MARCUS L. BOYD: Changing The Narrative of Life with Autism

What do you do when you discover that your beloved child or sibling has autism? The weight of this diagnosis can be crushing, leaving families and caregivers feeling confused and alone. However, the story does not end there. VBD Magazine introduces Marcus Leonardo Boyd, international autism activist: a beacon of hope and a voice for the voiceless.

In Marcus’s view, the unique nature and design of a person with autism are woven by God for a beautiful purpose. As someone who has faced immense pain, suffering, and misunderstanding, Marcus’s journey is a powerful testament to faith and resilience. He knew that God was preparing him for something, but he didn’t know what. Now, he confidently shares with VBD Magazine how his challenges helped him uncover his purpose and understand the man God wants him to be.

Early Life Struggles with Autism

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised between Atlanta and Brooklyn, New York, Marcus was diagnosed with autism at the age of ten. His childhood was marked by severe mental and physical abuse, poverty, abandonment, bullying, and depression. He describes his biological father, Big Tommy, as “the first monster under his bed”, a man who refused to acknowledge Marcus as his own child due to his autistic struggles. In a community unaware of autism, Marcus’s non-verbal communication until the age of 14, sensory issues, constant rocking, and difficulty using the bathroom were not recognized as signs of autism. Because of this, he was sorely rejected by his family and his wider community. Homeless at age seven, Marcus survived by eating out of dumpsters and sleeping in abandoned homes, eventually transitioning through numerous foster homes.

A Turning Point of Love and Patience

Marcus’s life began to change when he moved in with his maternal grandmother. In her home, he had two choices: go to church or get a job. Since he was too young to work, church became his second home, though at first, he would run around yelling and distracting others. His discerning grandmother had a plan, however. She enlisted the help of her friend, the church organist, to teach Marcus how to play the organ and be his babysitter during church services. He recounts with a chuckle that his grandmother could finally praise God in peace.

Initially, Marcus was difficult, refusing to sit still or follow the organist’s directions. But Marcus fondly tells us, “His patience and his love for me as a human being were key factors that I really appreciated about him.” Through the love and support of his grandmother and the church community, Marcus began to encounter the love of Jesus, which radically changed his life and shifted the trajectory of his painful childhood. Marcus expresses, “I was a non-verbal fat kid that was living in the projects, so I didn’t know I was going to be the man that I am today…I’m glad God allowed me to go through all that I went through, because I can use my testimony for His glory.”