we met, instead of meeting in person first, because typing meant more freedom to show who
we were. We may socialize differently, but the
important thing is that it works for us and that
we’re very happy to be friends!
What We Admire about Each Other
Chloe: There are many things I admire about
Lydia. Lydia is one of the strongest, most courageous people I know. She also has a heart of
gold, always giving to others and willing to help
others, even when she is going through her own
struggles herself.
Lydia: Chloe exemplifies what we need every
parent, professional, and spectrum person to
know and then do—she sets goals that seem impossible, and then she comes up with a plan and
makes them a reality. I’ve seen it time after time;
there is really nothing that will stop her. When
something bad happens, she never loses sight
of the fact that it’s just a blip on a much bigger
path toward something great. I don’t know many
people of any age or neurology who do that so
well.
What We Have Learned about Friendship
from this Relationship
Chloe: This relationship has taught me that
sometimes you’ll meet a friend at a time you are
least expecting to meet a friend. It has also taught
me that sometimes things happen for a reason. I
was reading Lydia’s blog for a reason; we were
meant to be great friends! Our friendship has
taught me so very much.
Lydia: My friendship with Chloe has taught me
that there are people who will really stick by
me through tough times. I have also met many
other adults on the spectrum through Chloe, and
so even beyond friendship, I’ve found the most
incredible community, something I never had
before, and it’s completely changed my life. Since
she treats everyone with respect and believes in
their competence, she has made me realize that I
can and should reach out and give them a chance
because everyone can be a good friend.
Lydia Wayman is an autistic advocate, writer,
and speaker as well as the Media Communications manager at Parents in Toto, an
autism nonprofit. She has a B.S. in elementary education and an M.F.A. in English and
creative writing. Follow her blog at Autistic
Speaks, her column at Geek Club Books and
her Facebook page.
Chloe Rothschild is a young adult with ASD
who is on a mission to advocate and teach
others about autism from her perspective. She is on the OCALI advisory board, a
young leader for the Autistic Global Initiative, presenter, writer and advocate. Visit
her website and her Facebook page.