Autism affects 1 in 110 children and 1 in 70 boys in the United States, alone. The syndrome remains a complete mystery as the cause(s) is yet to be discovered and there is still no known cure. Even within the autistic community, there is division as to whether autism is a result of nature, nurture, or a mixture of the two. Still, most “autistic families” while harboring their own opinions on these matters, are more concerned with giving their children better opportunities and improving their overall life. It is one of these families whom I came to know in the summer of 2009.
Maggie and Kit Hessel have done everything in their power to give their twin boys Christian and Cole the most “normal” life possible. The Hessels are no more demanding of the twins than other parents and they remain positive and encouraging through their sons’ gradual, albeit slower, development. Nonetheless, the Hessel twins are nonverbal, speaking in utterances and disjointed sign language. They do not always play with toys appropriately and often seem as though they live in their own world, with their own language. Even so, Maggie and Kit have remained patient and optimistic with their boys and their slower development.
I began working with the Hessels out of pure curiosity: I wanted to know if Christian and Cole knew what the other was thinking like many other identical twins or if, like the rest of the world, they could not understand the utterances the other was making. Yet, the more I worked with the family, the less this mattered. It was the complicated interactions and the mechanics of daily routines that most interested me. Accommodating the special needs of the twins has affected their household as well as those who know and love the Hessel family. My photographs are an effort to show the family’s everyday struggles so others might better understand them and appreciate the complexity of their lives.
Although autism can present itself in varying degrees, it is ultimately a disorder which impacts the entire family. Thus, “Christian + Cole” is an attempt to present a few of the realities of living with autism. Christian and Cole live with their circumstances with the support and strength of their parents. While they are individuals deserving of individual attention and affection, one can better recognize and appreciate their unique personalities when they are together.
I cannot thank those who helped and guided me through this project enough, especially the Hessel family. You accepted me as part of your family; your kindness and generosity were not taken for granted. Watching the boys grow has been an honor, and for that I am eternally grateful.