Just recently I had an email from someone that wanted me to take part with her for an interview as a guest blog on her site to raise awareness about Autism Acceptance. I gladly did accept. Introducing Jenna Gensic (Bio) Jenna Gensic is a freelance writer, disability advocate, and mother of four from northern Indiana (USA). Jenna has a BA in English and an MA in English writing; she taught high school English before making the decision to work from home and raise her young children. She is the author of What Your Child on the Spectrum Really Needs: Advice from 12 Autistic Adults and manages the Learn from Autistics website, she writes and speaks about parenting issues related to Prematurity, Cerebral Palsy and Autism. Purpose of the Interview Jenna asked me a series of questions spreading awareness of Autism and I as an advocate and educator invited viewers to witness the everyday life of an ‘Aspie.’ I am also the author of Life of an Aspie and blogs at Life of an Aspie and I’m known as Aspie Answers on YouTube where you can find my channel here. On Jenna’s blog, I shared some tips for spreading autism understanding and acceptance. The following questions she asked me were: When/how did you become aware of your autistic identity? I was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome, which is now called Autism under the new diagnostic criteria. This is also known as an ‘Invisible’ condition and can be difficult for many females. Many of you may feel that we are just seen as quirky, shy, emotional, difficult, or even blunt and outspoken. Whatever feelings or traits that we display, we are who we are, and we just need to be understood and not taken advantage of. As you can see in this diagram illustrated of the different types of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Link: https://www.growingyourbaby.com/category/autism/https://www.growingyourbaby.com/category/autism/ As you can see here with this diagram illustrated that these are some of the common traits for autistics yet not all autistics will exhibit these traits. Before being diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, my parents and I may have felt that I was sometimes obnoxious, shy, quiet, rude, selfish, and cruel to some extent. The whole mass of feelings inside of me that I do portray then comes with the label “Drama queen” from many people who see me, along with many other labels, and certain labels can be damaging. Never label anyone with any conditions as this can damage them for life. Labels don’t belong to people. They belong elsewhere. 2. What inspired you to write Life of an Aspie? After talking to some people on Facebook, I felt that regardless of my diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome and a host of other mental health conditions, it was time for me to be a voice, advocate, and/or educator for the ones who don’t have a voice yet. I wanted to become a voice to let others like me know that they’re not alone. I believe strongly that with some of my life experiences- BIG OR SMALL -, some people may be able to relate somehow. When I wrote Life of an Aspie based on my everyday life experiences and struggles, I believed that we could embrace our identities and have the choice to speak out and make a change/difference to anyone who we may meet or come face-to-face with. I’ve always had a passion to write as well as being able to try and help people no matter what they’re facing. This includes being there for others if they needed someone to talk to or being a listening ear or a sounding board, or offer, if needed, a piece of advice. In addition to writing this book, I have also been vlogging, and I hope sometime soon to do an updated version of my book.     I feel really strongly about other people’s thoughts and feelings, so I guess I’m also empathetic. I was also hoping this book might help remove the stigma and stereotyping about autism and mental health. I wanted to give others a better understanding and knowledge about autism and illustrate that not all autistics are the same. EXCERPT FROM LIFE OF AN ASPIE: LOOKING INTO EVERYDAY LIFE WITH ASPERGERS SYNDROME: We should at least enjoy every part of life as it comes. We should at least enjoy life by embracing it by being happy and at peace within ourselves and others around us. We should always live in the present and not worry too much about the future as it has not arrived yet for us. Life is also about learning the everyday lessons along the way. The trials and challenges we endure and face can determine everything about us and our future. Life is also about self-discovery – finding out who and what we really are as a person. I believe strongly that we all have a purpose and a reason in life as this is to why we are here today – to make a better start to the day starts with us. My book I wrote a few years back that you can visit and purchase it from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Life-Aspie-Everyday-Aspergers-Syndrome/dp/1520685122 3. What are you most passionate about? There are quite a few things that I am passionate about, and they are my love for cooking, listening to music, singing, dancing, writing, vlogging, or whatever other means that allow me to show my creative side. I also love to read and be around people who love me and accept me for who and what I am as a whole, and not just an autistic. I love to learn new languages and different cultures. I also love animals, especially ones that will keep me company and at ease with my health. These are just a few things I am passionate about. 4. What are some of the most important things neurotypicals can do or understand that would make life easier for people on the spectrum? There are a few important things that neurotypicals can do or understand that would make life easier for people on the spectrum and I only compiled at least ten