S.J. Strong

Chapter 1
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From the Mind of a Youth to Our Ears:
Are You Listening?

This is an interview from a teenage perspective to help increase understanding of children dealing with autism. S.J. and I began our interview during the COVID-19 pandemic. To work around all the changes with everyone’s adjustments in jobs, schoolwork, and activities, I met with S.J. and his mom, Nickie, to interview them through web-based video conferencing and by phone.

S.J. undertook the challenge of telling his story of autism by answering several questions about how he dealt with the diagnosis. Come along with us as we discuss autism from the mind of a youth to our ears. All interviews have been edited for length and clarity.

Testimony: What’s My Story?
When you are a little kid, you love yourself and everything about being you. Getting up in the morning is an excitement for the new day. You can’t wait to see what fun things you can do and learn. As you grow up, you are met with someone or challenged by something that says being you is not “good enough.” Suddenly, you are either questioning your identity and purpose or you reject that statement because you know who you are and are happy being you. You are up for the challenge of beating the odds, whatever they might be. What do you say?

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Beating the Odds
Here is what S.J. shared about his experience with autism and beating the odds, having sensory overload, being himself, and having a voice in the society.

Gail: Let us talk about your experience with being determined to beat the odds. What kind of attitude did you have to deal with your everyday challenges?

S.J. (pauses and sighs a bit before answering): I try to have a positive attitude, but sometimes there are loud noises, too many people, or people in the class doing something they should not be. Or [doing something] that is bothersome to me.

When dealing with the environment and people, do you feel a sensory overload?

I can get sensory overload and anxiety. I sometimes get anxiety when I don’t understand things, and I might respond in a rude-sounding tone or appear frustrated with people, but I do not mean to. I am simply confused and trying to get rid of the anxiety or get rid of the crazy feeling I am having. It may come across as rude, but I really don’t mean for it to.

What do you do when it affects you?

Well, I have headphones, and I put them on to avoid noise. I take deep breaths and try to concentrate on an object.


There is so much media that concentrates on personal image. You hear or see comments about what you should or should not be. If you do not fit in or check the box, then you might not be “approved by society.” Unfortunately, many people live in that experience. It has become a part of the norm and a determining factor for many things—number of likes on social media or ratings on television—almost everything. Is it hard being you if you constantly see how to be like others and what is considered acceptable? What do you think?


Be You: Happy Being Me

Gail: What makes you proud and happy to be you and living in your own skin?

S.J.: I mostly go with the flow. I just be myself. I mostly try to stay focused on what is going on in my mind and think of something that is helpful or useful.

What are some of your frustrations? How do you communicate your frustrations or needs when dealing with everyday life?

(He pauses and takes a deep breath.) Wow! This is an important one. Some of my frustration is that I feel sometimes people think I am a struggle and cannot understand on their level when things sometimes just need to be explained in more detail or differently. A lot of times people do not want to go into detail, or they are in a rush. I also get frustrated when people do not give us more time to figure things out. Some people do not give us enough time to think or the opportunity to express ourselves. I try to speak up for others. I communicate my frustrations by talking to my parents and telling them what is bothering me.

What do you think about God’s love for you while dealing with autism, and what do you think about people loving one another?

I know God loves me. My church is one place I feel the most comfortable because there is a group of teens I can relate to. They accept me for me, and I have more in common with them than other groups I am with. This means a lot to me. I do not ask, “Why me?” because I know God loves me.

In earlier generations, you could not express yourself by stating your opinion after being told to do something. However, this has changed with time. Now, during this generational time, youth candidly express their feelings and state their views, and sometimes this can be considered disrespectful and rude. But there are times when speaking up and voicing your opinion is particularly important. Therefore, having conversations with our youth to demonstrate to them how to express their needs or views is especially important to helping them be heard and understood and still be respectful. It is not a license (voice) for them to be disrespectful or rude.

I Have a Voice Too

Gail: Why do you think you need a voice? What would you like to use your voice for?

S.J.: I must have a voice to speak up for myself and be a friend to others. I want to use my voice to help others stand strong and follow their goals and their hearts.
I would like to use my voice for art. I want to show people how creative the world can be. You can imagine anything using your imagination and by just being you.