Pur Pups

I’ve learned that not everyone will like me.

That’s okay.

I don’t have to change who I am to make everyone comfortable.

The right people already like the real me.

I didn’t outgrow autism. I grew with it.

Helping the world understand autism, one observation at a time.

For a long time I thought I had to fit in.

Now I think it’s better to belong.

Belonging doesn’t happen because you become someone else.

It happens because you find people who appreciate who you already are.

Have you ever found people who let you be completely yourself?

Sometimes people think I’m quiet because I don’t have anything to say.

That’s usually not true.

Sometimes I’m just taking longer to understand everything that’s happening.

I’ve learned that the people worth keeping don’t rush me.

They give me the time I need.

I didn’t outgrow autism. I grew with it.

Helping the world understand autism, one observation at a time.

Not everyone processes the world at the same speed.

Some people answer immediately.
Some people need a little more time.

Giving someone that time is a simple act of respect.

Sometimes understanding doesn’t look like talking.

Sometimes it looks like waiting.

Who in your life has given you the time to simply be yourself?

I’ve learned something.

It’s okay if not everyone understands me.

The people who want to understand…

Ask questions.

They listen.

They stay.

Those are my kind of people.

I didn’t outgrow autism. I grew with it.

Helping the world understand autism, one observation at a time.

The best relationships aren’t built on knowing everything.

They’re built on wanting to understand.

Who is someone who took the time to understand you instead of judging you?

I’ve noticed something.

People remember how you make them feel.

They might forget what you said.

They might forget what you were wearing.

But they remember if you were kind.

I think kindness lasts longer than we realize.

Helping the world understand autism, one observation at a time.

Kindness isn’t something people outgrow.

Years later, it’s often the thing they remember most.

What’s one small act of kindness you’ve never forgotten?

I’ve learned something.

When people expect me to be perfect…

I get nervous.

When people let me just be myself…

I usually do better.

I think most people are like that.

We all do better when we feel accepted.

Helping the world understand autism, one observation at a time.

Acceptance brings out something that pressure never can.

Sometimes the best way to help someone grow is to let them know they already belong.

When do you feel most comfortable being yourself?

I’ve noticed something.

Some people make conversations feel like a test.

Other people make them feel safe.

When I feel safe, I talk more.

I laugh more.

I’m more myself.

I think everyone deserves to feel that way.

Helping the world understand autism, one observation at a time.

The people who make us feel safe often bring out the best in us.

You never know what someone has to offer until they feel comfortable enough to share it.

Who is someone who makes you feel safe enough to be yourself?

I don’t always know the right thing to say.

Sometimes I need a little more time.

That doesn’t mean I don’t care.

It just means I’m trying to find the right words.

I’ve learned that the people who care about me don’t rush me.

They wait.

And that makes it easier for me to speak.

Helping the world understand autism, one observation at a time.

Not everyone needs advice.

Sometimes they just need a little more time.

Has someone ever given you the time and patience you needed? Tell me about them.

I’ve noticed something.

Most people don’t need someone to fix them.

They just want someone to see them.

Not the label.

Not the diagnosis.

Not the first impression.

Just… them.

I think that’s where understanding begins.

Helping the world understand autism, one observation at a time.

Sometimes the kindest thing we can do is slow down long enough to really see another person.

Has someone ever made you feel truly seen? What did they do?

One thing I’ve learned…

Not everyone is going to understand me.

And that’s okay.

The people who matter ask questions instead of making assumptions.

They listen before they decide.

They give me a chance to be myself.

I think we could all do a little more of that.

Helping the world understand autism, one observation at a time.

Being understood starts with being willing to listen.

Sometimes that’s the kindest thing we can do for each other.

What’s one assumption people often make that turns out not to be true?

I’ve noticed something.

Some people make you feel like you have to change before they’ll accept you.

Other people make you feel comfortable being yourself.

Those are the people I want more of in my life.

I think everyone deserves at least one person who makes them feel that way.

Helping the world understand autism, one observation at a time.

Being accepted shouldn’t be something you have to earn.

Sometimes the best gift you can give someone is letting them be themselves.

Who is someone who has always made you feel accepted just as you are? Tag them or tell me about them.