April has traditionally been Autism Awareness month, but we are trying to do more than become aware, we are driven to accept! I have been planning this campaign for months and have had the absolute PRIVILEGE of photographing some of the most AMAZING people! Throughout the month of April we will be featuring them and their stories. I pray that you find love for these INCREDIBLE humans and their passions!
My name is Mae and I was diagnosed with autism at the age of 12. Looking back, I struggled with autism and sensory issues from birth, unfortunately girls are often diagnosed much later because we present differently and mimic well. 12 is actually an early diagnosis for most autistic girls.
Some of the things I struggle with most are following complex or multi step directions and reading analog clocks. My sensory issues also cause me to be sensitive to sounds and smells. They also cause me to have some difficulty walking and I am unable to sweep.
Just because I can communicate well and make my self make eye contact doesn’t mean I am high functioning or don’t need lots of support.
I have always been very creative and loved making things. I have recently opened my own Etsy shop featuring some of my clay creations:
From Mae's mom: I knew something was going on with her from a young age. It took hours to get her to sleep from infancy. Loud noises caused her to start screaming ( like the scanners at the grocery store). She had trouble tolerating certain clothes. We finally got her diagnosed with a sensory processing issue when she was 7-followed by many other diagnoses. Until she was finally diagnosed with aspergers syndrome-now called autism spectrum disorder- at age 12.
Mae just accepts that her brain works differently and is ok with that. She’s just ok with who she is. I love spending time with her- we have a blast- and laugh a lot. I love how thoughtful she is ( a trait a lot of people think autistic people can’t be). For example she made me some beautiful earrings and necklace for Easter. They’re sunflowers- one of my favorite flowers! They are beautiful!
