Hey Arnold: I Promise You That

Autism - What It Means To Me? (Written by Sarah Shortman) (Extra Chapter)

According to the Oxford Dictionary, Autism is a mental condition which can include having difficulties of communicating and forming relationships. However, these are only words.

The Oxford Dictionary doesn't tell us how people see and embrace Autism. In my opinion, it is gift and not a label. A condition, yes, but it's never a curse.

1 in every 150 people in the world have Autism: that's about 0.667% of the world's population - but I'm no good at Maths: so, I could be wrong. What I'm not wrong about is how my Autism has changed my life.

Autism can be challenging not just for families and friends but for individuals too. Sudden changes, and diversions, feeling over-sensitive to noise or learning to travel all by themselves; these are the things that children and adults on the spectrum go through every day. Sometimes, attempting to mask their anxiety or a meltdown can be difficult. I heard stories of how many are being judged and bullied, everywhere they go and it leaves them feeling isolated, frightened or very upset.

I was a person who always gets bullied; first in the school playground, then on the streets as I would walk to the local hospital or Kensington Gardens. It made me very vulnerable and all I wanted to do was to shut myself away from the world. Luckily, I had friends to help me get through it all. They listened to me and treated me like a human being instead of a label.

When I'm feeling sad or guilty of my Autism, I always take the time to think and find ways to make me feel better. A close friend of mine taught me a little trick by imagining a spell out:

A: Acceptance: am I self-accepting myself? If not, why?

U: Understand: I am understanding the world around me? I am understanding the feelings inside me?

T: Trust: do I trust myself to complete a task or to make conversation?

I: Identity: What's the story behind me? What's the story that's in front of me? Is it the people around me or is it only me?

S: Say: say how you feel. Are you happy or are you not happy today?

M: Mighty: Remind yourself how you strong you are. You are mighty - you can do anything.

It's true - anyone can do anything.

Before I learnt how to self-accept, I felt alone. Now, I see the world very differently. I don't feel invisible and isolated anymore; instead, I feel accepted and loved. My world is inclusive and I feel very happy but know not everybody is lucky.

However, there are ways that you can help someone who is on the Autistic spectrum. You can help them with certain tasks or when they are feeling upset. You can include them in groups or you can have a conversation with them.

The world is continuing to change, so why not start? Autism awareness is continuing to grow and I have a feeling that it will never ever stop.

I'm Autistic and I am proud. 💖