As we are in modern times, we see the fact that many individuals, including most autistics, are a part of the communities in which we reside. While autistic individuals may live in varying degrees of independence from living on their own such as myself, with family, a community (or group) home or even a semi-lockdown mental health facility, they are a part of the community as as such there needs to be a greater sense of understanding, acceptance and welcoming to the communities in which we reside. 

I value my independence greatly and know what I am limited to do and not do. It is also knowing that there can sometimes be those that know me or someone in my immediate family that knows me and treats me just as they would anyone else or step out of their way to say hello to me in the course of their day whether it is in their job at the grocery store or whether they are either on their way or are picking up breakfast. Maybe it is that acknowledgement of me passing them in the street. Regardless it is them taking the time to acknowledge my existence in this world and that they know as if I am being the usual self that I am known to be. 

There are often times when I want to isolate myself and hide from doing things out in the world. The past few months, I have been attending church nearly weekly and while I never want to be preachy to anyone, it is having a sense of faith that has guided me back into a sense of positivity. It is also the fact that I often go to my weekly weight loss support group and contribute things like creating and printing our group’s monthly newsletter and taking on the role as a new member coach supporting those coming in the door the ropes in what we do each week. 

This is not to mention the normal motions like work and day programs where I am deeply depended on and greatly known for my vast knowledge in a wide array of subjects related to the roles that I hold in both elements. It is in these elements that I am not left to my own mind to construe thoughts that could get very challenging if I allow them to. It is knowing that I am needed and that I have senses of community and know that in many times they have my back when I am not my best and that there are so many people in those realms alone, not to mention my advocacy and personal social media platforms that acknowledge the work I put forth there too.

These statements are in no way a way to glorify myself to say that how good things are, but to show the fact that there are many people in this great community that I have called home for most of my life that recognize me and accept me for my flaws and that is all I want is not to be in a sense where I am ostracized or sheltered, because that is the way that it was several decades ago and I also recognize the fact that I am fortunate to have both of my parents support me greatly in my life as I know that many that have challenges similar to me are not grated that opportunity. 

It can be easy to sit here and throw a pity party or woe is me about the challenges I face but it is knowing that I need to be grateful for the things that I have and the people surrounding me in this world that help me live from day to day, sometimes hour by hour. As they say, there is no easy autism and that is the truth. I have been through alot in the course of nearly four decades but I am now at the time where I can relax a little, go through the motions and enjoy life a bit without worrying if I will fit in or be appreciated for who I am and the challenges that I go through in life. It is knowing that I have a pretty good life in part because of the community in which i live.

I know this cannot be the case for everyone, but you need to find the element you can thrive in. It is the simple things that can start the conversation going that can build the momentum in getting to welcome them into your life and knowing and accepting you for who you are and the quirks and challenges that come your way. 

Simply put, Community matters because there is a sense of UNITY in commUNITY and everyone needs to find their niche. It can be hard and challenging to find that and for me growing up it wasn’t easy but having the door being opened up over my existence has allowed me to be happy in many ways with my life.