A message to my followers about autism awareness

Today, I want to share something personal with you.
You probably know me as the Magento guy, the tech head behind Macademy, and the go-to for all things Magento-related.
But there's also something else about me that shapes who I am, how I think, and how I work.
I’m #ActuallyAutistic ♾️
Everyone who is autistic faces different challenges. I’ve faced many. But I’ve also been blessed to be able to turn some of these challenges into positives.
Paul Romer said it best: “A crisis is a terrible thing to waste.”
My autism makes me think a bit different. I face challenges learning. For me to be able to understand something, I need to know how things work at a much deeper level than what is typically expected; how things work at the core, all the way up the tree.
I’ve turned that impediment into a superpower by taking my “understanding workflow” and making it into a repeatable process that teaches others in a very straightforward way. That process has become the foundation of my entire course business. It’s also given my life a great sense of direction & purpose, and unlocks the ability for me to go deep, and focus on something at an incredibly low level, and for a very long period of time, something I’m sure I wouldn’t be able to do otherwise.
But it hasn’t all been peachy. I could be a bit socially awkward. I have some sensory issues that make certain situations difficult. And there can be times when I’m absolutely overwhelmed with emotion. But I’m also able to concentrate deeply. To organize and think about things in a way that most others can’t. And I see the world from an alternate viewpoint. All of these things form a part of who I am and what makes me unique.
It’s important for you to know that by sharing this, I’m still the same person that I was yesterday, and the day before. I hope that your view of me doesn’t change, but maybe your view towards autism does. By hearing my little story, I hope this lets you know a little more about me, and also increases the acceptance, awareness, and empathy of others who may also be autistic.
Everyone has their own story, and this is just a part of mine. Thanks for listening 🫶
#autism #autismawareness #autistic

[@MarkShust]

If you relate to anything I mentioned in this video or think you may be autistic, it's very expensive to get tested as an adult. However, it's common to be "self-diagnosed", and many online tests such as this one that are fairly accurate: www.clinical-partners.co.uk/for-adults/autism-and-aspergers/adult-autism-test I believe everyone falls into the spectrum, some more than others, and the result doesn't change who you are -- but a positive result may help you learn more about yourself.

[@barahforever]

I never understand anything without understanding it's underlying concepts. It's like you punched me in the face when you have mentioned it! I am probably sort of autistic.

[@MarkShust]

@@barahforever hopefully I caused some awareness about this, as I think many are and don't know it yet. I do think we all fall into some part of the spectrum, some more than others. But it's just another challenge; not an excuse to not still move forward.

[@gregroles69]

Mark you are an exceptional teacher, hence why I recently signed up for your University. I've taught and worked in both University and High School systems, and teachers really, really good at communication are less common that you would think. I can probably only think of several out of hundreds I've met. I could care less about your "label", and more about how incredibly good at what you do online is. Thankyou for what you do!! I am no doubt at least somewhat aspergers, my Dad is freaky NASA rocket scientist smart, yet very emotionally reserved, and my eldest son is on the spectrum, but higher functioning like me. I spent my junior years trying to work out how to fit in with people, and took me till about 20 to start to get interest from girls as I just couldn't figure that part out. These days I'm totally covert and fit in, yet love the fact I have a level of perseverance and focus that has allowed me to shape every aspect of my life. As you say everything has a flipside, and I'd chose my life now with my awkward school years over being "normal" and cool at school any day. My amazing partner, kids and lifestyle are all testament to that! I'm actually jealous at just how much better at focus and drive, plus that amazing intelligence, true Autistic people have, I'm only like 50% of the way there!!

[@MarkShust]

You and I have a lot in common (especially the girls & 20 part! 😂). I really appreciate your transparency and kind words as well. We are all special & unique in our own ways. Best to make the most of each day in the best way we know how to!

[@MarcinDancewicz]

Thank you letting us Mark, you really turned it around perfectly!! It gave a different perspective on autism in my eyes and is very inspiring. I'll share! Keep up the great work! 😃

[@MarkShust]

Thanks a lot for the kind words Marcin! My goal with this post was to inspire & educate people about autism, at least a little bit, so I'm glad that it resonated with you that way 😄 Appreciate it.

[@amjadalarori7602]

Hi Mark, Out of all the courses I've taken to learn about software, you have been the best teacher by far. Your lessons have been incredibly helpful, and I really appreciate all the knowledge and guidance you've given me. Thank you for being such an amazing instructor.

[@MarkShust]

❤️ Thanks so much for the kind words! Very glad the lessons have helped you and I really appreciate having awesome students like you 😄

[@vivekshingala1431]

Hi Mark, respect!! Thank you for sharing this. I can relate most of the things. I think if I take the test, I will get positive result. But now I know "why my processor is slow" 😂 Thanks again, Mark. You're a gem! 💎

[@MarkShust]

Thanks Vivek! Glad I created some awareness about this 😄

[@BMikel]

Now I realize I am a bit autistic as well. To understand how things are working, I need to figure out how things are organized and how it's working under the hood. This relates to even trivial and obvious things in Magento.

[@MarkShust]

While I don't think it would change things for most, I think being aware of this is important! It can help you understand yourself better and what makes you tick, and also help explain some things that may have been unrealized in the past.

[@LuisPerez-mw5kl]

a very encouraging message, I don't think I have that situation, but I'm not very good at relating to people, it's good to know that you can make a virtue out of a condition, I recently enrolled in your courses, thanks for sharing, greetings from Mexico

[@MarkShust]

Thanks a lot Luis, and great to see you enroll in my courses! ♥️

[@VNicolasBlanco]

Just one thing: you're great 😊

[@MarkShust]

Thanks Nicolas!! 🙏 🫶

[@C_Mihai]

Shut the front door. You are a genius! Don't let others, or even tests that suggest you might be autistic, make you think otherwise. There are two types of people on this planet: good people and liars who will step on anyone to get ahead and only live for themselves.

[@MarkShust]

🙏

[@barahforever]

wow you are just great. Thank you!

[@MarkShust]

Thanks Barah 🙏

[@HaifengZhu-pn3uq]

hi, if I want to learn Magento, do I need to learn MySQL apart from PHP?

[@MarkShust]

You need to learn both! They are both extremely essential in the underlying Magento architecture. I don't know of any (backend) Magento developers that don't know MySQL.

[@HaifengZhu-pn3uq]

@@MarkShust Apart from PHP and MySQL, is there any other language I need to learn in order to develop Magento sites?

[@MarkShust]

@@HaifengZhu-pn3uq JavaScript is also pretty heavily used in the frontend. You may be able to avoid most of it if you stick with the backend, but if you ever plan on being certified or making any updates at all to the frontend, you'll also want a good understanding of JavaScript and also how it works in Magento.

[@HaifengZhu-pn3uq]

@@MarkShust Do you think the new version of Magento will get easier? The current version is too difficult for normal people

[@MarkShust]

@@HaifengZhu-pn3uq no, nothing major will change in terms of ease-of-use. Please email me at [e-mail], I’d love to discuss exactly what you find difficult so that I can create related material for you that will make it easier. Anything can be learned.