What Does Autism Mean To Me?

My name is Zach Smith, I’m 23 years old, and when I was two I was diagnosed with high-functioning autism.

My autism has presented a few challenges throughout my life, especially with sensory overload and routine change. Loud sounds such as fire alarms and teachers who yelled have caused me so much anxiety to the point where I didn’t want to go to school to face them. With routine change, I have had some frustrations with unexpected changes to school and work schedules, but the biggest struggle came with the COVID-19 pandemic. I haven’t had a typical routine since I finished my last semester at Worcester State nearly 10 months ago. I’ve applied for nearly 20 jobs since then, and I look forward to starting my career soon and getting back to an everyday routine.

When I think of autism, I don’t see it as a disability. Instead, it’s more of a way that contributes to my character and personality. Some people think that autistic people are limited for what they can do in my life, but that’s far from the truth.

After my diagnosis, my parents were worried that I might need a private school and not easily make friends. Moreover, they were also thinking that my autism would block me from getting a job, going to college, and doing independent living.

I made it through public schools and made dozens of friends and acquaintances. I’m a high school graduate, and I’m a college graduate with magna cum laude honors. I held down a part-time job at Regal Cinemas for over five years, where I made more friends and built my interpersonal skills. I haven’t done independent living yet, but my parents have helped me move in that direction by showing how to do laundry, dishes and other forms of cleaning. I also got my driver’s license a year and a half ago, which also helped me gain independence by going for runs and doing errands at any time.

I never let my struggles get in the way of what I’ve accomplished during my life. While it can be tricky to live with those quirks, they help protect me and keep me safe in all that I do every day.

Autism should not limit and worry people who are affected by it. Looking at accomplishments and dreams should be the main focus for anyone on the spectrum, which should be the mentality for how we view them.