On Good Friday and World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), I had the privilege of addressing an audience and sharing my perspective on the importance of making lived experiences matter. It was a gathering of like-minded professionals who share the belief that our focus should not solely be on our professions but on the lives of those we aim to support. Are we truly including their voices and experiences in our efforts to help them? It's quite ironic that I had to obtain a doctoral degree to emphasize that one doesn't need such a qualification to provide support. The process of learning taught me that none of us has all the answers, and we are all on a journey to be "valued, recognized, heard, and seen." These needs are not "special" but fundamental for all human beings. As long as we continue to believe that we must label or diagnose individuals to assist them, these celebrations will resemble the solemnity of Good Friday. One can never wish someone a "Happy Good Friday" because we acknowledge the immense suffering that preceded recognition. Similarly, when a child is diagnosed with autism, it is often met with tears and distress. However, when an adult receives an autism diagnosis, it can bring tears of joy, as it finally provides clarity and understanding of their unique experiences. The question arises: why must anyone fake their experiences? What led to the idea of faking in the first place? In a world where no two individuals experience life in the same way and where every brain functions uniquely, we are all different and yet the same in different ways. The labels of "neurotypical" and "neurodivergent" seem to overlook this essential diversity among us. In essence, what matters most is to listen, to understand, and to appreciate the individuality of each person's journey. This is how we can truly celebrate and recognize one another, not just on designated days but every day.
