Though these are challenging times for our community and so many
others, we plan to continue to share the stories of people with autism
and their families through Spectrum Spotlights and other content. We
hope these will offer a look into the many diverse perspectives in our
community, and provide inspiring and uplifting stories when we need it
most.

Meet Sophie K.

If ever a person was born to perform show tunes in front of hundreds
of theater fans each night, it's 23-year-old Sophie. With her
colorful hair, beaming smile and boisterous personality, this New
Jersey native tends to steal the spotlight everywhere she goes, so
it's no wonder she has dreams of performing on the grand stages
of Broadway.

Sophie began singing when she was 15 years old and credits her mom,
Anne, for helping her to find her voice. Even before she could speak,
she says it was her mom who helped her to express herself and
encouraged her to always use her voice to "let her sparkle shine
bright."

"My mom has been tremendously supportive. She is loving, caring
and understanding. My dad passed away when I was young, so she did
everything. She helped me to understand what it means to be
myself."

Sophie was diagnosed with autism just four months before her second
birthday. Her mom said once she received the official diagnosis, she
made it her mission to teach her daughter that being true to herself
was paramount.

"She is always enthusiastic. The best word I can use to describe
her would be 'sparkly,' with a tattoo to match,"
Anne said. "She sings, loves everything Japanese, is a movie
buff, loves Hiyao Miyazaki, is a true foodie and loves info about
other cultures. She's always been very curious, incredibly funny
and just lights up a room."

Learn more about Sophie through her own words in this edition of Spectrum Spotlights: [link removed]

At what age were you diagnosed with autism?

I was 20 months old when I was diagnosed.

When did you realize what it meant to be on the autism spectrum?

I started to realize what it meant to be on the spectrum when I had
difficulty making friends, doing schoolwork and understanding what it
means to be "different." It was hard for me in the beginning
- it seemed hard to be in the world. But I was a happy and
friendly as a kid.

What struggles have you faced because of your autism?  

When I was very young, I didn't speak. That made me very frustrated.
Not being able to say how I felt, what I wanted or what I was thinking
was very hard. I have dyscalculia, which makes it hard to tell time
and count. Sometimes people were mean to me because I was different. I
was bullied. I didn't know why people were mean to me, because I
was a nice kid. I was always friendly and happy-go-lucky.

In what areas has autism helped you excel?

I realized that being autistic is part of me. I'm outgoing,
enthusiastic, friendly, kind and a good friend. I'm also creative. I
started singing when I was 15 years old. I sing on stage, and I'm
never afraid. Singing is my absolute favorite thing to
do. ?

What makes Sophie K. unique?

I am authentic and myself all the time. Because I'm enthusiastic,
people are happy when I'm with them. I have a great sense of humor.
And I'm kind of dramatic, too! I'm interested in everything Japanese.
I love musical theater, learning about different cultures and
languages, movies, animé and manga, cooking and traveling.

What are some of your biggest personal accomplishments?

I'm proud that I am training to become a Broadway singer. I'm proud
that I made a lot of friends. I'm proud that I learned why it's okay
to be myself. I'm proud that I can bring joy to people's lives.
I'm proud for being brave!

What are your some of your goals for the future?

My goal is to be the first person on the spectrum to play Christine
Daaé in "Phantom of the Opera" on Broadway. I want to go to
Japan, meet the Jonas Brothers, have an apartment in the city with my
boyfriend and three cats, travel and also win a Tony Award!

What advice would you give to a young person, recently diagnosed with
autism, wondering what the future holds for them?

Understand who you are and be that person. ?

Why is it important to you to advocate for other autistic people?

To help them figure out what their dreams are and help them achieve
them.

If you could go back in time and give the younger version of yourself
a piece of advice, what would you say?

Always be yourself because that's what you're best at!

What five words would you use to best describe yourself to the world?

Brave. Beautiful. Sparkly. Compassionate. Sensitive.


P.S.We know that this can be an especially challenging time for people with autism and those who love and support them. For resources, go to www.autismspeaks.org/coronavirus or contact the Autism Response Team at 888-AUTISM2 or [email protected]. We are here to help.



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