Like many others with mild physical or mental disabilities, I begin downplaying my experiences and having self-deprecating thoughts which make you doubt where your place is within the community. Such questions asked are:

“Am I the right person to be an advocate?”

“Have I earned the right to speak about this?”

“Am I just a fraud?”

When I was diagnosed on February 11th this year as being autistic, a lot of puzzle pieces finally fitted into place. It finally made sense why I behaved the way I do most of the time, and why autism isn’t very visible unless I’m doing certain things or movements. Yet every other day, I still think I was given the wrong diagnosis and that I’m not autistic.

The truth of the matter is that believing you’re an imposter for having a mild disability doesn’t help anyone. You’re equally making your step in a world that isn’t very accessible, even for autistic people. It doesn’t matter how good you’ve got it – your experience is just as valid.

So, what is the point of this post? It’s to remind you that your own experiences dealing with your disability, no matter how mild or severe it may be, are unique. It doesn’t mean you’re exaggerating it. You have as much a voice as anyone within the relevant community. Your brain is lying to you. Shut the door on these invasive thoughts and elevate your voice as loud as you want.