An Autistic Teenager with Dyslexia

[@SpecialBooksbySpecialKids]

I have a really cool story about Calla's autism diagnosis! Her family told me that when they were contemplating having her tested for autism, they felt overwhelmed and didn't know what to do. They then found a SBSK interview of another autistic teen. That video made them feel comfortable and confident that pursuing a diagnosis was the correct thing to do. They even showed Calla the video and she laughed because she related so much to the person. Thank you for always supporting these videos and making moments like that possible.

[@MaxAngor]

That's why I archive all of my rants and stories. It's why I'm going to make a huge weight loss video when I hit 220 (30 pounds to go! Lost 50 so far.) I want to help someone else whose doctors told them they were too disabled and they felt trapped in their own body with no way out. I want to help people who are where I was so they can, pardon my diction, unfuck their lives quicker than I did at 39. I could have done this at any time but I simply did not know what I needed to and lived in fear. I don't want my own weight loss to begin and end with me. I want to help some other poor bastard who is now where I was in May when this mess started.

[@jameshamilton9936]

That's an amazing story

[@apoxuponme9575]

Such a nice story.

[@mymylauren]

I wonder if it was Garrett

[@a.j.marcantonio153]

@@mymylauren Maybe, I think Calla and Garrett have similar personalities.

[@NightNate]

Hi everyone! Nathan here(callas brother) I just want to thank Chris for the great interview. I’m glad her story is out and hope that it will teach people about autism or open their minds to how a person with autism goes about their lives. If you have any questions about calla reply to this comment and I will post her answers:)

[@petrichorpse]

Hello! I also love gaming, so I'm curious, what are Calla's current favorite video games?

[@NightNate]

@@petrichorpse she really likes raft, world of Warcraft, and the hitman series

[@lussor1]

@@NightNate never let her League

[@albertorkenbjorken]

she did a great job! i am sure you are so proud of her! she looks taller than everyone else. was that just the chair she was in or is she a giant dragon rider? heheh

[@Intreppidity]

I like Calla’s shirt. Shinedown is an awesome band! What’s Calla’s favorite Shinedown song?

[@Stopstaring101]

I LOVE her energy… her free spirit✨ She hasn’t encumbered herself with a bunch of lies and bullshit!! She’s a gem 💎

[@haannguyen4402]

Fellow autistic here

[@parzival1641]

I felt her energy too, she’s a free soul

[@vaespor]

she's so cool. as a neurodivergent person, i completely understand when she said that looking at other people & their emotions is like looking thru aquarium glass

[@Bowl427]

I don’t get how she’s cool 😂 she’s lame and goofy looking

[@jahawhitaker1016]

I love these episodes my daughter is 5 with autism can't wait to see how she interacts with people at this age

[@kaykreationsanimations334]

My cousin has autism, too!

[@hollymactaggart3769]

My 3 year old daughter has Autism too. It's going to be quite the journey :)

[@deeplander]

I'm 17 and autistic too. Wishing you and her the best

[@arclcs]

My child has autism but not functional yet, kind of intimidated but he’s also really awesome

[@landonpeoples]

She’s autistic. There’s nothing wrong with her :) she’ll have a great life with a mom who cares. :)

[@crunchwrapsupreme6084]

This girl is like looking into a mirror for me, from half my lifetime ago: creative, intelligent, confident in her uniqueness. Some of the things she said are things I've said at her age, likely word-for-word. I hope she has an easier time transitioning to adulthood than I did. As much as teenage life seemed overwhelming, adult life has been infinitely more so. Don't let that creativity slip away, and don't let go of the belief that you are unique and valuable. Once those aspects of my identity drifted away, there wasn't much of me left. Hold on tight.

[@giveemelle7862]

Exactly this, from me too 🥺

[@Hellohihey670]

You are still and always will be unique and valuable. Don’t forget that ☺️. Hope you’re doing well! “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?“ Matthew 6:26

[@porc1429]

Yeah same. I hope I'll get it back and be myself again

[@JD.727]

Me too. ♡ I'm glad she has a supportive family and access to such helpful resources so early in her life. It's easy to be jealous of someone who has a better shot at a bright future, but she will be a force for good and we can feel good rooting for her. I hope we see lots of successful nurodivergent GenZ people occupying influential roles in the future and empowering each other. I'm still sad that I keep failing to make something of my own life. It hurts. But at least we are seeing the world change for the better. I hope her mom isn't too worried. I think her daughter will be just fine.

[@Tambisme]

@@Hellohihey670 God bless you✝️❤️🙏🏻😊

[@Tranquility32]

She’s not “about to be really cool” (going into 12th grade), she already IS cool. I wish Calla all the best. ♥️

[@Bestbuddies2021]

Yea she is amazing 👍🏻😊

"A different way that people perceive things" I actually think that's a pretty good description about what autism is.

[@beanj580]

My son is 7 and autistic. I worry so much about his social development and how he will fit in. He is super quirky and sometimes unusual. He has the most wild, fascinating imagination and it's amazing, but not shared by most peers. Some times it keeps me up at night with just pure worry and sadness. It's refreshing to see a well adjusted autistic teen. Thanks for sharing

[@elfdruid2072]

I am an autistic adults with adhd (20) and living with friends in rented apartment without carers. 2 of us are Autistic and ADHD and 2 of us have ADHD. We manage. We find communities. It's harder, but I am very happy your boy got diagnosed young! We cook for each other and have other friends and sometimes even go to parties (with accomodations). Life is different but not worse if it helps :D.

[@maryj4876]

She's the kind of autistic that is sociable, fun and outspoken. My autistic nephew is a kind of loner, doesn't like loud noise, doesn't enjoying gathering or party. He's avoiding other people but good at following instructions. Thanks for sharing, this channel is very informative that we learned a lot from these kind of special unique people. 🙏 😘

[@straberryshinigami15g97]

As a fellow autistic , thanks for making this video!

[@autiejedi5857]

I wasn't diagnosed until I was 48 years old, after both of my kids were. It explained so much and was such a relief! I relate so much to her when I was a teen. In the 1970s and 1980s it was thought that autism was extremely rare in girls, so it wasn't even on anyone's radar.

[@nym5qu17]

society needs to be more accepting of neurodivergent people. We need to be taught that there isn't a "normal" or "correct" way to be. Everyone's brains are different and those differences shouldn't make it harder for some and not others.

[@survivingitall5263]

What a beautiful teen with such a megawatt smile. Happy she and her mom got her diagnosis and have an easier time understanding each other now. Thanks for sharing Calla!

[@mikryan6567]

She seems like an honest awesome person

[@pokejmusic7302]

I have Autism too this makes me feel so much better.

[@katrina59960]

What an awesome interview. Calla, you are extremely bright, introspective, and honest. It opens so many eyes to the variety of ways autism manifests itself. Also, Chris, you always have great questions, but the ones in this interview were spot on for eliciting info about how Calla experiences the world. Calla, wishing you peace and acceptance as you get through HS and figure out what’s best for you next.

[@CarleyJoy]

Calla! as a “neurotypical” person, i’ve never related to someone more. you’re so awesome, and extremely intelligent. love your family too! i promise, after high school, it gets better. you’re a special, important, articulate young lady Calla!!

[@luminolmortis5927]

i see so much of myself in this girl. i am 20 and have several diagnoses but am still pushing for an autism and potentially ADHD assessment. i really feel what calla said when talking about hyperfixations and society's standard of "having a life". i'm personally working hard with my therapist to feel like my life and my passions have worth even if they don't meet society's standards.

[@KatieM786]

Keep pushing, I got diagnosed at 32 and my mum got diagnosed a few years later in her 60s. I hope you find the answers that help you find peace ❤️

[@LunovaLabs]

I love how she breaks down complex ideas into metaphor. I do the same thing. I relate a lot to her needing to wait for the bucket to drain before adding more water.

[@junebugx1312]

i just turned 21 and i got diagnosed with autism when i was 20. i love seeing other young people talking about their experiences. being able to relate and also learn something new about people is really cool. it’s so relieving to get that diagnosis after years of feeling so different. like there was something that just wasn’t quite right. an autism diagnosis can be so freeing especially after wondering for so long. i thought i was “stupid” too because of other kids. couldn’t be further from the truth. keep embracing who you are. you’re awesome !!! thank you so much for sharing your story with us !! that’s not easy. i’ve always wanted to do an interview but my anxiety gets in the way. so i really admire your courage and honesty. keep on being you 🖤

[@lidiafknoriginal3935]

This has hit me so hard. Cause it’s perfect in all directions. 💕💕💕💕 I’m 32, and have autism and she is on spot how I was at 17. She talks and describes herself so well. And now I have 5 kids with all autism and adhd. I just really really enjoyed this video.

[@ireallylovecilantro]

I will be 31 years old and also autistic! It’s so cool to see representation. ☺️

[@lis7742]

Wow, she's so smart, talented, articulate and aware. How old is she? I have reached her "level" at the age of 30.. She reminds me so incredibly much about myself. I just wish I had a mother like she does, because mine wasn't there for me or trying to understand me, at all. This girl is going to have a great, fulfilling and successful life, I can tell. Edit: I also connect exceptionally well with other neurodivergent people, other people with ADHD and I just vibe and click like magnets.

[@LaurenHilly13]

I was diagnosed with high functioning autism at 4 or 5 years old. For years, I never really knew what it was about. But now, I understand why I would easily get upset at certain situations with all the free resources out there. I also have anxiety as well. This lovely teenager is almost like me in a way, and I am 35 years old. She’s such an inspiration! ❤️

[@oliverhalewood3364]

This message really resonated with me because I felt the same when I was diagnosed.

[@johntirado-glover3574]

A very smart young lady. She seems not defined by her Autism, and her other disabilities. I'm so glad that she has a very supportive family. Another awesome episode. Thanks for sharing these stories.

[@sophie1564]

Calla has such a gorgeous smile and bright personality. I love that she knows exactly who she is and accepts herself. She inspires me to do the same! I also love what she said about knowing she has strengths and doesn't need to try and develop her weaknesses as much. Once I focused on the things I enjoyed and was good at after I graduated school, all of the stress related to the subjects I had struggled with in school gradually fell away. Keep being you Calla!

[@jameshamilton9936]

I have watched almost every video on this channel and long term subscriber I am recently self diagnosed with autism and i have dyslexia I'm 17 currently but ill be 18 in a couple months seeing the title made me so excited to watch this interview Edit: I also have a million other problems and diagnoses but I didn't think mentioning them was important in this comment

[@LittleWaterLily19]

Wow, she’s incredibly bright and seems like a genuinely good and well rounded person, she’s gonna go places

[@jackiewinters5792]

What a delightful young lady with a contagious smile! I couldn't help but smile while watching this interview. Sending lots of love & many blessings to this wonderful family! 💜🙏

[@brendaseager7371]

I completely get where this girl is coming from. I to like to spend more time by myself than I do with others, I get so much more done by myself and enjoy my time doing things. People seem to think you have to be with others constantly to be happy, I’m not one of those people, I like myself and am not sure others do but that again is ok with me

[@KiwiHorseProductions]

When she said, “When I’m sitting by myself… don’t come and talk to me,” I felt that! So often people with good intentions will try to engage you and include you, which for some people at some times can be really helpful and heartwarming, but sometimes you have separated yourself for a reason and just really want that space 😊

[@AoiUsagiOtoko]

she seems like such a cool person! awesome hairstyle too, love it being autistic myself i always appreciate the plethora of different autistic folks y'all interview-- it's a spectrum, a mixed bag, and seeing different perspectives from different people all with the same condition is very cool to me 💕

[@commontatew6915]

Unlucky

[@MAGNUM05]

@@commontatew6915 Yes you are

[@commontatew6915]

@@MAGNUM05 why

[@DopamineSchizo]

i had a few autistic roommates and people with autism i became friends with in psychiatry. great guys and humble

[@Tacticalerth]

Well im Schizotypal, my ex gf was tall and asperger i left her, and i have many enemies who had autistic,

[@Tacticalerth]

Aspergers are narc

[@sarinagrebler9619]

She’s so beautiful with the way she talks it’s amazing and the way she is completely awesome . I was tested for autism when I was nine and it was personal experience I kept denying it when I was nine. As an adult with autism I can relate to some of the things she’s talking about

[@lisah5750]

Calla is adorable, her energy is amazing and she just radiates this amazing charisma!! Hugs

[@marcelredplanet3765]

Literally the most charismatic and intelligent teen on this planet.

[@AnastasiaPlantlegs]

To look back at someone who I can basically see as a younger version of myself is fascinating. To see the chaos of your brain as pain instead of potential is a reminder to me that there are parts of my psyche that are still in pain, and that those parts of myself can calm as I grow older. Thanks lots for sharing your story

[@mentalhealthwithalana]

I just LOVE your channel and all the different people you interview on here!! As someone with a disability I enjoy seeing others overcome and live life with their difficulties and still remain so positive . You raise awareness that is SO needed in society and you are doing an amazing thing that is bringing hope to those with different disabilities and educating everyone on how to treat everyone with kindness and respect because everyone deserves to be loved!! Thank you for all your hard work with creating content!! 💜

[@jorava8768]

Her experiences are so relatable! I love that her family actively tries to understand and support her.

[@fredericbuchanan5570]

Hyperfixating, or special interests, can be underestimated, some people think it's like "oh I like that thing, it must be it" but it really does consume your entire life to the point you can forget your basic needs over it. That's why I made my special interest my whole life, special education ✨❤️ I now work with other autistic people and I love it!!!

[@janapickart3922]

What a lovely lovely human! I completely relate to living a life in pursuit of stories. I was an anthropology major for that reason. Keep creating, keep dreaming, keep storytelling. We need more people in the world like you, Calla.

[@misamisa29]

I’m 28 and autistic and I was so much like this as a teenager. I wish my parents could watch this to see what they missed. I’ve always felt the way Callan feels about having THE big special interest. My all encompassing special interest is art and my art practice which provides a lifetime of hyper fixations.

[@juliej5917]

Calla is awesome! I can picture her succeeding in so many artistic places… like costume designer, or clothing designer. Hair, makeup, painting, photography, veterinarian! Writer, playwright, author. Her opportunities are endless!! 🥳😽💜

[@KalleVonEi]

This videos somehow help me dont know why Mabey its just wholesome :')

[@henrahmagix]

an undercut sidebuzz _with_ curls?? AMAZING

[@kavitadeva]

Calls is Brilliant. What a wonderful story you pinned up in the Comments Chris. SBSK truly changes so many lives. 💜🔥

[@kaykreationsanimations334]

My cousin has autism and she’s grown so much. And I’m kinda early! Very inspiring!

[@teags3559]

Loved this vid I’m a teen with dyslexia and may have autism this video was so relatable

[@MinktheStorykeeper]

Same

[@Ullisen]

This is so awesome! I recently made a new friend and they are autistic. They really remind me of this amazing girl.. I've had friends on the spectrum before, but now I'm an adult, and I've been chosen by this 12 year old (they're a friend's kid, I'm not just hanging out with random children), and they really open up to me. I'm like the first person who they've showed their coping kit for example. I'm so honored to be chosen, and sbsk has made me to not even mentally question stuff they do. Everything makes sense. I myself have adhd, am bipolar and have eipd, among other stuff, so we kinda bond over being different but still as normal as we can be. We are the normal for us, and we're good enough. Thank you for teaching us to be our own normal, and to be proud 💜

[@bethanypaxton9982]

Both my kids have autism. My son Just about 7, non-verbal. My daughter, 4 non-verbal. I always think about the future and not day to day. I know how day today is going to handle. But I think about the future for them and like this little lady. As far as their interacting for the future and being social. So it's so great that you post these videos and get us the acknowledgment that we need to. It's going to differ from people to people. But it's nice to know how things work out for different people with different diagnoses. Thank you so much for posting these videos and helping us through these times and the kids too first and foremost!

[@angelalovell5669]

Thanks for doing this video, Calla - I really enjoyed parasocially meeting you! You just helped me be a little less tough on myself for having all the same diagnostic labels you do - watched this, had to deal with some social stuff I find really hard, gave myself some consideration, felt better and finished the job! I mean, more social stuff to be dealt with later but maybe I'll have an easier time. And all cos I watched a video about a really cool young person who's keeping a lot of balls in the air (and her similarly cool family, what a crowd). Life is going to be totally awesome for you, I truly believe. Tough stuff, sure, but you know how brilliant you are. Thanks again!

[@lovelyluhan]

Also being an autistic woman, I’m in my 30s now, this was so refreshing to being able to relate and being able to, sort of, see myself in her.

[@Missmckinz]

Calla you are so sure with who you are, and that's the most challenging part of life's battle. You are refreshing, and such a gem. Keep it up gamer! Us nerds around the world are so proud of you!

[@JennyLoveTV1]

Listening to her explain things… her choice of words etc. you can tell she’s actually VERY intelligent!! Loved this interview 💗

[@celiasjoblom1795]

Never look down upon or underestimate autistic people. They have many abilities that the "normal" person doesn't. I have a few autistic traits including social anxiety and I can relate to Calla sooo well!

[@thornoxmxne8753]

Im autistic and I'm gonna say that,I thank you for making this video Honestly this makes me so happy to think that im not the only one with hyperfixation on dnd and other things

[@yesterdaydream]

200% RELATABLE. The blurse of self-awareness.🙃The enjoyment of unmasked alone time. The dismembered Barbie art! Glad to see younger folks getting/owning their beneficial diagnoses. Calla knows so much of what I wish I had in high school. What I also wish I'd known...I could grow up and live alone with my animals and THRIVE!🐉

[@Safire-Blu]

This was a really great interview Chris and Calla seems like a really great guest and a nice person! Please keep making more of these awesome videos!

[@HAZELnut332]

I related to this so much when she talked about her hyperfixation’s only lasting a week or month and then just dropping it. And her familys responses to her short hyperfixations was rather relatable to me. It’s so nice to hear about other neuro divergent people having this experience, so often people talk about having one or two hyperfixations that last years and even decades and it’s offen hard for me to empathise with that, so it’s nice to see someone similar to me that way Thanks, for making this video

[@beautytopia.]

i’ve watched sbsk since i was 12, but this video in particular is super relatable for me. as an autistic 17 year old who’s also about to start senior year and has problems with making friends and fitting in with my peers, i totally understand how Calla feels lol, it almost felt like i was watching myself talk 😅.

[@deanawells4395]

My son graduated from Jemicy in Maryland. Jemicy is a school that is for children with dyslexia, autism and any phycological disabilities, of every type. I hope one day Chris can visit the school since it is a school that does make a big difference in children that have different ways of learning and the school brings out the very best in the students. The children of Jemicy leave and continue with college or move on so many wonderful careers.

[@amandal5845]

Such a great interview! Calla - you are incredibly articulate, and so self aware. Thank you for letting us into your life, and being so open to helping us understand! 🙌💛

[@jameshamilton9936]

I loved watching this interview thank you for sharing!

[@fanofeverything21]

i love shinedown and DnD !! really enjoyed this interview

[@jenuinelyjenni5237]

Sounds like a normal witty teenager. Love her sarcasm; she's very bright and down to earth.

[@Rosa-kf6yy]

What a well spoken young lady. Thank you for the insight to your life.

[@annewray2436]

She said so much that I relate to. Yes, that's the way I think and feel when she said things. I'm 59 and I was diagnosed around 10 years ago. Sometimes, I forget which is OK, but I forget that there are other people that think and feel a lot like I do. She helped me feel less alone.

[@Madsassy]

That interaction @3:40 is so PURE! I loved that Her:"You know what I go through everyday in my life?!?" Both:"No" 😭🤣🙌

[@rubydown3329]

Wow, so much of what she's saying is so relatable 😭 gl your senior year of high school 💪

[@wowwee0]

Love the SBSK team!!

[@maryalicesawesomevids]

She’s so confident and awesome I love hearing her voice and what she’s like great video I’m an autistic person so seeing someone like me is great ❤️

[@sarahrichman1]

I can so much relate to this girl, I, too struggle with social interaction

[@dylpickle9934]

I’ve never seen such an accurate display of how my autism affects me displayed in another person (if that makes any sense lol). She reminds me of myself and how at her age I got dismissed a lot and told I didn’t have autism when now at 23 it’s very clear that I was lied to and all the medical professionals are kinda surprised it got swept under the rug as a child. I’m glad she has such a good support system and can be so candid about her struggles and feelings. Many of which I 100% empathize and agree with her on. The difference seeing someone like you can make is huge. 🖤

[@MsAnnaVlog]

The story at minute 17 is a fascinating perspective. I appreciate that you gave her the space to express herself and I just wanna say that I’d watch that movie if she ever made one about that concept.

[@vl0731]

Calla seems like an amazing person! And I love the Shinedown shirt!!!!🔥

[@laurab7754]

I relate with this teen so much! I was recently diagnosed with autism as a 25 year old adult female. All these traits, how her hyperfixations work, what interests her, how she percieves the ideas people put out there about adult life paths and responsibility, I really see myself. It was nice to listen to you share a little bit about your life Calla!

[@shanie1396]

I don't usually comment on videos, but I found Calla such a joy to watch. She is a lovely young lady and should be proud of how she conducts herself. She is indeed unique, and I hope she continues to embrace that throughout her life x

[@Raichu420]

Digging the Shinedown shirt!! Great interview as always :)

[@raquelassumpcao53]

I have two autistic friends and i love to have conversations with them. Many times I get a different perspective and helps me to make important decisions in my life. I love them the way they are. And i know they apreciate me because they are very honest in their opinions.

[@leahwarner478]

What an amazing human, love how open and sharing of her world she is, this is so important and valuable to so many Neurodiverse and neurotypical communities. My daughter is 4 and under assessment for ASD and sometimes I feel helpless to support her not understanding her needs. Interviews like these gives me hope and an insight to her ever evolving world. Thank you 💗

[@tigrom01]

This interview was fantastic! Thank you very much

[@normavoyton3208]

It seems that this mother has accepted her daughter's quirkiness and that warms my heart for her.

[@veastley5501]

I’ve got autism, adhd and dyslexia. Love my life lol

[@kendrickwilson1786]

Lying is not telling the truth detention is just a punishment

[@aspiechan420]

Autistic and ADHD here, life is good!

[@jackiekingston8607]

THAT SMILE .....pure gold ...Hi from Montreal Canada

[@TheCarlScharnberg]

I love this channel. It's so wholesome and beautiful. Promotes understanding, education, and empathy. Important work! Kudos to you all.

[@blaithinlynch6189]

Oh I love Calla!!!!! She is such an articulate, smart, gifted young person. With a very bright future. I hope she creates many novels with her stories. Her imagination is spectacular.

[@deanawells4395]

You are one very special young woman who knows herself and the world is her oyster with so much ahead of her. Congratulations to her !!!

[@shaleamontanez4591]

My boyfriend said we'll play D&D with Calla! I love hearing about people's love of role playing, and I hope she keeps DMing. 💗

[@lloyd5293]

Bro the way you treat people with dignity and respect inspires me. Also the way you articulate your feelings around people is something I want to replicate. Thank you for making this channel.

[@berglettemom6045]

What an amazing young woman, with an amazing mother and brother! I loved this interview so much, Chris.

[@KatieM786]

What an awesome interview! I love how all autistic people are different. I really cannot get into the headspace of D&D, I really can't deal with abstract made-up situations and concepts like that. I'm happy that people enjoy it and I wish I (autist) could join in with my friend's party but my brain just doesn't work in those directions.

[@puertoricanboy100]

Such an amazing cool person and funny! Love that her mom is equally as cool being supportive and understanding. Big props to that family as a whole and her friends!💪🏼🥰

[@Short_one41]

Love her mom’s style of glasses 👍🏻❤️

[@SaywhatIwant2]

I have autism and I understand her completely, i have never felt i was human, ever. and sometimes it's not a great thing. I get everything she's saying, foreal.

[@AusticHardOfHearingSinger]

I can definitely relate to how it was in high school, as an autistic teen. I am autistic now. And as an autistic adult, it's still difficult getting along with people.

[@ThermoNuclearLlama]

I understand the feeling of being on your own and enjoying your own company. I live on my own and I love it. I struggle with crowded and busy areas and I'm not really into interacting with a big crowd. Important thing is the difference between being on your own and being lonely. I enjoy my own company and I'm never lonely.

[@kaclama]

I'm just delighted by her descriptions of stories and how they shape her world (and, I think, the world as a whole). That's such a powerful idea. Calla, you might enjoy reading Thomas King's series of essays called "The Truth About Stories." It begins: "The truth about stories is that's all we are." Your remarks reminded me of that.

[@Myrtle2911]

This was great! I related to it a lot. I'm not Autistic, but I'm pursuing an ADHD diagnosis as an adult. I totally understand the hyperfixation thing. I'm learning to recognize that in myself. Calla also reminded me so much of my nephew and best friend's son, both of whom have an Autism/ADHD diagnosis. Both were diagnosed later in their school years (one in 5th grade and the other in 7th).

[@shalacarter6658]

Thanks! This was such a fun interview!

[@miahammonds525]

I thought I didn’t have interests until she brought up creating stories and that reminds me of the interests that I’ve had since I was little: creating my own world, making up imaginary friends and making up stories. I still have these interests to this very day. When I have these moments, I always disassociate and feel like I’m outside my body and inside someone else but it brings me a sense of peace and comfort.