Who is affected by the news or discovery of autism in an individual, is it themselves, their caregiver, their loved ones, companions, co-workers, acquaintances, or that random stranger they happen to encounter? The answer is all of the above because when I realized that I was autistic at the age of 16 it not only turned my world upside down but it impacted those around me as well. The first ripple effect that happened after my diagnosis was the discovery that my 6 year old brother also had autism. Which paved the way for him getting a diagnosis and perhaps he avoided many years of hardship with this head start in special education, extra support and accommodations. 

         To the left is a picture of my little brother and me.

         Since the diagnosis my friends and family have a new definition of what a disability could be and look like. That it is just as important to help a person with a physical disability such as someone in a wheelchair and someone with a neurological disability. Even among acquaintances and strangers I happen to leave them with a new view of what autism could look like. Since most people have a general idea of what autism is from the media or someone else they know and they assume for every other autistic person to be exactly like that. Though when they encounter me somehow my quirky traits come out and they may ask about it and I simply explain that I’m autistic which makes me do etc. So after an interaction like that they are more informed that not every autistic person is alike and might even be more open minded towards people with disabilities. 

          Where I am currently working on making more impactful changes is at the church where I work at because I’m the first in the kids ministry with autism and I feel it is my job to advocate for these kids with disabilities. My dream is for a massive change in this church where parents aren’t worried about leaving their kids with us for the fear of their child not being understood or properly cared for. Though a wave is just a collection of ripples, till then I will continue to make these small changes. Whether that is informing my co-workers the basics of what autism is and which kids need that extra care. Or making noise proof headphones and stimming toys available for kids. Just simply being my quirky self for all to see and letting them know I’m proudly autistic is a ripple in itself and this goes out to everyone as well. Whether you’re a parent or caregiver, teacher, friend or are autistic, claiming to be an advocate for autism and letting those around you know about it can start those ripples and sure enough we’ll start a wave.