leo in bloom magazine

By Trevor Green

I am too aware of autism. It is like a cage keeping me trapped! It defines everything in my life, and sometimes it is all I am seen as. It is so limiting!

But I know I am so much more than my disability. And I know autism is more than only difficulties! It is also beautifully colorful and bright. And it is a central part of who I am, but it is not all of who I am.

Awareness as a choice is a luxury. And acceptance is an even farther reach. But as an autistic person, acceptance is a fundamental need. And it is a multi-layered idea. It includes acceptance by family, acceptance by society, and acceptance of ourselves. And each of those is a process!

As people gain awareness, they need to apply it to action and acceptance. Otherwise, what is the point of being aware?

All too often, people use lazy awareness as an excuse to do nothing. But it is critically important to actually do something that matters! It doesn’t have to be big, and it doesn’t have to be perfect. But it has to be real. And it has to be now!

Editor’s note:

I am so absolutely glad to share this Leo in Bloom piece: an essay by my fellow Spellers Center San Diego writer, Trevor Green! He is a relatively new writer, so I am extra thrilled he wanted to share his words here. And an additional reason I love this is that he spelled this with Tara as his CRP. He has a great and crisp voice in his writing, and I know this is an advocate to watch in the future!

ABOUT TREVOR

My name is Trevor Green. I am fifteen years old. I live in Southern California. I love music and bounce houses. I am happy you are reading my essay.