“Do not fear people with Autism, embrace them. Do not spite people with Autism, unite them. Do not deny people with Autism, accept them. Their abilities will shine.” – Paul Isaacs
Ahhh, Autism awareness month. What does that mean?
Errr, Exactly what it means!
The month when we try as much as possible to shed awareness on Autism.
People ask me “Why should we know about Autism?”
It’s simple- millions of people are living with Autism and do not know. Millions of families have autistic individuals in their midst but choose to call it something else.
Things have to change. Autism is not a death sentence. After diagnosis, the plan is not to lock your child up or hide them from the world. It’s to locate your child or loved one’s strengths and celebrate them!
Remi Olutimayin is a self-advocate of Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as a talented voice acting coach. I’ve always been obsessed with his remarkable story and finally got to talk to them. The discussion with him was so enlightening!
Relating with Mr. Remi Olutimayin is definitely one of my highlights of the year. The discussion broadened my knowledge on Autism. Just when I thought I knew everything about Autism! It made me so glad to know things from his perspective.
I got a glimpse of his amazing childhood. Remi’s childhood is something that brought a smile to my face. Just like every kid, he had so many interests. He had an interest in backflipping, loved comics and used to draw them in school notebooks.
Of course, he also had a little trouble making up his sleeves.
Remi spoke more about his family- his deep love for his mother, his responsibilities to his siblings!
What really touched my head was the love for his mother. He spoke about how she had always been so passionate and intent on his growth. Aren’t special needs mothers the best?
His mother turned to the church for support as she brought him up. He recalls the foursquare church she would take him and his sister. This proves that it takes a village to raise a child with Autism. His village could also mean the society, church members!
One important thing we spoke about was masking- Most individuals deal with masking to suppress certain behavior that others may think are “weird”
He mentioned how it could be exhausting. I couldn’t even imagine how hard it could be. Although, there are a few people he was able to let his mask down.
One important thing I want people to know is that love can locate anyone. There has been a general misconception that neurodivergent people don’t have love stories. Remi has a beautiful wife and children!
His career has always been based on “Hold a beer”. You know that moment that someone is like “no one can do this” then you strut into the place and you’re like “hold up, hold my beer while I attend to this!”
Finally, He doesn’t take nonsense. I remember laughing when he talked about a moment he ‘checked’ his colleague in the bank who always loved to toss tasks around. It was a screaming match in the workplace but he was proud that he fought for himself.
Yes, because we don’t like bossy people.
This is proof to all who don’t believe in progress. Remi lives a fulfilled life and has a beautiful family. In fact, he has a strong and enviable career. The first voice acting coach in animation for the whole of west Africa! God when!
He has amazing friends. He is talented.
Today, and well, throughout your life, go with the mentality that neurodivergent people can be successful. and they cannot be successful.
I’ll tell you one thing. Remi once stole N10 from his mother to prove something. It’s not bad, relax. I tell you that it’s a hilarious story.
I appreciate Mr. Remi for the interview, not only does he make me have hope in my brother, but he is an inspiration to families out there.
Now I’m urging you to find out more things about Autism and also ways in which you can increase acceptance and awareness in society.
To me, every day should be autism awareness and acceptance month❤️
Comments
Post a Comment