Being on the spectrum isn't as scary as what it seems

How do you view your diversity/neurodiversity, and how has it shaped your experiences, strengths, and journey?

I don’t view it as a disability at all.  It’s just part of who I am, it just makes me me.  Can’t change it, might as well embrace it.

Makes me see the world differently.

Most creative thinkers in the world are on the spectrum, so….

At CLE, how have you found the space to discover, embrace, and celebrate who you are?

I’ve learned that I’m the talkative one of the group.  I already knew that I talked a lot but I had no idea I talk as much as I do.  I always have an opinion to voice, and it’s always heard!

How does your CLE community help change the way people view neurodiversity?

We’re showing that being on the spectrum is just a spectrum.  It doesn’t define you.  It’s part of who you are, but it’s not everything you are.

You could have a few markers, or a million markers, but you’re still you!

Before I got diagnosed, I watched a show called Parenthood.  A character on the show named Max was diagnosed with Asperger’s (of course, we no longer use that term anymore, but he was on the spectrum), they made it seem like such a negative thing.  So then when I got diagnosed, I viewed it as a negative thing.

Now I know it’s just who I am, it doesn’t change who I am.  It’s not as scary as it seems in pop culture.