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 Jennie L.

Hi! I'm Jennie. I'm in my second year of college and hope to one
day become a writer. I want to share my story and let everyone know
that being different doesn't mean being less. It took me a while
to realize this, but now that I have, I want to advocate for the
autism community and people like me.

I was diagnosed with autism when I was in the 6th grade, but my mom,
a special education teacher, said she knew I was different from very
early on. She said I barely cried as a baby and never seemed to want
much affection. I would often throw tantrums when things didn't
go my way and as I got older, I wasn't very social. I
wasn't fully verbal until around the age of 15, which
didn't help my cause. This led to severe bullying at times and
feelings of isolation, sadness and anger especially before I knew why
this was all happening to me.

From as far back as I can remember, my mom has done all she can to
help me reach my full potential. From countless trips to meet with
doctors and specialists to finding the right schools and always making
sure I was receiving the services I needed, she has absolutely made me
the woman I am today. I am so grateful to have her in my life.

Learn more about Jennie and her autism journey in this Q&A:

When did you realize what it meant to be autistic?

I remember?I felt like everyone else until around the 3rd and
4th grade. I still was pretty unaware of the fact that I was
different, though looking back I could see signs as early as
kindergarten. I?wouldn't play with the other kids, and I
sat under a concrete awning by the bathrooms a lot by myself. Then in
4th grade, I was severely bullied. I remember asking why this was
happening to me. I would have meltdowns and beg every day to be kept
home from school. The next year, I was moved on to a charter school
for 5th grade, which was wonderful. It was in the 6th grade when I was
diagnosed with autism by my psychiatrist. I remember having an
"aha" moment when I got home from that appointment. I
looked up Asperger's and I cried because it was exactly me. That
was the exact moment I realized so much about my life.

What does having autism mean to you?

Autism to me means that I'm super. Not different, not disabled,
just super. God decided to place me on this world?for a divine
purpose. Everyone is here because we are supposed to be here. We all
play our roles in this world. Being me makes the world more
interesting. It also means that because I am so open about my
situation, I can be a teacher and an advocate for those who
don't have a voice. I'm currently writing a book which is
all about my world and experiences with autism.

How were you received by friends and peers when you revealed you were
on the spectrum?

As I got older, it became more apparent even without saying anything.
Though when I did say something, I got a lot of avoidance, stares and
whispers. I also received a fair share of people faking to be my
friend so they would feel better about themselves for being good to
others. Or they would be mean and then try to twist it to say that I
misunderstood because of my autism.

In what areas of your life has your autism helped you excel?

I have a photographic memory. I do very well in school. I am a great
singer and have hundreds of songs memorized. I love to public speak
and spread awareness whenever I can. Also, I absolutely love to write.
I am going to college to become an author. I am almost done with my
associate's degree.?

What struggles have you faced because of your autism?

Bullying, being stigmatized, stares and being laughed at,?but
the thing I struggled with the most was having?to learn many
things that come naturally to neurotypical?people. I had to
learn not to throw tantrums and to vocalize what I wanted. If I was
confused, I had to ask for help. If I was mad, I had to learn to not
take it out on others. My mom got the brunt of my anger,
unfortunately. Learning how to make friends at various stages of my
life was also very difficult, as was learning how to adjust to change.

What services and supports have you received since being diagnosed?
How have they help you?

I received occupational, physical and applied behavior analysis
therapies throughout my life. Each service has helped me in different
ways and helped me to achieve many things I didn't think I
would.

Who have been your biggest supporters throughout your life and why?

My mom because she never had any help with me. She?and I are a
team. We call ourselves "TeamOneVoice." She had always
been my biggest and most vocal supporter. Even when my family
didn't get it, she has helped advocate for me my whole life and
still does. She is my person. I could never thank her enough.?

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of getting in shape and learning to run.?I had
never done a sport before I?joined the track team in high
school. I don't think the coach or anyone else really had faith
in me, but I actually competed in State that year. I didn't win,
but I ran in State.?Not one teacher or coach expected that
one.?

Also, one of biggest dreams growing up was to get asked by a crush to
go to prom, and that happened my senior year. I was so excited when I
opened my locker and found a sign and tons of chocolate asking me if
I'd be his prom date. I remember telling him thank you because I
never thought this would happen for me. He made my dream come
true.?

What are a few of your short-term personal goals?

Be more self-confident, believe in my decisions and let negativity
roll off my back.?

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

The future is bright. Even in the difficult times, believe in
yourself. If you need someone to lean on, find that special person to
be your anchor. Know there are resources out there to help you. Also
know that the world isn't overly accepting of autism yet, but
the more we all speak up, the bigger chance of change. Even if you are
treated differently or unfairly, just remember your morals and
don't ever be someone you're not.

What are five words that best describe you?

Smart. Honest. Goofy. Strong. Hard worker.??



Autism Speaks | 1060 State Road 2nd Floor | Princeton, NJ
08540
© 2021 Autism Speaks Inc.

Autism Speaks and Autism Speaks Design are registered trademarks
owned by Autism Speaks Inc. All rights reserved.







[link removed]