Subject: Spectrum Spotlights: Meet Christopher T.

From	Autism Speaks <[email protected]>
Subject	Spectrum Spotlights: Meet Christopher T.
Date	May 17, 2023 6:09 PM

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View in browser [[link removed]
b8272c0439295119cdb7b0a3e29/2/76/34677640-d738-45c1-a7ce-abcb5b9e1910]
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=C2=A0
Each autistic person has their own strengths and challenges. We are proud t=
o share their stories in support of our continued work to increase understa=
nding and acceptance, across the spectrum and throughout the life span
Meet Christopher T.
If you have ever watched any Autism Speaks videos, you may have had the pri=
vilege of hearing Christopher T, a 30-year-old voice actor, narrate. It was=
rather fortuitous for us to find out Christopher was autistic after we cho=
se him for his=C2=A0deep and commanding voice and compellingly passionate t=
one=C2=A0among hundreds=C2=A0of voice actors for this part. It was the perf=
ect voice to convey our organizational values and dedication to our mission=
work.=C2=A0
=C2=A0
It was more accidental that Christopher found out about his diagnosis. Righ=
t before high school, he peeked inside a school document meant only for his=
parents and was stunned. It indicated that he was diagnosed with=C2=A0Aspe=
rger syndrome. But when he looked up autism,=C2=A0 he felt a sense of relie=
f and revelation. "Oh my gosh...what I do...how I act has a name," he recal=
led to us.=C2=A0=C2=A0
[[link removed]
dimensions&utm_medium=3Demail&utm_campaign=3Dspectrumspotlight]
He began to read more about autism to understand himself and feel more conf=
ident in his abilities as an autistic. Sixteen years later, here he is, tra=
ining with voice coach and mentor, Ray Schilens, in hopes of inspiring othe=
rs and proving to himself that he can do whatever he puts his mind to. In t=
his Spectrum Spotlight, the Texas native gets candid about his journey.=C2=
=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0
Learn more about Christopher through his own=C2=A0words in this Q&A [https:=
//www.autismspeaks.org/profile/meet-christopher-t?utm_source=3Dclickdimensi=
ons&utm_medium=3Demail&utm_campaign=3Dspectrumspotlight]:
What does being autistic mean to you?=C2=A0
There are many different meanings to being autistic. To me, it's a feeling =
of knowing that I am different. In the beginning, I had no idea what I was =
and faced stereotypical teasing, judgements, etc., amongst my peers in scho=
ol. As I progressed through my teenage years, I started to understand that =
being autistic meant just being myself and knowing that it's not something =
to be ashamed about.=C2=A0
How were you received by friends and peers when you revealed you were on th=
e spectrum?=C2=A0
Upon my discovery, I initially didn't know what to think or how to disclose=
it because I just=C2=A0
began reading about it. One year later, in 2009, I was in a study session w=
hen the school newspaper came out which included an article about autism. T=
his struck a chord because my classmates were talking about that article. S=
o, I disclosed to my class that I was autistic.=C2=A0
=C2=A0
I was initially nervous, thinking that I would be bullied further in school=
, having dealt with bullying in the years prior to high school. That, howev=
er, completely changed when my classmates began to appreciate me for who I =
was. Some of the bullies realized that they were wrong and apologized for h=
ow badly they treated me. This showed me that people and attitudes do chang=
e for the better, and=C2=A0my own self-esteem improved.=C2=A0
In what areas of your life has your autism helped you excel?=C2=A0
Knowing more about=C2=A0being autistic helped me to understand and connect =
with people's emotions. In the years of my youth, I was often overly emotio=
nal because I could not voice my concerns when something was wrong mentally=
. But instead of being understood, I was often criticized and ostracized by=
some teachers who did not want to understand me. So, being autistic and be=
ing more self-confident about it helped me to become a bigger empath, to kn=
ow what people outside my social circle are like and how they act.=E2=80=AF=
=C2=A0
What struggles have you faced because of your autism?=E2=80=AF=C2=A0
Inevitably, I've had many struggles, but most of my struggles being autisti=
c have had a single common issue that schoolchildren cannot evade: the prac=
tice of a fire drill. My struggle stems from the intensity of the sound of =
a fire alarm, and this was a recurring problem that eventually led to my di=
agnosis. I was consequently overly emotional and paranoid in the classroom,=
unable to focus because the alarm was too loud and had (at one point in hi=
gh school) caused me to develop a mild ear bleed.=C2=A0=C2=A0
What services and supports have you received since being diagnosed? How hav=
e they helped you?=C2=A0
In my school years, I only had partial services, such as modified tests/cur=
riculum to help me cope with my difficulties=C2=A0so that I would not be ov=
erwhelmed mentally. It wasn't until 2016 when I began seeking counseling to=
be able to express myself as an autistic individual. As an empath, I neede=
d to learn how to express myself without fear punishment or retaliation, et=
c. This was part of my struggle being autistic and I had to find the willpo=
wer to heal from it. Because if I cannot talk it out when it's important, t=
hen how am I, as an autistic adult, to stay true to my sense of empathy?=C2=
=A0
[[link removed]
dimensions&utm_medium=3Demail&utm_campaign=3Dspectrumspotlight]
What advice would you give to someone diagnosed with autism later in life, =
wondering what the future holds for them?
First of all, I hope you don't ever feel sorry for yourself. It's not what =
I would want you to do. I hope you read up about autism, get in touch with =
a good support system and surround yourself with people who love and care f=
or you. Don't let anybody try to take advantage of you or allow them to dic=
tate what you can/cannot do because you're autistic. And just be yourself. =
Choose your own destiny and be true to yourself and know that you're not cr=
azy or weird; you are just who you are, and that's okay.=C2=A0
How did you get into voiceover business?=C2=A0=C2=A0
I've been training since 2021, having been influenced by the local business=
of the anime industry in/around Houston since 2012. I've traveled to anime=
conventions and met numerous voice actors who all believed in me. I've pra=
cticed mock sessions at some conventions and took some lessons sporadically=
. Then in 2021, I met my coach, Ray Schilens and discovered=C2=A0that he co=
aches aspiring voice actors. We worked hard to produce two demos in 2021 an=
d 2022.=C2=A0
=C2=A0
With this experience, I've learned how to read carefully, to breathe more e=
fficiently, and to just be myself. It only took a short amount of time for =
me to realize that this was where my heart belongs. My family has been rath=
er receptive of my desire to choose this path, and I've honestly never felt=
any prouder of myself doing so.=C2=A0
How does it feel to be the voice behind one of Autism Speaks=E2=80=99 most =
recent video productions?
It feels surreal at this moment because this is my very first job as a voic=
e actor. It feels like an immense honor to take part in this opportunity. T=
his helped me to be more expressive to convey the message about autism awar=
eness in a more positive light, and it also helped me to further discover m=
y true talents and=E2=80=AFstrengths as a voice actor. As an autistic adult=
, myself, I feel that this is an important landmark in my rising career to =
be a messenger for Autism Speaks and the autism community and its supporter=
s.=C2=A0
=C2=A0
[[link removed]]
What are your future goals?=C2=A0
I am hoping to progress further in my dream of being a voice actor=C2=A0so =
that I might be able to live an independent=C2=A0life, have=C2=A0a very hap=
py future and I might be able to start a family of my own someday.=C2=A0
Why is being a self-advocate important to you?=C2=A0
Being a self-advocate means being someone who can stand on behalf of the co=
mmunity, to be a source of guidance and being a helper to those who cannot =
speak for themselves. It's about being a person of goodwill to stand by one=
's side and not put down our fellow autistics in the community. We must sho=
w them that we are not alone, and that we must all come together and be the=
guiding light that autistic individuals need.=C2=A0
What are five words that best describe you?=E2=80=AF=C2=A0
Friendly, gentle, believable, empathetic and strong.=C2=A0
=C2=A0
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ewsletter-header-spectrum-spotlights.png" alt=3D"Autism Speaks spectrum sp=
otlight" /></a>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td width=3D"550" class=3D"text-block-container" =
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: normal;font-family:Arial,Helve=
tica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#000; word-wrap: break=
-word !important; white-space: normal; padding-top: 10px; padding-bottom: =
10px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px;">
<table role=3D"presentation" cellspacing=3D"0" c=
ellpadding=3D"0" style=3D"border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0; ver=
tical-align: top; width: 100%; min-width: 100%;
border-bottom-width: 1px;
border-bottom-color: #000000;
border-bottom-style: none;" width=3D"100%"=
>
<tr>
<td style=3D"border: 0 none transparent; pa=
dding: 0; vertical-align: top; width: 100%; font-size: 0; line-height: 0;">=
=C2=A0</td>
</tr>
</table> =20
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td width=3D"590" class=3D"text-block-container"=
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: normal;font-family:Arial,Helv=
etica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#000; word-wrap: brea=
k-word !important; white-space: normal; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: =
0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;"><p style=3D"font-family:Arial;=
font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:normal;text-ali=
gn:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !important;font-weight:normal;font-st=
yle:normal;text-decoration: none"><span style=3D"font-family:Open Sans,Aria=
l"><span style=3D"color:#2e86ef"><span style=3D"font-size:12px"><em>Each au=
tistic person has their own strengths and challenges. We are proud to share=
their stories in support of our continued work to increase understanding a=
nd acceptance, across the spectrum and throughout the life span</em></span>=
</span></span></p>
</td>
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</tbody>
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</td>
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</tbody>
</table>
</div>

</td>
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</tbody>
</table>


</td>
</tr><tr class=3D"section-block">
<td align=3D"center" height=3D"100%" valign=3D"top"=
width=3D"100%" style=3D" ">


<table id=3D"62" role=3D"presentation" border=
=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" align=3D"center" width=3D"100%" =
style=3D"max-width:600px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign=3D"top" width=3D"100%" s=
tyle=3D"padding-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-r=
ight: 5px; background-color: #ffffff;; font-size: 0;">

<div style=3D"overflow: visible!imp=
ortant; display: inline-block; width:285px; max-width:285px; min-width:285p=
x; vertical-align:top;" class=3D"stack-column">
<table role=3D"presentation" cellspaci=
ng=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style=3D"padding-top: 0=
px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;">
<table role=3D"presenta=
tion" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"285px" sty=
le=3D"table-layout: fixed; width: 285px;" >
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width=3D"285" class=3D"text-block-container"=
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: normal;font-family:Arial,Helv=
etica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#000; word-wrap: brea=
k-word !important; white-space: normal; padding-top: 5px; padding-bottom: =
5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;"><p style=3D"font-family:Arial;=
font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:normal;text-ali=
gn:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !important;font-weight:normal;font-st=
yle:normal;text-decoration: none"><span style=3D"font-size:14px"><span styl=
e=3D"font-family:Open Sans,Arial"><strong>Meet Christopher T.</strong></spa=
n></span></p>

<p style=3D"font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0=
px;line-height:normal;text-align:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !import=
ant;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;text-decoration: none"><span style=
=3D"font-size:14px"><span style=3D"font-family:Open Sans,Arial">If you have=
ever watched any Autism Speaks videos, you may have had the privilege of h=
earing Christopher T, a 30-year-old voice actor, narrate. It was rather for=
tuitous for us to find out Christopher was autistic after we chose him for =
his=C2=A0deep and commanding voice and compellingly passionate tone=C2=A0am=
ong hundreds=C2=A0of voice actors for this part. It was the perfect voice t=
o convey our organizational values and dedication to our mission work.=C2=
=A0</span></span></p>

<p style=3D"font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0=
px;line-height:normal;text-align:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !import=
ant;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;text-decoration: none">=C2=A0</p>

<p style=3D"font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0=
px;line-height:normal;text-align:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !import=
ant;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;text-decoration: none"><span style=
=3D"font-size:14px"><span style=3D"font-family:Open Sans,Arial">It was more=
accidental that Christopher found out about his diagnosis. Right before hi=
gh school, he peeked inside a school document meant only for his parents an=
d was stunned. It indicated that he was diagnosed with=C2=A0Asperger syndro=
me. But when he looked up autism,=C2=A0 he felt a sense of relief and revel=
ation. "Oh my gosh...what I do...how I act has a name," he recalled to us.=
=C2=A0=C2=A0</span></span></p>
</td>
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</td>
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</tbody>
</table>
</div><div style=
=3D"overflow: visible!important; display: inline-block; width:20px; max-wid=
th:20px; min-width:20px; vertical-align:top;" class=3D"stack-column">
<table role=3D"presentation" cellspaci=
ng=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style=3D"padding-top: 0=
px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;">
<table role=3D"presenta=
tion" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"20px" styl=
e=3D"table-layout: fixed; width: 20px;" >
<tbody>
=20
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div><div styl=
e=3D"overflow: visible!important; display: inline-block; width:285px; max-w=
idth:285px; min-width:285px; vertical-align:top;" class=3D"stack-column">
<table role=3D"presentation" cellspaci=
ng=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style=3D"padding-top: 0=
px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;">
<table role=3D"presenta=
tion" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"285px" sty=
le=3D"table-layout: fixed; width: 285px;" >
<tbody>

<tr>
<td width=3D"285" class=3D"stack-column-center im=
age-block-container" style=3D"vertical-align: top; box-sizing: border-box; =
text-align: center; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: =
0px; padding-right: 0px;">
<a href=3D"[link removed]
yJhaSI6ODA3MDY2NDgsImUiOiJiaWdqYWNrYnVsd2Fya0BnbWFpbC5jb20iLCJyaSI6ImNvbnRh=
Y3QtMDdiMDFhYzA5NWExNDBmMTgxNGI0Mjc3ODQ4YWExNzQtYTc0MjZlY2RiZTYyNGE2MDg2NjA=
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uPU9ubGluZSUyMEZ1bmRyYWlzaW5nJmVzaWQ9NDdmMjM2MDAtZmNmMy1lZDExLTkxMmUtMDAxNT=
VkY2MzNDMxIn0/Jh2a0OImKosObFwM9P1J4A" target=3D"_blank" cdlinkrefid=3D"9=
" ><img class=3D"center-on-narrow cd-image image-9ea70ee7344a no-img-edit" =
height=3D"380" width=3D"285" style=3D"vertical-align: middle;" src=3D"https=
://file-us.clickdimensions.com/autismspeaksorg-arrhn/files/christophernarra=
tinganautismspeakspromotionalvideo.jpg" alt=3D"Christopher narrating an Au=
tism Speaks promotional video" /></a>
</td>
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</tbody>
</table>
</td>
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</tbody>
</table>
</div>

</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>


</td>
</tr><tr class=3D"section-block">
<td align=3D"center" height=3D"100%" valign=3D"top"=
width=3D"100%" style=3D" ">


<table id=3D"63" role=3D"presentation" border=
=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" align=3D"center" width=3D"100%" =
style=3D"max-width:600px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign=3D"top" width=3D"100%" s=
tyle=3D"padding-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 5px; padding-r=
ight: 5px; background-color: #ffffff;; font-size: 0;">

<div style=3D"overflow: visible!imp=
ortant; display: inline-block; width:590px; max-width:590px; min-width:590p=
x; vertical-align:top;" class=3D"stack-column">
<table role=3D"presentation" cellspaci=
ng=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style=3D"padding-top: 0=
px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;">
<table role=3D"presenta=
tion" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"590px" sty=
le=3D"table-layout: fixed; width: 590px;" >
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width=3D"590" class=3D"text-block-container"=
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: normal;font-family:Arial,Helv=
etica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#000; word-wrap: brea=
k-word !important; white-space: normal; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: =
0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;"><p style=3D"font-family:Arial;=
font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:normal;text-ali=
gn:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !important;font-weight:normal;font-st=
yle:normal;text-decoration: none"><span style=3D"font-size:14px"><span styl=
e=3D"font-family:Open Sans,Arial">He began to read more about autism to und=
erstand himself and feel more confident in his abilities as an autistic. Si=
xteen years later, here he is, training with voice coach and mentor, Ray Sc=
hilens, in hopes of inspiring others and proving to himself that he can do =
whatever he puts his mind to. In this Spectrum Spotlight, the Texas native =
gets candid about his journey.=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>

</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>


</td>
</tr><tr class=3D"section-block">
<td align=3D"center" height=3D"100%" valign=3D"top"=
width=3D"100%" style=3D" ">


<table id=3D"64" role=3D"presentation" border=
=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" align=3D"center" width=3D"100%" =
style=3D"max-width:600px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign=3D"top" width=3D"100%" s=
tyle=3D"padding-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 5px; padding-r=
ight: 5px; background-color: #ffffff;; font-size: 0;">

<div style=3D"overflow: visible!imp=
ortant; display: inline-block; width:590px; max-width:590px; min-width:590p=
x; vertical-align:top;" class=3D"stack-column">
<table role=3D"presentation" cellspaci=
ng=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style=3D"padding-top: 0=
px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;">
<table role=3D"presenta=
tion" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"590px" sty=
le=3D"table-layout: fixed; width: 590px;" >
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width=3D"590" class=3D"text-block-container"=
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: normal;font-family:Arial,Helv=
etica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#000; word-wrap: brea=
k-word !important; white-space: normal; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: =
0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;"><p style=3D"font-family:Arial;=
font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:normal;text-ali=
gn:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !important;font-weight:normal;font-st=
yle:normal;text-decoration: none"><span style=3D"font-family:Open Sans,Aria=
l"><span style=3D"font-size:14px"><span style=3D"color:#2e86ef"><em><strong=
><a cd-link-manager-tab=3D"1" href=3D"[link removed]
haSI6ODA3MDY2NDgsImUiOiJiaWdqYWNrYnVsd2Fya0BnbWFpbC5jb20iLCJyaSI6ImNvbnRhY3=
QtMDdiMDFhYzA5NWExNDBmMTgxNGI0Mjc3ODQ4YWExNzQtYTc0MjZlY2RiZTYyNGE2MDg2NjAzM=
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3d3cuYXV0aXNtc3BlYWtzLm9yZy9wcm9maWxlL21lZXQtY2hyaXN0b3BoZXItdD91dG1fc291cm=
NlPWNsaWNrZGltZW5zaW9ucyZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zcGVjdHJ1b=
XNwb3RsaWdodCZfY2xkZWU9OTF3S0NWbHk2dUdEaHBydV9QTlF6TzRGU0YzMWRmUUJtMGpTMmto=
Z2pLcTdQc21OTFl1eW90WkxEd2dyUFY5XyZyZWNpcGllbnRpZD1jb250YWN0LTA3YjAxYWMwOTV=
hMTQwZjE4MTRiNDI3Nzg0OGFhMTc0LWE3NDI2ZWNkYmU2MjRhNjA4NjYwMzJiMmQ2N2EwMDA3Jn=
V0bV9zb3VyY2U9Q2xpY2tEaW1lbnNpb25zJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduP=
U9ubGluZSUyMEZ1bmRyYWlzaW5nJmVzaWQ9NDdmMjM2MDAtZmNmMy1lZDExLTkxMmUtMDAxNTVk=
Y2MzNDMxIn0/dtknKuHMjEJ_-sZrks1OGw" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color: #2e86=
ef; text-decoration: underline;">Learn more about Christopher through his o=
wn=C2=A0words in this Q&A</a>:</strong></em></span></span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>

</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>


</td>
</tr><tr class=3D"section-block">
<td align=3D"center" height=3D"100%" valign=3D"top"=
width=3D"100%" style=3D" ">


<table id=3D"65" role=3D"presentation" border=
=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" align=3D"center" width=3D"100%" =
style=3D"max-width:600px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign=3D"top" width=3D"100%" s=
tyle=3D"padding-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 5px; padding-r=
ight: 5px; background-color: #ffffff;; font-size: 0;">

<div style=3D"overflow: visible!imp=
ortant; display: inline-block; width:590px; max-width:590px; min-width:590p=
x; vertical-align:top;" class=3D"stack-column">
<table role=3D"presentation" cellspaci=
ng=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style=3D"padding-top: 0=
px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;">
<table role=3D"presenta=
tion" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"590px" sty=
le=3D"table-layout: fixed; width: 590px;" >
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width=3D"590" class=3D"text-block-container"=
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: normal;font-family:Arial,Helv=
etica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#000; word-wrap: brea=
k-word !important; white-space: normal; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: =
0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;"><p style=3D"font-family:Arial;=
font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:normal;text-ali=
gn:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !important;font-weight:normal;font-st=
yle:normal;text-decoration: none"><strong><span style=3D"font-size:14px"><s=
pan style=3D"font-family:Open Sans,Arial">What does being autistic mean to =
you?=C2=A0</span></span></strong></p>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td width=3D"590" class=3D"text-block-container"=
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: normal;font-family:Arial,Helv=
etica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#000; word-wrap: brea=
k-word !important; white-space: normal; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: =
0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;"><p style=3D"font-family:Arial;=
font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:normal;text-ali=
gn:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !important;font-weight:normal;font-st=
yle:normal;text-decoration: none"><span style=3D"font-size:14px"><span styl=
e=3D"font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial;">There are many different meanings to=
being autistic. To me, it's a feeling of knowing that I am different. In t=
he beginning, I had no idea what I was and faced stereotypical teasing, jud=
gements, etc., amongst my peers in school. As I progressed through my teena=
ge years, I started to understand that being autistic meant just being myse=
lf and knowing that it's not something to be ashamed about.=C2=A0</span></s=
pan></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>

</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>


</td>
</tr><tr class=3D"section-block">
<td align=3D"center" height=3D"100%" valign=3D"top"=
width=3D"100%" style=3D" ">


<table id=3D"66" role=3D"presentation" border=
=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" align=3D"center" width=3D"100%" =
style=3D"max-width:600px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign=3D"top" width=3D"100%" s=
tyle=3D"padding-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 5px; padding-r=
ight: 5px; background-color: #ffffff;; font-size: 0;">

<div style=3D"overflow: visible!imp=
ortant; display: inline-block; width:590px; max-width:590px; min-width:590p=
x; vertical-align:top;" class=3D"stack-column">
<table role=3D"presentation" cellspaci=
ng=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style=3D"padding-top: 0=
px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;">
<table role=3D"presenta=
tion" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"590px" sty=
le=3D"table-layout: fixed; width: 590px;" >
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width=3D"590" class=3D"text-block-container"=
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: normal;font-family:Arial,Helv=
etica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#000; word-wrap: brea=
k-word !important; white-space: normal; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: =
0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;"><p style=3D"font-family:Arial;=
font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:normal;text-ali=
gn:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !important;font-weight:normal;font-st=
yle:normal;text-decoration: none"><strong><span style=3D"font-size:14px"><s=
pan style=3D"font-family:Open Sans,Arial">How were you received by friends =
and peers when you revealed you were on the spectrum?=C2=A0</span></span></=
strong></p>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td width=3D"590" class=3D"text-block-container"=
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: normal;font-family:Arial,Helv=
etica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#000; word-wrap: brea=
k-word !important; white-space: normal; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: =
0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;"><p style=3D"font-family:Arial;=
font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:normal;text-ali=
gn:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !important;font-weight:normal;font-st=
yle:normal;text-decoration: none"><span style=3D"font-size:14px"><span styl=
e=3D"font-family:Open Sans,Arial">Upon my discovery, I initially didn't kno=
w what to think or how to disclose it because I just=C2=A0<br>
began reading about it. One year later, in 2009, I was in a study session w=
hen the school newspaper came out which included an article about autism. T=
his struck a chord because my classmates were talking about that article. S=
o, I disclosed to my class that I was autistic.=C2=A0</span></span></p>

<p style=3D"font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0=
px;line-height:normal;text-align:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !import=
ant;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;text-decoration: none">=C2=A0</p>

<p style=3D"font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0=
px;line-height:normal;text-align:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !import=
ant;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;text-decoration: none"><span style=
=3D"font-size:14px"><span style=3D"font-family:Open Sans,Arial">I was initi=
ally nervous, thinking that I would be bullied further in school, having de=
alt with bullying in the years prior to high school. That, however, complet=
ely changed when my classmates began to appreciate me for who I was. Some o=
f the bullies realized that they were wrong and apologized for how badly th=
ey treated me. This showed me that people and attitudes do change for the b=
etter, and=C2=A0my own self-esteem improved.=C2=A0</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>

</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>


</td>
</tr><tr class=3D"section-block">
<td align=3D"center" height=3D"100%" valign=3D"top"=
width=3D"100%" style=3D" ">


<table id=3D"67" role=3D"presentation" border=
=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" align=3D"center" width=3D"100%" =
style=3D"max-width:600px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign=3D"top" width=3D"100%" s=
tyle=3D"padding-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 5px; padding-r=
ight: 5px; background-color: #ffffff;; font-size: 0;">

<div style=3D"overflow: visible!imp=
ortant; display: inline-block; width:590px; max-width:590px; min-width:590p=
x; vertical-align:top;" class=3D"stack-column">
<table role=3D"presentation" cellspaci=
ng=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style=3D"padding-top: 0=
px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;">
<table role=3D"presenta=
tion" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"590px" sty=
le=3D"table-layout: fixed; width: 590px;" >
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width=3D"590" class=3D"text-block-container"=
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: normal;font-family:Arial,Helv=
etica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#000; word-wrap: brea=
k-word !important; white-space: normal; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: =
0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;"><p style=3D"font-family:Arial;=
font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:normal;text-ali=
gn:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !important;font-weight:normal;font-st=
yle:normal;text-decoration: none"><strong><span style=3D"font-size:14px"><s=
pan style=3D"font-family:Open Sans,Arial">In what areas of your life has yo=
ur autism helped you excel?=C2=A0</span></span></strong></p>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td width=3D"590" class=3D"text-block-container"=
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: normal;font-family:Arial,Helv=
etica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#000; word-wrap: brea=
k-word !important; white-space: normal; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: =
0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;"><p style=3D"font-family:Arial;=
font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:normal;text-ali=
gn:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !important;font-weight:normal;font-st=
yle:normal;text-decoration: none"><span style=3D"font-size:14px"><span styl=
e=3D"font-family:Open Sans,Arial">Knowing more about=C2=A0being autistic he=
lped me to understand and connect with people's emotions. In the years of m=
y youth, I was often overly emotional because I could not voice my concerns=
when something was wrong mentally. But instead of being understood, I was =
often criticized and ostracized by some teachers who did not want to unders=
tand me. So, being autistic and being more self-confident about it helped m=
e to become a bigger empath, to know what people outside my social circle a=
re like and how they act.=E2=80=AF=C2=A0</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>

</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>


</td>
</tr><tr class=3D"section-block">
<td align=3D"center" height=3D"100%" valign=3D"top"=
width=3D"100%" style=3D" ">


<table id=3D"68" role=3D"presentation" border=
=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" align=3D"center" width=3D"100%" =
style=3D"max-width:600px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign=3D"top" width=3D"100%" s=
tyle=3D"padding-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 5px; padding-r=
ight: 5px; background-color: #ffffff;; font-size: 0;">

<div style=3D"overflow: visible!imp=
ortant; display: inline-block; width:590px; max-width:590px; min-width:590p=
x; vertical-align:top;" class=3D"stack-column">
<table role=3D"presentation" cellspaci=
ng=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style=3D"padding-top: 0=
px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;">
<table role=3D"presenta=
tion" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"590px" sty=
le=3D"table-layout: fixed; width: 590px;" >
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width=3D"590" class=3D"text-block-container"=
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: normal;font-family:Arial,Helv=
etica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#000; word-wrap: brea=
k-word !important; white-space: normal; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: =
0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;"><p style=3D"font-family:Arial;=
font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:normal;text-ali=
gn:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !important;font-weight:normal;font-st=
yle:normal;text-decoration: none"><strong><span style=3D"font-size:14px"><s=
pan style=3D"font-family:Open Sans,Arial">What struggles have you faced bec=
ause of your autism?=E2=80=AF=C2=A0</span></span></strong></p>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td width=3D"590" class=3D"text-block-container"=
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: normal;font-family:Arial,Helv=
etica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#000; word-wrap: brea=
k-word !important; white-space: normal; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: =
0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;"><p style=3D"font-family:Arial;=
font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:normal;text-ali=
gn:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !important;font-weight:normal;font-st=
yle:normal;text-decoration: none"><span style=3D"font-size:14px"><span styl=
e=3D"font-family:Open Sans,Arial">Inevitably, I've had many struggles, but =
most of my struggles being autistic have had a single common issue that sch=
oolchildren cannot evade: the practice of a fire drill. My struggle stems f=
rom the intensity of the sound of a fire alarm, and this was a recurring pr=
oblem that eventually led to my diagnosis. I was consequently overly emotio=
nal and paranoid in the classroom, unable to focus because the alarm was to=
o loud and had (at one point in high school) caused me to develop a mild ea=
r bleed.=C2=A0=C2=A0</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>

</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>


</td>
</tr><tr class=3D"section-block">
<td align=3D"center" height=3D"100%" valign=3D"top"=
width=3D"100%" style=3D" ">


<table id=3D"69" role=3D"presentation" border=
=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" align=3D"center" width=3D"100%" =
style=3D"max-width:600px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign=3D"top" width=3D"100%" s=
tyle=3D"padding-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 5px; padding-r=
ight: 5px; background-color: #ffffff;; font-size: 0;">

<div style=3D"overflow: visible!imp=
ortant; display: inline-block; width:285px; max-width:285px; min-width:285p=
x; vertical-align:top;" class=3D"stack-column">
<table role=3D"presentation" cellspaci=
ng=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style=3D"padding-top: 0=
px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;">
<table role=3D"presenta=
tion" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"285px" sty=
le=3D"table-layout: fixed; width: 285px;" >
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width=3D"285" class=3D"text-block-container"=
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: normal;font-family:Arial,Helv=
etica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#000; word-wrap: brea=
k-word !important; white-space: normal; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: =
0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;"><p style=3D"font-family:Arial;=
font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:normal;text-ali=
gn:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !important;font-weight:normal;font-st=
yle:normal;text-decoration: none"><strong><span style=3D"font-size:14px"><s=
pan style=3D"font-family:Open Sans,Arial">What services and supports have y=
ou received since being diagnosed? How have they helped you?=C2=A0</span></=
span></strong></p>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td width=3D"285" class=3D"text-block-container"=
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: normal;font-family:Arial,Helv=
etica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#000; word-wrap: brea=
k-word !important; white-space: normal; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: =
0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;"><p style=3D"font-family:Arial;=
font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:normal;text-ali=
gn:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !important;font-weight:normal;font-st=
yle:normal;text-decoration: none"><span style=3D"font-size:14px"><span styl=
e=3D"font-family:Open Sans,Arial">In my school years, I only had partial se=
rvices, such as modified tests/curriculum to help me cope with my difficult=
ies=C2=A0so that I would not be overwhelmed mentally. It wasn't until 2016 =
when I began seeking counseling to be able to express myself as an autistic=
individual. As an empath, I needed to learn how to express myself without =
fear punishment or retaliation, etc. This was part of my struggle being aut=
istic and I had to find the willpower to heal from it. Because if I cannot =
talk it out when it's important, then how am I, as an autistic adult, to st=
ay true to my sense of empathy?=C2=A0</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div><div style=
=3D"overflow: visible!important; display: inline-block; width:20px; max-wid=
th:20px; min-width:20px; vertical-align:top;" class=3D"stack-column">
<table role=3D"presentation" cellspaci=
ng=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style=3D"padding-top: 0=
px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;">
<table role=3D"presenta=
tion" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"20px" styl=
e=3D"table-layout: fixed; width: 20px;" >
<tbody>
=20
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
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</table>
</div><div styl=
e=3D"overflow: visible!important; display: inline-block; width:285px; max-w=
idth:285px; min-width:285px; vertical-align:top;" class=3D"stack-column">
<table role=3D"presentation" cellspaci=
ng=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style=3D"padding-top: 0=
px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;">
<table role=3D"presenta=
tion" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"285px" sty=
le=3D"table-layout: fixed; width: 285px;" >
<tbody>

<tr>
<td width=3D"285" class=3D"stack-column-center im=
age-block-container" style=3D"vertical-align: top; box-sizing: border-box; =
text-align: center; background-image: url('[link removed]
.com/autismspeaksorg-arrhn/files/placeholderimage.png?m=3D6/21/2022%207:12:=
33%20PM'); padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; paddin=
g-right: 0px;">
<a href=3D"[link removed]
yJhaSI6ODA3MDY2NDgsImUiOiJiaWdqYWNrYnVsd2Fya0BnbWFpbC5jb20iLCJyaSI6ImNvbnRh=
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VkY2MzNDMxIn0/HAyJISDcNg8gwaB6F-KmUg" target=3D"_blank" cdlinkrefid=3D"3=
0" ><img class=3D"center-on-narrow cd-image image-ad909f5864ee no-img-edit"=
height=3D"380" width=3D"285" style=3D"vertical-align: middle;" src=3D"http=
s://file-us.clickdimensions.com/autismspeaksorg-arrhn/files/christopherinth=
estudionarratinganautismspeakspromotionalvideo.jpg" alt=3D"Christopher in =
the studio narrating an Autism Speaks promotional video" /></a>
</td>
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</table>
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</table>
</div>

</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>


</td>
</tr><tr class=3D"section-block">
<td align=3D"center" height=3D"100%" valign=3D"top"=
width=3D"100%" style=3D" ">


<table id=3D"70" role=3D"presentation" border=
=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" align=3D"center" width=3D"100%" =
style=3D"max-width:600px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign=3D"top" width=3D"100%" s=
tyle=3D"padding-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 5px; padding-r=
ight: 5px; background-color: #ffffff;; font-size: 0;">

<div style=3D"overflow: visible!imp=
ortant; display: inline-block; width:590px; max-width:590px; min-width:590p=
x; vertical-align:top;" class=3D"stack-column">
<table role=3D"presentation" cellspaci=
ng=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style=3D"padding-top: 0=
px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;">
<table role=3D"presenta=
tion" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"590px" sty=
le=3D"table-layout: fixed; width: 590px;" >
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width=3D"590" class=3D"text-block-container"=
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: normal;font-family:Arial,Helv=
etica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#000; word-wrap: brea=
k-word !important; white-space: normal; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: =
0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;"><p style=3D"font-family:Arial;=
font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:normal;text-ali=
gn:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !important;font-weight:normal;font-st=
yle:normal;text-decoration: none"><strong><span style=3D"font-size:14px"><s=
pan style=3D"font-family:Open Sans,Arial">What advice would you give to som=
eone diagnosed with autism later in life, wondering what the future holds f=
or them?</span></span></strong></p>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td width=3D"590" class=3D"text-block-container"=
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: normal;font-family:Arial,Helv=
etica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#000; word-wrap: brea=
k-word !important; white-space: normal; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: =
0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;"><p style=3D"font-family:Arial;=
font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:normal;text-ali=
gn:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !important;font-weight:normal;font-st=
yle:normal;text-decoration: none"><span style=3D"font-size:14px"><span styl=
e=3D"font-family:Open Sans,Arial">First of all, I hope you don't ever feel =
sorry for yourself. It's not what I would want you to do. I hope you read u=
p about autism, get in touch with a good support system and surround yourse=
lf with people who love and care for you. Don't let anybody try to take adv=
antage of you or allow them to dictate what you can/cannot do because you'r=
e autistic. And just be yourself. Choose your own destiny and be true to yo=
urself and know that you're not crazy or weird; you are just who you are, a=
nd that's okay.=C2=A0</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
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</table>
</div>

</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>


</td>
</tr><tr class=3D"section-block">
<td align=3D"center" height=3D"100%" valign=3D"top"=
width=3D"100%" style=3D" ">


<table id=3D"71" role=3D"presentation" border=
=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" align=3D"center" width=3D"100%" =
style=3D"max-width:600px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign=3D"top" width=3D"100%" s=
tyle=3D"padding-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 5px; padding-r=
ight: 5px; background-color: #ffffff;; font-size: 0;">

<div style=3D"overflow: visible!imp=
ortant; display: inline-block; width:590px; max-width:590px; min-width:590p=
x; vertical-align:top;" class=3D"stack-column">
<table role=3D"presentation" cellspaci=
ng=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style=3D"padding-top: 0=
px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;">
<table role=3D"presenta=
tion" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"590px" sty=
le=3D"table-layout: fixed; width: 590px;" >
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width=3D"590" class=3D"text-block-container"=
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: normal;font-family:Arial,Helv=
etica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#000; word-wrap: brea=
k-word !important; white-space: normal; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: =
0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;"><p style=3D"font-family:Arial;=
font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:normal;text-ali=
gn:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !important;font-weight:normal;font-st=
yle:normal;text-decoration: none"><strong><span style=3D"font-size:14px"><s=
pan style=3D"font-family:Open Sans,Arial">How did you get into voiceover bu=
siness?=C2=A0=C2=A0</span></span></strong></p>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td width=3D"590" class=3D"text-block-container"=
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: normal;font-family:Arial,Helv=
etica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#000; word-wrap: brea=
k-word !important; white-space: normal; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: =
0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;"><p style=3D"font-family:Arial;=
font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:normal;text-ali=
gn:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !important;font-weight:normal;font-st=
yle:normal;text-decoration: none"><span style=3D"font-size:14px"><span styl=
e=3D"font-family:Open Sans,Arial">I've been training since 2021, having bee=
n influenced by the local business of the anime industry in/around Houston =
since 2012. I've traveled to anime conventions and met numerous voice actor=
s who all believed in me. I've practiced mock sessions at some conventions =
and took some lessons sporadically. Then in 2021, I met my coach, Ray Schil=
ens and discovered=C2=A0that he coaches aspiring voice actors. We worked ha=
rd to produce two demos in 2021 and 2022.=C2=A0</span></span></p>

<p style=3D"font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0=
px;line-height:normal;text-align:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !import=
ant;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;text-decoration: none">=C2=A0</p>

<p style=3D"font-family:Arial;font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0=
px;line-height:normal;text-align:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !import=
ant;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;text-decoration: none"><span style=
=3D"font-size:14px"><span style=3D"font-family:Open Sans,Arial">With this e=
xperience, I've learned how to read carefully, to breathe more efficiently,=
and to just be myself. It only took a short amount of time for me to reali=
ze that this was where my heart belongs. My family has been rather receptiv=
e of my desire to choose this path, and I've honestly never felt any proude=
r of myself doing so.=C2=A0</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>

</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>


</td>
</tr><tr class=3D"section-block">
<td align=3D"center" height=3D"100%" valign=3D"top"=
width=3D"100%" style=3D" ">


<table id=3D"72" role=3D"presentation" border=
=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" align=3D"center" width=3D"100%" =
style=3D"max-width:600px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign=3D"top" width=3D"100%" s=
tyle=3D"padding-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 5px; padding-r=
ight: 5px; background-color: #ffffff;; font-size: 0;">

<div style=3D"overflow: visible!imp=
ortant; display: inline-block; width:590px; max-width:590px; min-width:590p=
x; vertical-align:top;" class=3D"stack-column">
<table role=3D"presentation" cellspaci=
ng=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style=3D"padding-top: 0=
px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;">
<table role=3D"presenta=
tion" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"590px" sty=
le=3D"table-layout: fixed; width: 590px;" >
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width=3D"590" class=3D"text-block-container"=
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: normal;font-family:Arial,Helv=
etica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#000; word-wrap: brea=
k-word !important; white-space: normal; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: =
0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;"><p style=3D"font-family:Arial;=
font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:normal;text-ali=
gn:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !important;font-weight:normal;font-st=
yle:normal;text-decoration: none"><strong><span style=3D"font-size:14px"><s=
pan style=3D"font-family:Open Sans,Arial">How does it feel to be the voice =
behind one of Autism Speaks=E2=80=99 most recent video productions?</span><=
/span></strong></p>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td width=3D"590" class=3D"text-block-container"=
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: normal;font-family:Arial,Helv=
etica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#000; word-wrap: brea=
k-word !important; white-space: normal; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: =
0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;"><p style=3D"font-family:Arial;=
font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:normal;text-ali=
gn:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !important;font-weight:normal;font-st=
yle:normal;text-decoration: none"><span style=3D"font-size:14px"><span styl=
e=3D"font-family:Open Sans,Arial">It feels surreal at this moment because t=
his is my very first job as a voice actor. It feels like an immense honor t=
o take part in this opportunity. This helped me to be more expressive to co=
nvey the message about autism awareness in a more positive light, and it al=
so helped me to further discover my true talents and=E2=80=AFstrengths as a=
voice actor. As an autistic adult, myself, I feel that this is an importan=
t landmark in my rising career to be a messenger for Autism Speaks and the =
autism community and its supporters.=C2=A0</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td width=3D"550" class=3D"text-block-container" =
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: normal;font-family:Arial,Helve=
tica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#000; word-wrap: break=
-word !important; white-space: normal; padding-top: 10px; padding-bottom: =
10px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px;">
<table role=3D"presentation" cellspacing=3D"0" c=
ellpadding=3D"0" style=3D"border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0; ver=
tical-align: top; width: 100%; min-width: 100%;
border-bottom-width: 1px;
border-bottom-color: #000000;
border-bottom-style: none;" width=3D"100%"=
>
<tr>
<td style=3D"border: 0 none transparent; pa=
dding: 0; vertical-align: top; width: 100%; font-size: 0; line-height: 0;">=
=C2=A0</td>
</tr>
</table> =20
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width=3D"590" class=3D"stack-column-center im=
age-block-container" style=3D"vertical-align: top; box-sizing: border-box; =
text-align: center; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: =
0px; padding-right: 0px;">
<a href=3D"[link removed]
yJhaSI6ODA3MDY2NDgsImUiOiJiaWdqYWNrYnVsd2Fya0BnbWFpbC5jb20iLCJyaSI6ImNvbnRh=
Y3QtMDdiMDFhYzA5NWExNDBmMTgxNGI0Mjc3ODQ4YWExNzQtYTc0MjZlY2RiZTYyNGE2MDg2NjA=
zMmIyZDY3YTAwMDciLCJycSI6IjAyLWIyMzEzNy1kZTk2ZWI4MjcyYzA0MzkyOTUxMTljZGI3Yj=
BhM2UyOSIsInBoIjpudWxsLCJtIjpmYWxzZSwidWkiOiI4IiwidW4iOiIiLCJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6L=
y95b3V0dS5iZS9MUjFhV3hib2hKZz9fY2xkZWU9OTF3S0NWbHk2dUdEaHBydV9QTlF6TzRGU0Yz=
MWRmUUJtMGpTMmtoZ2pLcTdQc21OTFl1eW90WkxEd2dyUFY5XyZyZWNpcGllbnRpZD1jb250YWN=
0LTA3YjAxYWMwOTVhMTQwZjE4MTRiNDI3Nzg0OGFhMTc0LWE3NDI2ZWNkYmU2MjRhNjA4NjYwMz=
JiMmQ2N2EwMDA3JnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Q2xpY2tEaW1lbnNpb25zJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmd=
XRtX2NhbXBhaWduPU9ubGluZSUyMEZ1bmRyYWlzaW5nJmVzaWQ9NDdmMjM2MDAtZmNmMy1lZDEx=
LTkxMmUtMDAxNTVkY2MzNDMxIn0/_T3SECrtiEIowMaTqMaVrQ" target=3D"_blank" cd=
linkrefid=3D"42" ><img class=3D"center-on-narrow cd-image image-fbb7533c5b5=
2 no-img-edit" height=3D"442" width=3D"590" style=3D"vertical-align: middle=
;" src=3D"[link removed]
_thumbnail/b6909029-116c-4e4d-9c48-7eda3812d2e1.jpg" /></a>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>

</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>


</td>
</tr><tr class=3D"section-block">
<td align=3D"center" height=3D"100%" valign=3D"top"=
width=3D"100%" style=3D" ">


<table id=3D"73" role=3D"presentation" border=
=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" align=3D"center" width=3D"100%" =
style=3D"max-width:600px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign=3D"top" width=3D"100%" s=
tyle=3D"padding-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 5px; padding-r=
ight: 5px; background-color: #ffffff;; font-size: 0;">

<div style=3D"overflow: visible!imp=
ortant; display: inline-block; width:590px; max-width:590px; min-width:590p=
x; vertical-align:top;" class=3D"stack-column">
<table role=3D"presentation" cellspaci=
ng=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style=3D"padding-top: 0=
px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;">
<table role=3D"presenta=
tion" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"590px" sty=
le=3D"table-layout: fixed; width: 590px;" >
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width=3D"590" class=3D"text-block-container"=
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: normal;font-family:Arial,Helv=
etica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#000; word-wrap: brea=
k-word !important; white-space: normal; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: =
0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;"><p style=3D"font-family:Arial;=
font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:normal;text-ali=
gn:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !important;font-weight:normal;font-st=
yle:normal;text-decoration: none"><strong><span style=3D"font-size:14px"><s=
pan style=3D"font-family:Open Sans,Arial">What are your future goals?=C2=A0=
</span></span></strong></p>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td width=3D"590" class=3D"text-block-container"=
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: normal;font-family:Arial,Helv=
etica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#000; word-wrap: brea=
k-word !important; white-space: normal; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: =
0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;"><p style=3D"font-family:Arial;=
font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:normal;text-ali=
gn:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !important;font-weight:normal;font-st=
yle:normal;text-decoration: none"><span style=3D"font-size:14px"><span styl=
e=3D"font-family:Open Sans,Arial">I am hoping to progress further in my dre=
am of being a voice actor=C2=A0so that I might be able to live an independe=
nt=C2=A0life, have=C2=A0a very happy future and I might be able to start a =
family of my own someday.=C2=A0</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>

</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>


</td>
</tr><tr class=3D"section-block">
<td align=3D"center" height=3D"100%" valign=3D"top"=
width=3D"100%" style=3D" ">


<table id=3D"74" role=3D"presentation" border=
=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" align=3D"center" width=3D"100%" =
style=3D"max-width:600px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign=3D"top" width=3D"100%" s=
tyle=3D"padding-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 5px; padding-r=
ight: 5px; background-color: #ffffff;; font-size: 0;">

<div style=3D"overflow: visible!imp=
ortant; display: inline-block; width:590px; max-width:590px; min-width:590p=
x; vertical-align:top;" class=3D"stack-column">
<table role=3D"presentation" cellspaci=
ng=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style=3D"padding-top: 0=
px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;">
<table role=3D"presenta=
tion" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"590px" sty=
le=3D"table-layout: fixed; width: 590px;" >
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width=3D"590" class=3D"text-block-container"=
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: normal;font-family:Arial,Helv=
etica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#000; word-wrap: brea=
k-word !important; white-space: normal; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: =
0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;"><p style=3D"font-family:Arial;=
font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:normal;text-ali=
gn:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !important;font-weight:normal;font-st=
yle:normal;text-decoration: none"><strong><span style=3D"font-size:14px"><s=
pan style=3D"font-family:Open Sans,Arial">Why is being a self-advocate impo=
rtant to you?=C2=A0</span></span></strong></p>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td width=3D"590" class=3D"text-block-container"=
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: normal;font-family:Arial,Helv=
etica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#000; word-wrap: brea=
k-word !important; white-space: normal; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: =
0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;"><p style=3D"font-family:Arial;=
font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:normal;text-ali=
gn:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !important;font-weight:normal;font-st=
yle:normal;text-decoration: none"><span style=3D"font-size:14px"><span styl=
e=3D"font-family:Open Sans,Arial">Being a self-advocate means being someone=
who can stand on behalf of the community, to be a source of guidance and b=
eing a helper to those who cannot speak for themselves. It's about being a =
person of goodwill to stand by one's side and not put down our fellow autis=
tics in the community. We must show them that we are not alone, and that we=
must all come together and be the guiding light that autistic individuals =
need.=C2=A0</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>

</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>


</td>
</tr><tr class=3D"section-block">
<td align=3D"center" height=3D"100%" valign=3D"top"=
width=3D"100%" style=3D" ">


<table id=3D"75" role=3D"presentation" border=
=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" align=3D"center" width=3D"100%" =
style=3D"max-width:600px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign=3D"top" width=3D"100%" s=
tyle=3D"padding-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 5px; padding-r=
ight: 5px; background-color: #ffffff;; font-size: 0;">

<div style=3D"overflow: visible!imp=
ortant; display: inline-block; width:590px; max-width:590px; min-width:590p=
x; vertical-align:top;" class=3D"stack-column">
<table role=3D"presentation" cellspaci=
ng=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style=3D"padding-top: 0=
px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;">
<table role=3D"presenta=
tion" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"590px" sty=
le=3D"table-layout: fixed; width: 590px;" >
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width=3D"590" class=3D"text-block-container"=
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: normal;font-family:Arial,Helv=
etica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#000; word-wrap: brea=
k-word !important; white-space: normal; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: =
0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;"><p style=3D"font-family:Arial;=
font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:normal;text-ali=
gn:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !important;font-weight:normal;font-st=
yle:normal;text-decoration: none"><strong><span style=3D"font-size:14px"><s=
pan style=3D"font-family:Open Sans,Arial">What are five words that best des=
cribe you?=E2=80=AF=C2=A0</span></span></strong></p>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td width=3D"590" class=3D"text-block-container"=
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: normal;font-family:Arial,Helv=
etica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#000; word-wrap: brea=
k-word !important; white-space: normal; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: =
0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;"><p style=3D"font-family:Arial;=
font-size:11px;color:#272f37;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:normal;text-ali=
gn:left;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word !important;font-weight:normal;font-st=
yle:normal;text-decoration: none"><span style=3D"font-size:14px"><span styl=
e=3D"font-family:Open Sans,Arial">Friendly, gentle, believable, empathetic =
and strong.=C2=A0</span></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>

</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>


</td>
</tr><tr class=3D"section-block">
<td align=3D"center" height=3D"100%" valign=3D"top"=
width=3D"100%" style=3D" ">


<table id=3D"76" role=3D"presentation" border=
=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" align=3D"center" width=3D"100%" =
style=3D"max-width:600px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign=3D"top" width=3D"100%" s=
tyle=3D"padding-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 16px; padding-=
right: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;; font-size: 0;">

<div style=3D"overflow: visible!imp=
ortant; display: inline-block; width:568px; max-width:568px; min-width:568p=
x; vertical-align:top;" class=3D"stack-column">
<table role=3D"presentation" cellspaci=
ng=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style=3D"padding-top: 0=
px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px;">
<table role=3D"presenta=
tion" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" border=3D"0" width=3D"568px" sty=
le=3D"table-layout: fixed; width: 568px;" >
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width=3D"528" class=3D"text-block-container" =
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: normal;font-family:Arial,Helve=
tica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;color:#000; word-wrap: break=
-word !important; white-space: normal; padding-top: 20px; padding-bottom: =
20px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px;">
<table role=3D"presentation" cellspacing=3D"0" c=
ellpadding=3D"0" style=3D"border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0; ver=
tical-align: top; width: 100%; min-width: 100%;
border-bottom-width: 1px;
border-bottom-color: #000000;
border-bottom-style: none;" width=3D"100%"=
>
<tr>
<td style=3D"border: 0 none transparent; pa=
dding: 0; vertical-align: top; width: 100%; font-size: 0; line-height: 0;">=
=C2=A0</td>
</tr>
</table> =20
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td width=3D"536" class=3D"button-block-container=
"
style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;white-space: norm=
al;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:12px;line-height:1.4;co=
lor:#000; word-wrap: break-word !important; white-space: normal;
padding-top: 16px; padding-bottom: 16px; padding=
-left: 16px; padding-right: 16px; text-align: center;">



<a class=3D"button-link" style=3D"display: block;" href=3D"[link removed]
autismspeaks.org/c/7/eyJhaSI6ODA3MDY2NDgsImUiOiJiaWdqYWNrYnVsd2Fya0BnbWFpbC=
5jb20iLCJyaSI6ImNvbnRhY3QtMDdiMDFhYzA5NWExNDBmMTgxNGI0Mjc3ODQ4YWExNzQtYTc0M=
jZlY2RiZTYyNGE2MDg2NjAzMmIyZDY3YTAwMDciLCJycSI6IjAyLWIyMzEzNy1kZTk2ZWI4Mjcy=
YzA0MzkyOTUxMTljZGI3YjBhM2UyOSIsInBoIjpudWxsLCJtIjpmYWxzZSwidWkiOiIxMCIsInV=
uIjoiIiwidSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXV0aXNtc3BlYWtzLmRvbm9yc3VwcG9ydC5jby8tL1hHREpFQ0=
pOP19jbGRlZT05MXdLQ1ZseTZ1R0RocHJ1X1BOUXpPNEZTRjMxZGZRQm0walMya2hnaktxN1Bzb=
U5MWXV5b3RaTER3Z3JQVjlfJnJlY2lwaWVudGlkPWNvbnRhY3QtMDdiMDFhYzA5NWExNDBmMTgx=
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View in browser [[link removed]]
[[link removed]]

Each autistic person has their own strengths and challenges. We are proud to share their stories in support of our continued work to increase understanding and acceptance, across the spectrum and throughout the life span
Meet Christopher T.
If you have ever watched any Autism Speaks videos, you may have had the privilege of hearing Christopher T, a 30-year-old voice actor, narrate. It was rather fortuitous for us to find out Christopher was autistic after we chose him for his deep and commanding voice and compellingly passionate tone among hundreds of voice actors for this part. It was the perfect voice to convey our organizational values and dedication to our mission work.

It was more accidental that Christopher found out about his diagnosis. Right before high school, he peeked inside a school document meant only for his parents and was stunned. It indicated that he was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. But when he looked up autism, he felt a sense of relief and revelation. "Oh my gosh...what I do...how I act has a name," he recalled to us.
[[link removed]]
He began to read more about autism to understand himself and feel more confident in his abilities as an autistic. Sixteen years later, here he is, training with voice coach and mentor, Ray Schilens, in hopes of inspiring others and proving to himself that he can do whatever he puts his mind to. In this Spectrum Spotlight, the Texas native gets candid about his journey.
Learn more about Christopher through his own words in this Q&A [[link removed]]:
What does being autistic mean to you?
There are many different meanings to being autistic. To me, it's a feeling of knowing that I am different. In the beginning, I had no idea what I was and faced stereotypical teasing, judgements, etc., amongst my peers in school. As I progressed through my teenage years, I started to understand that being autistic meant just being myself and knowing that it's not something to be ashamed about.
How were you received by friends and peers when you revealed you were on the spectrum?
Upon my discovery, I initially didn't know what to think or how to disclose it because I just
began reading about it. One year later, in 2009, I was in a study session when the school newspaper came out which included an article about autism. This struck a chord because my classmates were talking about that article. So, I disclosed to my class that I was autistic.

I was initially nervous, thinking that I would be bullied further in school, having dealt with bullying in the years prior to high school. That, however, completely changed when my classmates began to appreciate me for who I was. Some of the bullies realized that they were wrong and apologized for how badly they treated me. This showed me that people and attitudes do change for the better, and my own self-esteem improved.
In what areas of your life has your autism helped you excel?
Knowing more about being autistic helped me to understand and connect with people's emotions. In the years of my youth, I was often overly emotional because I could not voice my concerns when something was wrong mentally. But instead of being understood, I was often criticized and ostracized by some teachers who did not want to understand me. So, being autistic and being more self-confident about it helped me to become a bigger empath, to know what people outside my social circle are like and how they act. 
What struggles have you faced because of your autism? 
Inevitably, I've had many struggles, but most of my struggles being autistic have had a single common issue that schoolchildren cannot evade: the practice of a fire drill. My struggle stems from the intensity of the sound of a fire alarm, and this was a recurring problem that eventually led to my diagnosis. I was consequently overly emotional and paranoid in the classroom, unable to focus because the alarm was too loud and had (at one point in high school) caused me to develop a mild ear bleed.
What services and supports have you received since being diagnosed? How have they helped you?
In my school years, I only had partial services, such as modified tests/curriculum to help me cope with my difficulties so that I would not be overwhelmed mentally. It wasn't until 2016 when I began seeking counseling to be able to express myself as an autistic individual. As an empath, I needed to learn how to express myself without fear punishment or retaliation, etc. This was part of my struggle being autistic and I had to find the willpower to heal from it. Because if I cannot talk it out when it's important, then how am I, as an autistic adult, to stay true to my sense of empathy?
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What advice would you give to someone diagnosed with autism later in life, wondering what the future holds for them?
First of all, I hope you don't ever feel sorry for yourself. It's not what I would want you to do. I hope you read up about autism, get in touch with a good support system and surround yourself with people who love and care for you. Don't let anybody try to take advantage of you or allow them to dictate what you can/cannot do because you're autistic. And just be yourself. Choose your own destiny and be true to yourself and know that you're not crazy or weird; you are just who you are, and that's okay.
How did you get into voiceover business?
I've been training since 2021, having been influenced by the local business of the anime industry in/around Houston since 2012. I've traveled to anime conventions and met numerous voice actors who all believed in me. I've practiced mock sessions at some conventions and took some lessons sporadically. Then in 2021, I met my coach, Ray Schilens and discovered that he coaches aspiring voice actors. We worked hard to produce two demos in 2021 and 2022.

With this experience, I've learned how to read carefully, to breathe more efficiently, and to just be myself. It only took a short amount of time for me to realize that this was where my heart belongs. My family has been rather receptive of my desire to choose this path, and I've honestly never felt any prouder of myself doing so.
How does it feel to be the voice behind one of Autism Speaks’ most recent video productions?
It feels surreal at this moment because this is my very first job as a voice actor. It feels like an immense honor to take part in this opportunity. This helped me to be more expressive to convey the message about autism awareness in a more positive light, and it also helped me to further discover my true talents and strengths as a voice actor. As an autistic adult, myself, I feel that this is an important landmark in my rising career to be a messenger for Autism Speaks and the autism community and its supporters.

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What are your future goals?
I am hoping to progress further in my dream of being a voice actor so that I might be able to live an independent life, have a very happy future and I might be able to start a family of my own someday.
Why is being a self-advocate important to you?
Being a self-advocate means being someone who can stand on behalf of the community, to be a source of guidance and being a helper to those who cannot speak for themselves. It's about being a person of goodwill to stand by one's side and not put down our fellow autistics in the community. We must show them that we are not alone, and that we must all come together and be the guiding light that autistic individuals need.
What are five words that best describe you? 
Friendly, gentle, believable, empathetic and strong.

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Autism Speaks | P.O. Box 37148, Boone, IA 50037-0148
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