Autistic, in my 70s. I used to DREAD April Autism “Awareness” Month…

Awareness leads to Acceptance leads to Appreciation. Let’s take a look at April Autism Awareness Month…

World Autism Awareness Day — Save the Date, Celebrate Neurodivergents!

I gotta thank the UN for their lead role in changing how we look at autistic people.

I’m autistic. In my 70s. I used to DREAD April. Lot of celebration around Autism…

But no pictures of people like me.

I’m a blogger, podcaster and… aspiring… artist. Like many autists I didn’t succeed in the consumer-oriented world. So let’s say, my very real contributions to society weren’t… celebrated.

That all changed last year. 2023. I was honored to take part in UN World Autism Awareness Day. I sat on a panel with other artists. Different countries, backgrounds, schooling, races, creeds.

All autistic. All fascinating.

We got to talk openly about our art… and our lives.

I felt seen. Accepted. Respected. Exhilirating! And a bit terrifying…

And apparently I was seen. Sure, I now get the occasional commission for my autistic-themed art.

But what really gets me? All the conversations I’ve had since then about autism with professionals, families, educators… who saw me as a human. Not a poster child.

Wouldn’t have happened without someone as important as the United Nations making that shift.

If you wanna know more about real autistic individuals, I say make sure you catch this important event.

And if YOU are autistic, I say tune in anyway. It’s our time to take the spotlight now. And it can be a blast. You deserve it.

Transcript

I’m autistic. In my 70s. Last year, I participated in the UN World Autism Awareness Day. An honor!

But like many adult autists, I had, well… mixed feelings about Autism Awareness month.

Let’s just say I’d never seen anyone who looked like me in the presentations.

I’m a blogger, podcaster and… aspiring… artist. Like many autists I didn’t succeed in the consumer-oriented world. My very real contributions weren’t… celebrated.

That all changed last year. I sat on a panel with other artists in 2023. Different countries, schooling, races, creeds.

All autistic. All fascinating.

We got to talk openly about our art… and our lives.

I felt seen. Respected. Exhilirating! And a bit terrifying…

What really mattered? All the conversations I’ve had since about autism. With professionals, families, educators… They saw me as a human. Not a poster child.

If you wanna know real autistic life, catch this important event.

And if YOU are autistic, join in comments. It’s our time to take the spotlight now. It can be a blast. You deserve it.

One Autistic Voice: Escapin Up The Country – #AutisticAF Out Loud

An Example of Exclusive Subscriber Content… Raw, Real, Authentic.I’m letting my one austic voice do all the talking this time. I kinda like that.AutisticAF Out Loud – One Autistic Voice. Hmm…Here’s my first thank you. My first real attempt at being live on camera. It’s an autistic thing. No mask. No cosplay. I explain after you hit the button….Anyway, this one’s for you. All the subscribers. You were here before I had the spoons to make it happen.Now that I’m on the mend, I intend to make the most of subStack for you.Promise.-Johnny This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnnyprofaneknapp.substack.com/subscribe

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