Hi, it’s me in here.
My mom is holding my letter board.
I touch each letter while my body tries to fight me.
Noise.
So much noise in this world.
Simply to point requires incredible motor control.
“Keep going!” I tell myself.
My mind is fully alive.
My heart is full of hope.
I will not stop.
April is Autism Acceptance Month.
How far we have come!
Letter boards.
Spelling to communicate.
College opportunities for minimally-speaking Autistics like myself.
The future is bright, my friends.
However, there is more work to be done.
So many misconceptions about Autistic life.
Let me set the record straight.
I listen and understand.
I feel immensely.
I don’t need to look you in the eye to hear you.
When I am in motion, I am still with you.
Stimming is my release from stress. It also simply makes me happy.
I really love my life.
I am proud of who I am.
As I reflect on this month, I feel T Swift is on to something.
Shake it off, peeps.
Shake off the stares.
Shake off the naysayers.
Shake off the negativity in our world.
Love. Listen. Understand. Change.
Love more.
Listen to understand.
Understanding leads to change.
Change is happening.
Still more work to be done.
Who’s with me?