Voices of the Spectrum: Conversations with TAP's Autistic Adults #5
Voices of the Spectrum: Conversations with TAP's Autistic Adults #5
This is my fourth interview in a series where I speak with autistic individuals within the TAP community! My questions will appear in bold, and Jovanny’s responses will follow in regular format.
Can you introduce yourself and share a bit about your background and interests?
My name is Jovanny Green, and I like reading, watching TV, knitting, going to the movies, visiting the beach, and spending time at Barnes & Noble.
Barnes & Noble is one of my favorite stores, and I also like to go to Newbury Comics. I even have my own folder there where I can get my comic books. I usually visit at least once a month.
I was diagnosed with autism when I was three years old, and now I am twenty-two.
What is your favorite event you have participated in at The Autism Project?
Camp! I love camp!
At camp I like the water slide, toasting marshmallows, and choosing a prize with your camp tickets at the end of the day. One time, I chose a toy that looks like a little hand. There is also grape soda, orange soda, lime soda, and Airheads! I like all that kind of stuff!
Do you take the bus to camp?
I do! I love the bus because it has a bathroom on it. It is perfect just in case I ever need to use it.
Have you ever been to the Imagine Walk?
Yes! I went to the autism walk last year.
My favorite thing about it is walking with a lot of people that I care about. Last year, my aunt, sister, brother, cousins, friends, barber, school TA, and 1:1 walked with me. We had custom Jovanny’s Journey shirts! The back of my shirt said, “I’m Jovanny,” and the back of my mom’s shirt said, “I’m Jovanny’s Mom.”
What are some personal achievements you are proud of?
I got straight A's in high school! My favorite class was science.
I also did Surfer’s Healing and got three trophies from it when I was younger. My first time, I was kicking and screaming, but by the end, I was riding on a surfboard alone!
Do you have a job, or did you have one in the past? If so, what did you do?
I have had some jobs in the past! I worked at Savers, Blush Bakery, and Seven Stars Bakery.
I liked working at Blush Bakery the best because I got to work with food, fold boxes, make lemonade, and put icing on sweet treats. I was also able to bring some treats home at the end of the day!
At Savers, I put away clothes where they belonged and sorted them by size.
Seven Stars Bakery was nice; I swept the floors and got some sweet treats before I left. I also picked out some stuff to bring home for my mom at the end of the workday!
Do you have any future goals or even goals for tomorrow?
We’re going to do our first beach day of the summer season tomorrow!
I am going to bring the book "Who Is Taylor Swift?" I love Taylor Swift! My favorite song is “Bad Blood” because I heard it in a movie trailer once.
I watched her concert on Disney Plus with my mom and the two of us even went to "Sail to Prevail," which is for kids with autism to go sailing. They took us along a route where we were able to see Taylor Swift’s house.
What are some things you wish more people knew about autism?
Sometimes people with autism say things that might come off as rude to others. They might just be being truthful, and it can come off as rude.
Sometimes, people with autism do things they just can’t help, like some people stim when they’re excited, like me. Some people just don’t understand, and I wish they had more patience when it came to people like me.
What are some things about autism that you like and view as strengths?
Some people with autism repeat things a couple of times because they are just so lost in thought, and they repeat what they say all over again. I think this is a strength because it is a good way of remembering certain things.
When you say, “I’m autistic,” that means you have autism, and I do consider myself an advocate. I like telling people about it because it helps them understand individuals like me a little more.
Are there any other things you would like to tell us about the autism community?
There was this woman who found out that I had autism, and she made cookies in honor of me shaped like the autism puzzle piece. Not surprisingly, I ate them all, and they were even delivered on my birthday!
Thank you for taking the time out of your day to learn about Jovanny. He is truly one of a kind, and you will get to learn more about him as our summer camp unfolds!
Gianna Cambria
Marketing & Communications Officer
