Description

Discover what’s possible when you learn to accept yourself. 

Mary Johnston is a 21-year-old Autistic Self-Advocate from New Hampshire. She hosts a blog called Autistic Rainbow 15 where she shares LGBTQ+ and disability-friendly tips, as well as information about inclusion and disability rights. A long-time member of our online Global Autism Community, Mary recently joined the moderator team to help ensure our space remains safe and respectful.

In today’s conversation, we discuss: 

• Mary receiving her diagnosis at 12 years old
• Receiving occupational therapy and speech therapy in school
• Coping with bullying and how she processes her feelings
• Her autistic strengths
• A poem she wrote titled “A Letter to My Autism”
• Service animals and our shared love for dogs
• Sensory struggles related to lights, sounds, and close proximity to other people
• Challenges with finding employment
• Her dream job
• Derealization, anxiety, and depression
• What she likes about being a community moderator for the Global Autism Community
• Puzzle piece representation 
• Advice for other autistic women 

To learn more about Mary, please visit Autistic Rainbow 15. 

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