I face many struggles in my everyday life; however, this does not stop me from being happy. I find myself often thinking about how I will live on my own. I can do so much, but I need a lot of help; however, I’m improving every day. I find tasks that neurotypical people find easy to be quite difficult but I don’t let that discourage me. I don’t want anyone seeing themselves as less than anyone else. I have come so far, but I still need a lot of adaptations. An example of this is when I do schoolwork. I have not been enjoying going to school in person because I need more silence and help than my peers do. The classes require me to respond more quickly than I can via spelling and my anxiety is too much to tolerate. I am more successful at home with therapists one-on-one. Another adaptation I need is someone to manage medications for me. If I did it myself it could potentially be dangerous. A lot of people with autism need these supports, but we should still be involved in managing our lives and making decisions. I know about my school and health more than anyone. One of my therapists started teaching me about self-advocacy last year because I agreed to everything people chose for me. While it was easier for them, I didn’t feel heard. Having a voice and supports is possible. I encourage you all to find yours.
Mitchell's Life with Autism 
You’re awesome Mitchell!
So young yet such an incredible inspiration you are!!!
Please keep writing- you have a tremendous gift to share.
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This a a good read Michael. I am so proud of you able to write your thoughts in your own blog. I am sure it would have taken a considerable effort but I am happy that you took the effort to write it instead of get discouraged with the effort. It’s a big achievement and you deserve a hands down. I feel you should keep writing as it would help families that have ASD kids. I would like to read how you feel other kids treat you at school, what food you like and why , what sensory inputs bother you and why…. there are so many things I would like to know. Keep writing.
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Mitchell,
I needed silence in school too.
“I know about my school and health more than anyone. One of my therapists started teaching me about self-advocacy last year because I agreed to everything people chose for me. While it was easier for them, I didn’t feel heard.”
Yes. Like going to places you have reason to fear because someone suggested it – when self-advocacy would be telling them why you fear the place and working it out with them so you can both do something fun and less fearful.
You do have lots of opportunities with your therapists?
“I find myself often thinking about how I will live on my own. I can do so much, but I need a lot of help; however, I’m improving every day.”
Ekie from I KNOW THIS ROSE WILL OPEN wrote a blog post about this very thing and the services she uses.
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