The Holiday Gift I Wish I Could Give Fellow Autistic People

If I could give one gift to everyone who shares my disability this holiday season, I would give the gift of pride to those who have autism/are autistic, however you wish to describe yourself.

I feel we are made to feel ashamed of our autism, like it’s something wrong or it needs to be fixed. We’re not really encouraged to feel pride in who we are and what we have. I wish to give others like me this gift of pride. Be proud of who you are and how you live your life. Be proud of how much you have accomplished and the hurdles you have overcome to be where you are now. I have jumped many hurdles to be where I am now and it has not been easy, but I am proud that I have done what I have done. It has contributed to the pride I feel being autistic.

Please accept my gift of pride and be proud of who you are. Be proud to be you and to live life how you do. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!