Young Australian reveals long journey to accepting autism

A young Australian advocate, who uses they/them pronouns, was diagnosed with autism when they were eight years old.

Sonny Jane Wise was diagnosed with autism at eight. Picture: Instagram

A young Australian has revealed how their autism diagnosis led to a long and difficult road of acceptance.

Sonny Jane Wise, who uses they/them pronouns, was diagnosed with autism when they were eight years old.

“It was very clinical and medical based. I experienced a lot of shame. I even remember back then being confused because I was told I had no people skills or emotions, or I didn’t care about other people,” Sonny told news.com.au.

“I was told there was something wrong with me and the way I was was abnormal.”

Sonny found it difficult to imagine a future where they could feel normal within themself while also having an autism diagnosis.

Sonny Jane Wise was diagnosed with autism at eight. Picture: Instagram

Sonny’s autism, and people’s lack of understanding, often landed them in trouble. They felt they were always the problem. That narrative and belief led to Sonny having an overdose the age of 11, in a bid to try and “fix” themselves and with part of themself “not wanting to exist”.

It wasn’t the only overdose attempt Sonny would have.

In Sonny’s twenties, things became worse, and they ended up distancing themselves from the idea they had autism or ADHD. It wasn’t until 2018 when Sonny became more exposed to autism and an accurate depiction of what it was like.

“That understanding led me to not blaming myself but realising I may think differently, and I may diverge from your normativity and I may have challenges and these needs, but it doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with me,” Sonny said.

It was a long road for Sonny to accept their autism. Picture: Supplied

Autism still impacts Sonny’s everyday life, and they have many challenges and support needs. Sonny still struggles with communication, can never stay on top of finances or cleaning, or tasks like brushing their teeth or eating. There are also sensory needs, difficulty being in social situations and alexithymia, which is an inability to describe and identify emotions.

“There’s been this level of needing to accept that there are a lot of things that I cannot do, and that I struggled to do,” Sonny said.

“I am really lucky to have a partner who acts as a part time carer and then I’ve got people around me who support me with my additional needs.”

Sonny released a book in November. Picture: Instagram

Sonny said finding a sense of community was imperative for them to feel comfortable with their diagnosis, which led to the creation of the Drop In Care space – a peer led space for queer, neurodivergent and disabled people.

Sonny was recently announced as the co-chair of the National Autism Strategy’s Social Inclusion Working Group in Australia, and wrote a book called We’re All Neurodiverse, which came out on November 21.

“I have a lot of thoughts and opinions, and I’ve been so immersed in the neurodiversity movement to create a more affirming understanding of autism and every neurodivergence that I just I just go really hard with it,” Sonny said.

“I’m very passionate about it. I want to spread that message and I want more people to be aware of it and informed about it so they can change society and people can feel less sh*t about themselves and stop viewing themselves as the problem.”

The book is intended as a starting point for people to learn.

Sonny said it was important that people curious about neurodivergency were open to learning from the neurodivergent people in their life.

Sonny wants their difficult journey to accepting their diagnosis to help others find their path to acceptance.