- Autism
- Interviews
Charlemagne's interview
How did all start?
I was born. That's pretty much it.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
I was diagnosed only when I seeked one, after graduating high school.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
So far, I've only tried speech therapy. But if you look at the person I was last year and the person I am now, you wouldn't be able to tell they are the same person.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Speech therapy, scripting, and talking with others about my condition who share it.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Being 'rude' when I talk (monotone), Not understanding social cues, Being too self conscious to socialize, 'Laziness' (lack of spoons), etc.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
My family was skeptical before I was diagnosed (even calling me a hypocondriac) before my diagnosis. Now they know it's true, and make somewhat of an effort to help. Although, sometimes I try to educate them or explain why something is tough for me and they don't listen.
What things have you stopped doing?
Hiding my stimming. I happy flap freely now.
What do you think about the future?
I'm a little nervous, but I know I'll be okay. I'll make more leaps and bounds and get to my best if I can.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
I don't remember much of my childhood, but those were good. As for what I do remember, I'd say this year, so far. I've started speech therapy, got my esa cat, have been with my girlfriend for 2 years, and ammo longer afraid of the oven.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
To be honest, I wouldn't be me if I wasn't autistic. It's part of who I am as a person.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Continuous expansion outside of the metaphorical box.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Take your time. Everything will be okay. There are people out there who you can talk to. You are not a burden or bad. You're just different and that's spectacular. You are loved. You got this.
