June 25, 2024

#76 - Autism: Childhood To Adulthood With An Amazing Autistic Adult - Lindsey Moreland

35 minutes

I have to say that this episode was such a pleasure to record. I was lucky enough to meet a young woman named Lindsay and chat with her and her mom. You see, Lindsey is autistic and struggled with things like communication and social interaction as she grew up.

She endured bullying and isolation. She is a testimant to perservernce. In one word, she’s amazing. I can’t wait to share her story and tell you what she is doing now, as a 30-year-old autistic woman. You are definitely going to want to listen right away.

Topics Discussed:

Autistic child and adult lived experience
Reflections from the mom of an autistic woman
Autism and bullying
Autism and employment

Lindsey's bio:

I was diagnosed with autism at 28 months. I was non-verbal and had severe tantrums. My family was given very little hope of me having a bright future. When I was 17 years old, I got the opportunity to see a presentation given by Temple Grandin, an activist and person living with autism. After she was done speaking, I went up to her and said, "I have autism, too." She replied,"Great. Now what are your strengths and goals? Do that."

There was a point in high school when I would come home and just do art naturally, and the more I drew, the more I wanted to create. I am the proud Illustrator for Koda The Fluff. I'm inspired by so many passions in life and when I think of something, I just want to draw it. Like the movie Titanic, the character Betty Boop, or my favorite artist of all time, Frida Kahlo, whose portrait I draw over and over again. Despite growing up with autism, I am fortunate to have strong support from my family and the inspiration that Temple gave me to do more with my life.

As my mom would say, "There were a lot of ups and downs," so it inspired us to tell our family story in a book I co-wrote with my aunt Linda Wagner, Autism: A Family Lives Beyond the Label. Each of us contributed our own perspective in hopes it will support other families. We also have a Little Lindsey series of biographical children's books. Little Lindsey Gets a Haircut, Little Lindsey is a Picky Eater, Little Lindsey Makes a Friend, and Little Lindsey Goes to Therapy, a Sibling Story.

My second language is Spanish. I was so happy to be hired by Target to support them as one of their Spanish-speaking team members. The experience at Target has been good for me. I've found everyone to be very inclusive and they work with me on anything I need.

I'm glad to say I'm a proud University of WI-River Falls Associate of Arts and Sciences graduate. I've had many opportunities to present and share my story of autism with interested audiences, and have met and interacted with so many different people. Three years ago, I bought a house with my sister Brittany.

These, and all the experiences I have along the way, provide me with the inspiration to continue to live up to my strengths and goals.

Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autismlm_morelandstory/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AustismLM

Website: https://autismlm.com/

Purchase Lindsey’s Book(s): https://autismlm.com/autismlm-store/ols/categories/book

Koda The Fluff: https://www.kodathefluff.com

Video of Lindsey’s work at Target: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lmx1j707qyq468shs63u0/Lindsey-at-Target-FINAL.m4v?rlkey=v0qyyvueuzqehp8j6e5pw1sm6&e=2&st=4a1znbh5&dl=0

Lindsey’s family story: https://autismlm.com/autismlm-store/ols/products/autism-a-family-lives-beyond-the-label-the-lindsey-moreland-story