Hey! Did you know about World Autism Awareness Day? April 2nd is a day to celebrate those with autism. About 1 in 100 children are found to have autism and about 40% don’t talk. There is no cure but there is treatment to make it easier to live with. Autism isn’t a bad thing; it could even be seen as a superpower!
Here’s a bit of my story! I have autism and even after five years since my diagnosis, I’m still trying to accept it.
It’s impacted me in many ways. For a few years, roughly between ages 3 and 5, I was considered to have selective mutism because I refused to talk to anyone outside of my family. It made it hard when I started school. Now, some people won’t even believe that I used to be selective mute because I can talk so much at times and have a good sense of humour! Throughout school, it made it a bit harder to learn because I would have to be taught a different way to everyone else most of the time. I don’t always understand things in the way neurotypical people do, AND that’s okay!
I always thought I was dumber than everyone else because of my autism but I’m coming to realise that I'm not. My brain just works differently and I see and understand things differently. It’s just a part of who I am as a neurodivergent person.
I also know I miss social cues! That’s always been a tough one to come across but certainly one that I've noticed is pretty impossible to avoid. So over the years, I have been trying to learn about social cues. And yes, I'm still learning, but I am slowly getting there!
I have also noticed that a reason being autistic is good is because it makes me remember certain things easily that most people can’t remember. For example, I have realised I am very good at remembering ages, birthdays, and random dates. Heck, I can still remember the exact dates I moved to and from Australia. I was 8 and 13! I am also quite good at remembering how to spell and say things. Fun fact: I could write at least 20 words by the time I turned 3, including grandma and grandad!
Anyways, that’s enough about me and my autism. I want to hear your guys' stories on living with autism! It’s an amazing thing to have. It shouldn’t be seen as negative. We neurodivergent people are capable of amazing things! Have you seen 'The Good Doctor'? It focuses on a surgical resident who has autism and, from my understanding, he is amazing!
Neurodivergent people, it’s our time to show the world what we’re capable of!
Keep fighting,
You’ve got this!
-Zara
Voices of Hope wants you to know that you do not have to do this alone. Click here to 'find help' - it's not weak to speak!