What misconceptions do people have about autism that you’ve encountered?
How did the close people in your life help you develop a positive autistic identity?
What is the best way to make someone more aware of, more sensitive to, or more understanding of people on the spectrum?
It starts with getting to know people on the spectrum and asking them to speak in their local communities. Countless groups are starting ‘monologue events’ where people on the spectrum can share about their stories in an open forum to enlighten others.
What mistakes do autism advocates make?
Who is your best ally? Why?
My best allies are my mom and dad. They were two of my greatest advocates growing up and they helped shape me to become an international motivational speaker, best-selling author, non-profit founder and film consultant today. I will always be thankful for everything they’ve done for me. For example, in 5th grade every day they drove me 40 minutes to an out-of-district school for students with learning disabilities. Also, when I was diagnosed with autism at 4, they took me to every therapy session to support me all the way till I was 19. They truly made a difference for me and my life, and I couldn’t be more thankful.
