Finally Free

Hi United Rocks. I’m Noah Simmons, a non-speaking autistic climber from Bethesda, MD. I want you all to know climbing saved my life.I truly mean that. I spent almost 15 years silent. My mouth cannot vocalize words. I can think them, I understand everything, but my mouth is offline.The world thought I was dumb.There isn’t a nicer way to say that.Few people could see the real me.Even fewer just accepted me as I was.The wall did both without hesitation, without proof.I have been asked to share my story.I would also like to help tell yours.I’ll start by sharing a piece...