Hey SGLand! It's Mayumi here, and as someone who is neurodivergent, I want to share with you a little bit of my experiences being on the spectrum.
Autism is just one color in the beautiful spectrum of human diversity. For me, being neurodivergent simply means having a unique way of processing things and interacting with the world. Instead of focusing on the challenges, I try to think that this is just a little thing about me that makes me special and different from everyone else.
To be honest, there are moments when I wish I was just… "typical." Yet, more often than not, I try to embrace my uniqueness and celebrate my differences. Growing up, school was a struggle for me. The torment of being bullied throughout middle and high school left scars, and there were countless nights where thoughts of giving up filled me up like I was some glass of water. The uncertainty was the hardest part, I always kept questioning, "What the hell is wrong with me?
It wasn't until I turned 20 that I received a diagnosis, I was not scared or sad about it, I was just relieved. The diagnosis wasn't a label but a key that unlocked self-acceptance, something I didn’t know was even possible to be about me. It was a profound moment of realization that my differences weren't a flaw or mistake, I wasn’t lazy or stupid, my differences were just a part of the woman I am. Knowing this empowered me to recognize that being different is not just okay, it's a gift.
Living with autism makes you realize that it brings with it a remarkable array of strengths and talents. From creativity to an incredible attention to detail, people on the spectrum possess qualities that are really powerful. We can contribute to so many things and live a relatively normal life in our own extraordinary ways.
Unfortunately, society often perpetuates misconceptions about autism, leading to stigma and misunderstanding. That's why I’m really passionate about breaking these misconceptions to create a more inclusive world where everyone is embraced for who they are.
As a society, let's shift our focus from trying to "fix" us individuals on the autism spectrum to embracing them fully. Acceptance means recognizing the worth and potential of each individual, regardless of their neurodiversity. By doing so, we can create an environment where everyone feels valued and loved.
Embracing autism means embracing diversity, strengths, and possibilities. It's about creating a world where every individual is celebrated for their uniqueness. Remember, we're all part of a beautiful tapestry, and it's our differences that make it truly extraordinary.
@MISSY @SEAN @PENNY @JACQUELINE @BABU
