Etch's Secret

Dear Journal,

Today I went to visit Woody and Buzz in Andy’s room to see how Etch is doing. After a roaring match with Rex, who didn’t roar at all but did an ear-piercing Wilhelm Scream, I sat down with Woody on Andy’s bed to discuss why Etch can’t talk.

Woody told me that Etch has autism and is disabled, so he is non verbal, and only uses drawings to communicate. Like for instance during the time he set up the meeting during the day of Andy’s birthday party in the original Toy Story film, he forced Etch to draw a gun held by a cowboy, which meant he had extremely good talent indeed. Another time when Woody was being threatened because he shoved Buzz out the window, Etch drew a noose to express his anger.

Woody then went on to say that Andy knew a friend in school that has autism and doesn’t like loud noises and difficult tasks, but only uses an Etch like him to draw pictures to express himself. Like Etch, Andy’s friend, who is named William, is non verbal and uses drawings, sketches and doodles to communicate.

Then the toys had to get into position and I had to hide because Andy came in and took Etch downstairs, because William was coming over for a playdate. The toys and I waited for what felt like hours, until I hid again, for Andy was going to bed. Quickly I took Woody, Rex, Slinky and Hamm out of the room and told them how Etch progressed with William. Much to my surprise, Woody said that Andy has a pretty good side with kids in his class with autism.

Then I asked, “Are some of the toys in Andy’s room autistic?” to which Woody said, “We’ll never know.”