Young Woman With Autism Starts Blog To Help Others

Amie Martin, a young woman with autism from Sandfields, Swansea, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Like many other girls growing up with Autism, Amie has been through some very hard times. She was bullied as she grew up, she found anger hard to manage and making friends was difficult. Her family and a few close friends gave her a huge amount of patience and support along the way.

What makes Amie stand out is what she chose to do next. She started a YouTube channel about her life as an autistic person, with the aim of helping others who feel lost and disconnected from the world around them.

And Amie was just 20 years old when she started. (This story dates from 2015.)

Amie’s Story in Her Own Words

In an article published at South Wales Post, Amie shared her belief that “it is OK to be different and stick to the people who love you.” She spoke honestly about the hard parts of her experience too, saying “I act childishly. It feels like I am a 20-year-old woman with a brain that is a lot younger“.

How a Young Woman With Autism Uses Her Blog and Videos to Help Others

Amie also has a Facebook page called ‘Amie’s bubble of Difficulties‘, where she posts regularly about her journey as an autistic woman and how support and friendship from the people closest to her have helped her feel more confident and courageous.

Every year, many children around the world are diagnosed with ASD, a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a person communicates, connects with others and adapts their behavior to new situations. Amie’s decision to reach out on social media can be a source of hope for parents and families who are looking for help and understanding.

Amie covers many topics in her videos and posts, but the most important thing she offers is a view of autism from the inside, in her own words. That is a big step forward, because autism can be hard for family and friends to understand from the outside.

Music, Frustration and Bullying

Like many autistic people, Amie has a deep connection with music, and describes herself as “addicted” to it. Songs play in her head over and over, and she can’t simply switch them off. She also talks about feeling frustrated with herself and with the people around her, and about times when that frustration comes out as slamming doors or kicking things.

Amie’s story gives hope to many. It shows that autistic people can talk to the camera about what they feel, what they think and how they think. Her openness can also help families, friends and parents who really want to understand their children.

Amie faced bullying like other kids with autism while growing up, something every parent and child dreads. Her experience shows how much more we need to do to build acceptance of autistic people. It also shows why it matters that every autistic young person can feel, as Amie says, “I want to be able to look in the mirror and love myself and be strong and not hate myself“.

Amie also shares that learning is harder for her than for many others. She has Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), which makes taking in and remembering new information slower for her.

Why Autism Blogs and Stories by Autistic People Matter

An autism blog or video channel written by an autistic person gives something a textbook can’t: what it actually feels like from the inside. For parents, these stories can explain why a noisy room is exhausting, why a routine matters so much or what a meltdown feels like. For autistic teens and young adults, they can be the first time they see someone like them described with respect.

When you choose stories about autism to read, look for ones written by autistic people themselves, and remember that every autistic person is different. One person’s experience is a window, not a rulebook for your child.

What Parents Can Take From Amie’s Story

Amie’s story shows how much the right support and acceptance matter. A few ideas for families:

• Listen to autistic voices. Videos, blogs and books by autistic young people can help you understand your child’s experience in a way no textbook can.
• See anger and frustration as communication. Slamming doors or kicking things often means a person is overwhelmed. Look at what came before (noise, demands, changes, tiredness) and what might help next time.
• Take bullying seriously. Talk with your child’s school early, and make sure your child has at least one trusted adult there.
• Build on passions. Amie’s love of music is a real strength. Your child’s interests can be a doorway to friendship, confidence and learning.

Amie’s story is a great example of courage! Not every girl with ADHD and autism feels able to say that “Being autistic is fine and we all need to smile and be ourselves”. To subscribe to her YouTube channel, click here.