Stay with me—what you're about to see is important, and I want you to be ready for it.
Self-awareness and advocacy are two of the most powerful tools an autistic individual can have. But they don’t emerge in isolation—they grow from a foundation of feeling seen, understood, and supported. Without that foundation, advocacy can feel impossible, and self-awareness can become a burden rather than a strength.
The video shared below is a story of an autistic individual navigating a high-stakes social situation on Survivor. What stands out is not just her ability to recognize her needs but also her confidence in communicating them. This is a direct result of being raised in an environment that validated her experiences rather than dismissed them, as she states, "my parents let me know nothing is wrong with me, I was unique."
Self-awareness doesn’t come naturally in a world that often misunderstands autism. It develops when autistic individuals are given the space to explore their unique ways of thinking, processing, and interacting with the world. The person in the video shares how she was once told she might never live independently or hold a job. Yet, her parents refused to see autism as a limitation. Instead, they fostered a belief in her strengths, empowering her to see herself as capable and worthy.
This is where self-awareness begins: in an environment that acknowledges differences without turning them into deficits. When autistic individuals are met with curiosity and support instead of skepticism, they can start to recognize their strengths and advocate for their needs.
Get the tissues ready....
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