
Issue 15’s Big Question
“If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?”
Haley Moss, our Guest Editor, asked this question to the #ActuallyAutistic Community and here’s what they had to say:
Don’t worry about what people think of you, don’t pay attention to that. Work hard and pay attention to what matters most.
Michael McDonald, @MikeTheAspie
I grew up in a world where autism was hardly known. I would go back and tell myself there is a reason you’re different. There is no need to feel ashamed. One day it will be explained and you will start to appreciate how amazing and unique you are.
Jim, @EdgySpirit
Don’t worry that you have no friends. You are doing just fine, and it won’t always be that way. But take time to learn some social skills, kindness, and looking out for others, it will pay off.
Madge Woolard, @funkiepiano
You’re vulnerable, because you feel weird and unpopular. This causes you to seek validation from others. Don’t let predators take advantage of that
Charlie Hart, Neurodiversity Champion, Solicitors Regulation Authority, @AusomeCharlie
Just because you experience the world differently doesn’t mean your version is wrong. Sometimes people will just be jerks. Don’t listen to others when they try to tell you what you are and are not feeling. You’re allowed. Your experiences matter.
Autistic Science Lady, @AspieHuman
Start. Typing. To. Communicate. It works better for you than trying to say hard stuff out loud
Alyssa, @yes_thattoo
One piece of advice is that you don’t have to be like everyone else to be accepted. You can be accepted, just as you are; and those who accept you as such are your true friends.
Kylie, @Aspergirlkylie
For all the faults people tell you they see in you, they cannot see your strength, your resilience, your determination or your need to be truthful, honourable and kind.
Autistamatic, @autistamatic
If you just laugh about it, awkwardness can be kind of endearing, and not crushingly embarrassing.
It’s okay to pick a different grocery store. When you’re an adult you can buy lettuce where the lights are nicer and the signs aren’t so bossy and that’s your right as an adult. There’s no shame in commuting for comfort.
Pastel Ninja, @PastelNinja
GO BACK TO ISSUE 15
READ MORE ARTICLES:
Editor’s Letter: In this Issue: Fierce Advocates for Women and Autistic Rights
Powerful Women Cover Story Interviews
- Alyssa Milano Speaks Out for a Better World for All Women
- Julia Bascom on the Amazing, Vibrant and Resilient Autistic Community
- Sharon daVanport Finds Power in Her Joy
- Mia Ives-Rublee: Stop Listening to the Naysayers & Fight for What You Believe
- Hala Ayala: Seeking Out and Learning from Diverse Voices
- Senator Duckworth: A Lifelong Mission of Supporting, Protecting and Keeping Promises
Feature Stories
- From Feeling Powerless to Owning My Power by Morénike Giwa Onaiwu
- Advocating for Others by Advocating for Myself by Chana Bennett-Rumley
- Facing the Music and Changing My Life by Michelle DeVos, Esq.
- The Three Amigas: An Unexpected Friendship by Dani Bowman
In Every Issue
- Cummings and Goings: Finding Power in Who You Are by Conner Cummings
- #AskingAutistics: Have You Ever Been Accused of Acting MORE Autistic? by Christa Holmans
- Don’t Get Me Down: Fighting Autistic Inertia by Becca Lory Hector
- The View from Here: Starring in the Real-Life Drama as “The Good Anesthetist” by Anita Lesko
With Updates from Jacob Fuentes and Carly Fulgham at end of article
Discover more Zoom Issues:
- Issue 13: Family
- Issue 14: Trailblazers
- Issue 15: Powerful Women
- Archived issues on the Zoom Home Page
What does Zoom have to do with Geek Club Books nonprofit mission?
Leave a Reply