This week, we are hearing from Anja. She is a young autistic advocate and Youtube star! She would humbly say "I wish!", but she has been such an amazing advocate for autistic people through her Youtube channel. On her Youtube channel, Anja shares various topics on autism including autistic girls, stereotypes, alexithymia, and mental health. Her videos are always very informative and help autistic people feel they are not alone, and non-autistic people learn more about autism. Click here to see and subscribe to her channel. We highly encourage you to check out her channel for more information on autism. Funny story... our founder, Kana, has been one of her subscribers and known her through the screen before Anja and she became friends in real life!!
What is your connection to autism?
I am autistic and have worked with autistic children in teaching and baby sitting environments. I have also helped with research at universities. I have also given talks on autism at NASEN and to uni students
What is your view on autism?
I think I have mixed reactions to autism (specifically mine) because there’s a lot of times i don’t notice it at all, or it actually helps me be good at pattern spotting and memorising, but I also find it very annoying ie. when I can’t wear certain clothes or be in crowds or restaurants because of the sensory overload and anxiety. So I think my positionally is all of the options you listed because sometimes I feel very smart and gifted and I can grasp concepts quicker and with more focus but then at the same time it can really hinder my ability to get things done or make a simple phone call.
Why did you start your Youtube channel?
I started it because I wanted people to understand me and people like me and also offer representation for girls on the spectrum. My parents didn’t understand me at the time and I didn’t have any friends so it was a real outlet and helped me work on my social anxiety and connect with people.
What has been good, bad, challenging about being a Youtuber and sharing your expertise on autism from an insider perspective?
There are always people who comment “you seem fine/normal to me” and that can be very invalidating. People also feel like they can say things to you in the comments/inbox that they wouldn’t say to your face. I’m not very good with my social skills and so sometimes i find messages overwhelming to reply to. I do also love that so many people reach out and how helpful it’s been in aiding teaching courses and media representation. It can be challenging to decide what to put in a video- how uncut/raw to leave a video - because people you know might see it but at the same time those videos are really helpful for people to see.
What do you want others to know about autism?
That it’s nothing like the stereotypes and people with autism are just as capable as everyone else.
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