Seby has a remarkable gift for recall—often described as photographic memory. Ask him about any Disney movie he knows, and he can recount the storyline, characters, and even small details with astonishing accuracy.

While “photographic memory” is often portrayed as an absolute ability, it’s more accurate to think of it as a spectrum of memory skills. Some individuals, like Seby, naturally lean toward the high end of that spectrum, displaying extraordinary recall that feels almost photographic.

This unique strength is a powerful reminder that every person on the autism spectrum brings their own talents and perspectives—Seby’s memory is one of the ways he shines

Seby’s favorite childhood movie was Snow Dogs (2002), a family comedy starring Cuba Gooding Jr. as a Miami dentist who inherits a team of rambunctious sled dogs in Alaska. 

Growing up, he watched that movie again and again, fascinated by the snowy wilderness, the bond between humans and dogs, and the adventure of sled racing. 

Ryan Redington, the winner of the 2023 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. 

Meeting Ryan Redington in person made that movie come alive for him. For Seby, it wasn’t just a day trip—it was stepping into a world he had imagined since childhood. 

Seby has always had a deep love of animals and a natural curiosity about the world. Knowing this, I took him on an adventure to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a place where the animals live in habitats that reflect their natural surroundings. Sebby was fascinated by the bears, wolves, and moose, and he connected instantly with the energy of the place.

To help him carry the memory home, we picked out a shirt together—something he still wears proudly as a reminder of the day. For Seby, that shirt isn’t just clothing; it’s a symbol of courage, adventure, and the joy of discovering new places.