Through the Lens of Experience – loveartpix

Through the Lens of Experience – loveartpix

This piece of art focuses on the sensory overload that autistic individuals like myself experience from birth to old age. The iris in the center represents our inner world, which regularly feels overwhelmed by everything happening around us. The hands reaching toward the iris symbolise the need for others to open their eyes and understand our struggles.

Going through a late autism diagnosis is a life changing journey, which involves both enlightening revelations and significant challenges. It brings a sense of clarity, yet it also evokes feelings of loss and frustration, particularly when reflecting on the years spent feeling misunderstood. One of the greatest struggles many of us face is the aftermath of autistic masking, a skill set we learn as a coping mechanism from a young age to fit neurotypical expectations. This act of concealing our true selves often leads to other mental health issues, creating extra barriers when advocating for ourselves in a society that offers minimal support and services tailored to our needs. 

I can empathise with parents of autistic children as you navigate your own fears and worries for your child’s future. Your concerns are valid, and I understand the urge you feel to seek support and understanding for your child. Unfortunately, I have experienced many instances of being overlooked or dismissed by some parents of autistic children and even services, based solely on how I present. This lack of validation, especially from those who should have a better understanding, can be disheartening and isolating! If we cannot find common ground and support one another, dealing with different aspects of the same issue, how can we expect society to create a more accepting and accommodating environment for all autistic individuals?

We are all fighting for a better future where autistic individuals receive the support and understanding we need. It’s important to recognise that my struggles are interconnected with your journey as a parent; together, we must work to support one another.

I am fighting for myself, I am fighting for your child, and I am fighting to help the next generation. My goal is to make society more understanding and supportive while advocating for adaptive changes through my projects. It takes a village to raise a child, and we must ensure that this village includes the voices of all autistic experiences.

It’s important for people to listen to our stories. Many autistic children today have parents who fight and support them, but many adults like myself were diagnosed late in life and didn’t have that support growing up due to a lack of understanding at the time. We have lived through challenges without the necessary help, and our experiences can help educate society from an insider perspective.

Children grow up to be adults, and we need understanding and compassion as we navigate this world. We are fighting for the same thing – a fact that I sometimes feel is overlooked. By sharing our lived experiences, we can help others see the pain and internal struggles that too often go unnoticed throughout a lifetime of masking in a society that wasn’t ready to listen. We must create an environment that embraces all forms of autism and works towards a more inclusive future for everyone.