🌿 This month is for Autism! It’s Autism Acceptance Month and today, the 2nd, it’s World Autism Day! This day means a lot to me. It’s officially the first year I feel like I can truly celebrate. Growing up not knowing I was autistic was very difficult. It unfortunately took almost 19 years to get a diagnosis, due to masking so well, but it changed my life.
I always felt like I couldn't fit in, that I didn't belong, that I was weird or different. I often blamed myself for things that I couldn't help doing. I put myself down and pushed myself beyond what I should have. When I learned about Autism I was literally in shock because of how much it described my life. I remember sobbing the first night me and my mom watched videos about it. Around a year or so later, I got an official diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. But it wasn't an easy process and there were many frustrations.
Most of my life I've been called the quiet, shy girl. But the truth is it's always been more then that--it's been autism. A neurodevelopmental condition. The diagnosis opened my eyes and was breathtaking. It touched my heart in ways I can't explain. It gave me a new hope and I actually felt understood and validated for the first time. It wasn't my fault after all.
All my thoughts of what Autism was changed. It's sad living in a world where stereotypes are pushed. Autism is more common in men, so often women are undiagnosed or told it's anxiety. Especially because we mask our symptoms so well. That's what happened to me. And I want to prevent that because us women deserve to have the support and accommodations we need to best succeed in life.
I want Autism to not only have awareness, but acceptance. Autism is a well known diagnosis. So this month is not so much about getting it out in the world, but bringing love, comfort, and acceptance to the lives that are effected by Autism.
Autism can be thought of as a disease or illness but that is far from the truth. It’s not a negative thing that we should get rid of. It is not a sickness that we are suffering from. It is a neurodevelopment difference. It means that our brain works in a different way then other people. It’s like we have another way of thinking. We view the world through different lenses.
Autism is something that comes along as a part of you. If you have it, then you were born with it. It’s apart of your brain chemistry that makes you you. It’s not a personality, but there are traits that people with Autism have in common. Some big examples are: difficulty in social interactions and communications, sensory issues, poor executive functioning, stimming, fixed routines & rituals, repetitive behaviors, masking, emotional regulation issues, and social anxiety.
The spectrum means that autism looks different person to person. It doesn't mean low or high functioning, worse or better. It is a way to describe the different strengths and weaknesses you could have specifically as an individual. All of us with Autism have similar traits but are also diverse to each other, making each person's experience unique.
Autism doesn’t need a cure because it is not something to be fixed and treated. But some with Autism like me, need extra help and support to do normal human things. Because being on the autism spectrum, comes with it’s own set of challenges. Like every person, autistic people have things they're good at as well as things they struggle with. For example… I can creatively focus well on one topic that I really like (obsessive interests), but I struggle with change and moving on from it. I’m also able to see the small details in life and find beauty in them.
People like me, that live with Autism can live a good fulfilling life. We might have limitations when things are too overwhelming, but that does not limit us as a person. We have just the same amount of capability as others have.
In a world of neurotypical, it can be hard to find my place. But it is a gift to be able to see and interpret the world differently. I’m just trying to be myself in places where I used to hide in. I’m proud to be neurodivergent. I’m proud to be autistic. And I’m so grateful to God for guiding me on this diagnosis journey. I’ve come to understand myself better in a really amazing way. Sending lots of love to those who relate. 💗
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