I found myself wondering…

What if we were more like Dylan?

What if we put down our phones?

What if we stopped scrolling and started showing up for each other?

What if our days weren’t consumed with proving or performing, but simply being?

Dylan reminds me that life doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. He is kind. He is content. He doesn’t need more—he just needs us. His most favorite things are simple pleasures.

There is something incredibly grounding about watching him at the lake. When it’s just us—no schedules, no distractions—he is calm, joyful, and fully present. And honestly, so am I.

It’s in those quiet, unfiltered moments that I remember what really matters.

Not the chaos. Not the endless to-do list.

But connection. Simplicity. Love.

So today, I challenge you—what if you were more like Dylan?

What if you slowed down and gave someone your full attention?

What if you let go of the noise and embraced the calm?  What if you got excited by simple things (for Dylan, that's chips, bagel bites, his family, golf cart rides and walks)

We all have something to learn from him. And I feel lucky every single day that he’s my teacher.

I love you more than life, Dylan.