Your body sends you signals about something being wrong through your emotions, behaviour, and actions, and in Jaime Heidel’s case, she knew she was autistic, yet people around her refused to believe it. Autism is something you can not get rid of, but timely therapies and treatment can be beneficial in most cases. Although Jamei knew something was wrong, she was unsure of it until one day in 2008, when she decided to sit and research it all.
She had answers for all the questions inside her head for over a decade. In 2015, when Jaime had a severe breakdown nd could not get a hold of herself, she knew it was time to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. A formal diagnosis of Jamie having Autism was finally received at the age of 35! It was the day Jamei decided to bring changes to her life that would turn a few significant things around.
The day she finally felt heard and seen after all these years, she constantly convinced people around her of something she was so sure about.
After the diagnosis, which was pretty late, it felt like she finally had an identity. Jamei figured out how she needed to set social or emotional boundaries, and on most days, her needs had to be communicated rather than opting for silence. Not just this, it was also the day when her search for communities that included autistic people began. Although the diagnosis did make certain things clear for her, things were still challenging as the condition couldn’t be explained to everyone around, and neurotypical expectations were a burden.
Jamei explains how a person diagnosed with Autism responds differently. For example, if a friend asks about her new dress, Jamei does not like it. She would respond with a no rather than providing detailed explanations or faking it. Thus, for a person who thinks emotionally, this can be a source of extreme hurt and disappointment, although it is straightforward and honest.
She looks forward to letting the world know that if there is a person with Autism around you, having direct and detailed information is necessary to avoid misunderstanding and weakened relationships.
Not only this, but people around need more knowledge of how such conditions need systematic shifts, and this is not just done by having collective awareness but by actually taking action. Rather than fixing the personalities of people with Autism, we should all advocate, as the condition is harmless.
Jamei uses a platform called ‘The Articulate Autistic’ to demonstrate the difference between autistic and neurotypical people. Although people working in the neurotypical professions are already making constant efforts to fill in the blanks, who would do it except for a person with personal experience, one who had the condition for 35 years without a formal diagnosis!
Jamei knows that even if a single person learns the differences and celebrates them all, she is doing good. By proper support and inclusivity, we can help hundreds of people around us thrive! It’s not just about having awareness but about saving lives.
