Autism Spectrum Disorder: Personal experiences beyond stereotypes and assumptions.

In celebration of Autism Awareness Day, these amazing people started off the interview series with responses to questions to living with autism, the things they are passionate, and what they wished people new about autism.

Shout out to @wonderfulRainbow817, @markx23 and @sunshinegiraffe123 for their time and effort❤️

wonderfulRainbow817:

Question 1: We understand that autism is a spectrum, and there is a wide variety in the type and severity of characteristics. What can you tell us about living with autism?

Answer: Living with Autism is a challenge at times. I was diagnosed when I was 8 but when I was 5 my parents first started noticing I had extreme anger issues, more than the average 5 year old. I was also super sensitive to lights and noises, but I wasn’t able to express that at the time. The thing that I struggle most with though is socializing with others. I have a hard time reading others’ emotions so I never know how to continue talking or I don’t get the sign to stop talking. Sometimes I respond to conversation in an abnormal way for most but for me it seems normal. I also lack maintaining eye contact.

Question 2: Why is Autism Awareness Day important to you?

Answer: Autism Awareness Day is important to me because it brings knowledge to others who may not know what Autism is or has a misconception of it. It’s a day where each of us can talk about each type/severity of Autism that affects us.

For example, some cannot work or talk as the average human being would with words. On the other hand, I personally have high functioning Asperger’s Syndrome where I can work, talk, and express myself. I am fortunate that I can do these things that are harder for others. Being able to bring awareness to our different types of Autism lets people see the people we are because we are much more than just a person with Autism. We are capable people, and even those who can’t communicate as well are still important and matter in the community.

Question 3: What annoying questions do people ask you about autism?

Answer: The number one question I hate that people ask is “Oh, so you can’t work and have to live at home with family right?” While that is what happens with some that’s not the case with everyone. Also, so what if that is the reality for some people? People who don’t have Autism face the same situation sometimes as well. It doesn’t make them any less of a person.

Question 4: Are there things you wish people understood more about living with autism?

Answer: I wish people understood that it’s ok to ask questions, as long as it is done politely. I’d rather people ask me questions about my Autism and understand me than not understand why I say or do some of the things I do.

Question 5: What are the things you struggle with as a person with autism?

Answer: I struggle with socializing due to the things I stated above about trying to figure out what someone else is feeling. Also, I am a very literal person so I do not get figurative of speeches very easily. For example, when I first heard the phrase “It’s raining cats and dogs” I was age 10 and literally looked up to the sky.

Question 6: What are you passionate about?

Answer: I love anything sports related. I also like volunteering and being a support for others, with and without Autism.

Question 7: How do you advocate for autism awareness? What is something you hope to achieve when it comes to autism awareness?

Answer: I do a monthly post on my social media handles to spread awareness about different topics of Autism to my friends and family. It helps them understand me better and even helps for communication to be better between myself and the others by knowing why someone like me does the things I do.

Question 8: Before we end this interview, what is one thing you want to say about people with autism?

Answer: I’d like to share this quote by Stephen Shore, “If you’ve met one individual with autism, you’ve met one individual with autism.” It doesn’t matter if someone else has the same missing genes or type/severity of autism. What they go through is different than what someone else with the same type goes through. Autism doesn’t make anyone less and if anything it should show that love doesn’t need words.

Are there any other things you would like to share with us?

The best resource I can provide is the person you know who has Autism. One can read up on how to best help but in reality the person is going to be able to tell you best how to best communicate with them and support them as they live with Autism.