Kaelynn Partlow: Navigating Autism and Personal Growth

Kaelynn thrives under pressure, transforming her challenges into strengths through perseverance and self-acceptance.

### Navigating Disconnection: Kaelynn's Journey of Self-Discovery and Advocacy
* 🌟 Kaelynn Partlow reflects on her lifelong sense of disconnection from others, feeling more like an **observer of human experiences** rather than a participant.
* 🧩 As an autism advocate and author, she uses fidget toys to manage anxiety, stating, "**All the anxious thoughts from the brain travel down the arm and into the hand and into the object**."
* 💭 She shares her struggles with self-perception, revealing that her childhood failures in school led her to believe she was "**stupid**," until her diagnoses of autism and other learning disabilities provided clarity and a sense of identity.
* 🐶 Kaelynn reminisces about her childhood obsession with dogs, illustrating how her unique interests often led to **social misunderstandings and feelings of isolation**.
* 💔 Despite being satisfied with her life, she fears that her interpersonal issues may never improve, especially when **loneliness creeps in during quiet moments**.
* ✍ Writing becomes her refuge during tough times, as she **channels her feelings into words**, often finding her **best creativity in her darkest moods**.
* 🏆 Her journey with Project Hope empowered her to **recognize her strengths**, which she previously overlooked due to past failures in academic settings.
* 🎉 Kaelynn felt truly celebrated during a Netflix viewing party, where the support from friends and colleagues made her realize her **capability to thrive under pressure** and pursue public speaking, a dream she once thought **unattainable**.

How my diagnosis changed the way I perceive myself | Kaelynn Partlow

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Kaelynn Partlow's Journey of Self-Discovery

Kaelynn Partlow, an author and autism advocate, shares her lifelong sense of disconnection from others.

She uses fidget toys to manage anxious thoughts and reflects on how people misjudge her life.

Kaelynn's struggles with self-esteem and academic challenges led to multiple diagnoses, including autism and ADHD.

Understanding Communication and Personal Struggles

The speaker reflects on their dyslexia, which provided a different perspective on their struggles with communication.

They share a childhood obsession with dogs, leading them to identify as a dog and seek playful interactions with peers.

The speaker acknowledges their difficulty in prioritizing interpersonal relationships and the challenge of being present in social situations.

Struggles with Interpersonal Issues and Loneliness

The speaker is concerned about their interpersonal issues and fears they may never improve.

They experience loneliness most acutely during nights, weekends, and holidays when not needed in a professional capacity.

Writing serves as a coping mechanism during these tough times, and they find solace in the darkness and quiet of their closet when feeling sad or upset.

A Journey of Self-Discovery and Empowerment

The speaker channels their emotions into writing, using it as a coping mechanism.

Diagnosed with multiple disabilities, they struggled in academic environments but found success through Project Hope's empowering tasks.

A viewing party for their Netflix show made them feel celebrated, highlighting their capability to take on challenges despite fear.

Thriving Under Pressure: A Personal Journey

The speaker reflects on their transformation into someone who thrives under pressure, which changed their perspective on challenging pursuits.

They discuss the fingerprint as a new symbol for autism and express their newfound confidence in becoming a public speaker.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of bringing light and hope to those in need.