The message of inclusion belongs everywhere. When I go to events where I have a booth for my business, I bring my “Let’s Be Neighbors” sign.

As an autistic adult, I often feel that my country frames me as a tragedy—an unworthy citizen who doesn’t deserve the same freedoms… someone who is “other”. That’s why it’s important for me to be visible in a different way: as autistic, approachable, and kind.

I know that fear and misinformation are at the heart of people’s mis-judgements. I also believe that if someone is willing to shift their perspective, to pause and truly talk with me, then there’s room for something more than advocacy. There’s room for connection.

It’s important to me to offer an invitation: to have a conversation, to see each other fully as people, and to remember that kindness is a bridge we can all choose to walk across.

My “Let’s Be Neighbors” sign expresses my willingness to find common ground without me having to say a word.