My name is Tyler Cronk, I am on the spectrum, and I received many different therapies growing up- occupational, physical, and speech. For instance, I would parrot sentences instead of communicating, move my head a lot, twirl, OCD, struggling to maintain eye contact with people, and seclude myself in social settings. Now as a young adult, I have been constantly working on trying to minimize my ASD tendencies, not because I am ashamed of them, but because I am working on being the most confident person I can be.
Growing up with ASD and being around others with autism I believe some misconceptions are that autistic people are viewed as being in their own world and don’t need/want love or appreciation, don’t like socializing, or they can’t do this or that because of their autism. In actuality we want all of that. Everyone deserves to be loved, to be heard, valued, appreciated, and given the chance to succeed. I believe that autism is just thinking and learning differently and that individuals with autism should be treated like everyone else and have a chance to do things everyone else can do. I was brought up to believe I just learn different. For example I’m a visual learner, so if you showed me step by step instructions, whether it be pictures or words, I can follow that much easier than just someone explaining it.
Being on the spectrum, one thing that is hard for me to deal with is change, the biggest challenge I overcame was going away to college at Cazenovia for four years with minimal help and assistance compared to high school; I was totally out of my comfort zone in a new environment, living miles away from home. College was honestly the best thing I’ve ever done, changing my life in the best of ways. I was more outgoing, made lots of friends, and was a part of various clubs on campus, even taking on some leadership roles. It seems every time I step out of my comfort zone I grow more as a person. After College, I struggled to find a job, like many college graduates, but I eventually found a job that caters to my degree AND was able to work my way to full-time status. Currently I work at the Living Resources Main Office as a Public Relations and Media Specialist for almost seven years now … wow times flies! Living Resources has really changed my life, from being a part of their art program for 20 years, to working for the company. In a way everything went full circle! I have been really grateful for all the opportunities with the company.
On a personal note, autism is what I have, and I don’t mind talking about it, but I don’t want to be defined by my autism. I owe all my successes to just stepping out of my comfort zone to grow as a person and persevering through adversities! I’m a 29 year old that wants the same things that every other 29 year wants, to be included, valued, appreciated and anything else life has to offer!