The Blessings of Autism: Insights from a Life on the Spectrum
ALT: A child with an astronaut helmet. A beach in the background. The image focuses on the child's face.
Last week, while having coffee with a dear friend and former colleague, I reflected on how blessed I have been. This friend, the CEO who gave me my first role in the venture ecosystem when I was in my early 20s with limited qualifications and experience, along with the wonderful team that surrounded me, helped launch one of the earliest and most advanced smartphones. This pivotal moment propelled us into the future of computing. One day soon, I hope to write more about that journey.
For now, though, I’ve been reflecting on these early successes. Doing so made me think about my friends who have children with autism. Many of the parents, who upon first learning that their child is on the autism spectrum, often lose sleep and peace of mind wondering about their child’s future.
“Children are a gift from God who come with their own wealth, purpose, and time.”
I believe being on the autism spectrum is one of the most wonderful blessings that God has given me, my family, friends, and especially my parents. Yet, not a day goes by in which I don’t think about my parents contending with how very little I spoke to them. In fact, and before they passed away when I was a teenager, I was still searching for my voice; non-speaking until I was 11 years old and minimally-speaking until my mid 20s.
My achievements today would not have been possible without my supportive childhood friends who were my voice when I didn’t have one. There were also countless mentors who gave me a career opportunity, and employers who made time for daily discussions. Each one helped me mature and understand the world better.
What I’m trying to say is this: everything is possible with autism. I am living proof of this.
In fact, I believe that all persons need love, and parents of autistic children must especially show love to their child, be there for them, and surround them with wonderful, supportive people.
If you are a parent who is struggling and can’t always muster the support for your child, please remember an important lesson my grandparents taught me: "Children are a gift from God who come with their own wealth, purpose, and time." Armed with their advice, and as I grew older, living with autism started to make more sense to me and others around me.
Today, I find myself able to explain things to friends with children on the spectrum that I didn’t know I remembered or understood from my own childhood. I often find myself discussing autism with renowned professors, sharing what we feel or don’t feel, and providing my lived experiences, versus their presumptions of what it means to be autistic.
Encouraged by family and friends, I plan to write more about these experiences. For example:
Despite an 80 percent unemployment rate for adults on the spectrum, I aim to share hope, experience, and guidance. Throughout my life and career, I’ve met many successful autistic colleagues, some of whom were never diagnosed. They, too, have faced struggles, often leading to medication, addiction, and mental health crises. I have done my best to be there for them and will continue to do so.
Still, I feel guilty for not sharing my diagnosis sooner. That guilt stops now. I am proud to share my lived experience in an effort to make it safe for others who identify with or who possess autistic diagnoses to learn, speak their truth, and perhaps, feel comfortable and even proud in their own skin.
By sharing my story, I aspire to give hope and guidance, adding one more voice to the many wonderful advocates for children and others on the spectrum. I want to help their family and friends, support networks, and policymakers understand what autistic people really need—especially those who (like me) may not have a voice.
Autism is a lifelong journey—it does not go away with age. Autism is not something to cure but something to understand, research, support, and accept. Please know that people like me are looking for support, accommodation, and most of all understanding. We are not looking for a cure. We are looking to leverage our talents, while providing and receiving compassion from you.
I strongly believe that our world is gentler, kinder, and more empathetic because of the large percentage of the population that are on the spectrum. I cannot imagine my life without autism.
From the loving memories of my childhood with parents who barely heard me speak, I believe they would always choose for me to be just the way I am at this moment. I know I am grateful to them for my life, and to everyone else who has helped me blossom into the human being I am today.
Until next time, love them and keep them close.
Written by M. Hamid, Edited by D. Ruttenberg
NOTE: If this is a topic that interests you and you’d like to read my monthly post on it, please write me with your complete name, email address, and the reason you’re reading my writings: hello@bymoaz.com
DISCLAIMER: The information above is my personal journey and experience, provided for informational purposes only. YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON THIS INFORMATION AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR, NOR DOES IT REPLACE, PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT.
