21 Lessons In 21 Years - Lesson 1 ( Who Are You? )

I’m Josh, A High-Functioning Autistic Pyrography Artist.

I have always struggle to admit I’m different. Weather that’s the fear of rejection OR being treated different. I always FELT like people would look & act different, regardless of how well they know me. When in REALITY it’s: *Not Wear certain cloths / Social events tire me out quickly / Constant & Lots of Loud noise are the main things that affect my ability to “function”.

It’s has taken me many years to learn the “Norms” & how I can manage the unchangeable things. To fit in with the “Social norms”. I don’t see my “Autism” as something that is part of me. I am me & my brain is wire in a way that is different from most.

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(SIDE-NOTE):

Autism Is Not A “Super-Power” , As that would be incredibly useless in any situation.

E.g):

 Fighting – Loud Noise, Eye Contact & Over-Stimulation

Communication – Needing To Rest After Socialising “Too Long” + Understanding & Being Understood in What One Another Are Saying & Mean

Schedule – If a fight were to breakout at the wrong time, it would affect ones routine & Complete through me off

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BUT this gives me a unique & “Diverse” perspective of the world. Hence my artwork & starting a business out of this idea of seeing the world through a different lens

As all artists do. By creating ideas & stories when I see things & putting it in my art, But for others to see their own stories in my work.

Using “Simple” images & formats (No back & foreground), Being an INSIDE box thinker. (While Everyone Is Outside The Box Thinking & Striving To Be “Better”, I am Inside The Box With A Clear Open Space To Think Easier. As, the simplest of things CAN lead to the most complex of ideas & thoughts).

But At End of day, I can look in the mirror & say “Your alright” & that is enough for me.