View Gridby: Hanna Faulk
Castro Valley, California

"And when they look at me I hope they feel my kindness before judging my appearance."
quote by: Faria Afroz, Buffalo, New York
A close friend once confided in me that she used to feel embarrassed about her autism. She feared that her behavior and interests made her different and that others might not accept her if she didn’t try to blend in. This confession surprised me; she was always brimming with passion and self-acceptance. When I asked how she managed to overcome her fears, she explained that she decided to stop hiding her autism for the comfort of others and instead chose to embrace it. She hoped that her self-acceptance would inspire others to do the same. Accepting ourselves is crucial. Our individuality defines us as humans and enriches the world.