Project Showcase

This project explores various aspects of the autistic experience, particularly how individuals with autism often respond to sensory overload and challenging situations. It also highlights TV characters that resonate with many autistic individuals, offering relatable portrayals. A central focus of the project is the significance of the sunflower lanyard, which I wear as a symbol of my autism diagnosis and the support it represents. Through this project, I aim to raise awareness and advocate for others on the spectrum, emphasizing how my own diagnosis has inspired me to speak up for the autistic community.

Through this project, I gained a deeper understanding of the specialized vocabulary often used within the autistic community. I also learned that many people may not fully comprehend the reasons behind the behaviors exhibited by individuals with autism. This experience has reinforced the importance of cultivating patience and empathy in our interactions, ensuring that those on the spectrum feel understood and supported.

I was diagnosed with autism when I was around two years old and wasn’t able to speak in full sentences until I was four. Throughout my childhood, I received physical and speech therapy at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and I continue speech therapy today to improve my one-on-one communication skills. Over the past year, starting at Butler Tech has been challenging—it’s a new environment, and I didn’t know anyone when I arrived. Communicating with others has been difficult, but I’ve learned that speaking up for myself is one of the most important things I can do. If I don’t advocate for myself, I won’t receive the support I need to grow and become more independent. With this project, I want to encourage others to share their stories too—because being heard starts with having the courage to speak.

To improve my presentation skills, I would have invited a larger audience to my showcase in order to become more comfortable speaking in front of others. Additionally, I would have focused on making more consistent eye contact to enhance my engagement with the audience.

I’ve learned that I can turn my personal struggles into meaningful lessons that help others better understand the experiences of individuals with autism. Although I presented my showcase in front of only two people, I still felt nervous. However, I believe I did my best to communicate the core message of my project and share my perspective in an honest and impactful way.