Hello, fellow readers and writers!

I love to connect with others who write and read because there's so much untapped talent that's a joy to search for and find! I'm 40 years old and reside below the Mason-Dixon line (American South).

I have a blog, and I'm working on a book with the writing I've compiled over the last 20 years. I've got high-functioning autism, and that's come with many interesting life experiences that have led to a lot of inspiration with writing, music, songs, guitar playing, etc.

In the early years, back in the 2000's (that sounds so odd to me because it seems like yesterday), I was diagnosed at age 19 and had just started college. Needless to say, the music, drawings, art, and writing-even the collage papers I wrote-reflected this fact. (They were very dark in nature.)

I'm excited there's a more collective understanding, but one thing that's confusing is being a female with autism who's a committed Christian (not just in name only). I'm not pushy about it, but I try to live my life by the things that truly make sense. Even if one isn't a Christian, they can find themselves gaining a lot of common sense and insight for day-to-day living.

I've been described by clinicians as not even having autism because I 'mask' so effectively. It's my invisible wheelchair.
If someone with cancer needs chemotherapy, then obviously they are obligated to receive it. The same goes for those on the spectrum. It's just difficult to understand and spot in high-functioning females.

Sadly, many still don't care or want to understand. It's like this with many things. I'm not identifying with my disability; I'm Hannah Joy, and I love to bring Joy to others I meet in this journey of life that we all find ourselves on.

It's kind of like the Ragamuffin Bible (my favorite translation): life's messy; Jesus didn't come for those who had it all together, but for those in need of a healer, those who were humble and accepted help from a God who loved them and still does.