Voices of the Spectrum: Conversations with TAP's Autistic Adults #7
This is my seventh interview in a series where I speak with autistic individuals from The Autism Project (TAP) community! These conversations are a chance to listen, learn, and celebrate the diverse experiences and voices within our programs. My questions are in bold, and Andrew responses will follow in regular format.
What is your name and what are your pronouns?
Andrew Arboe (He/Him)
Do you refer to yourself using person-first or identify-first language (person with autism or autistic person)? Is there anything you want people to know about why you choose that language?
It varies; I honestly don’t care either way. I think people get too much into that and it depends on the person. But for me, on the grand scope of things it does not matter. In my opinion, there are lots of other things to worry about.
It’s a preference, and I feel like people should stop “policing one another.” I have done some projects for a driving school, and I got verbally attacked for using person-first language. But, at the end of the day, there’s a bunch of other autism issues that require more attention. You know, like accessibility for anyone who wants to be diagnosed with autism, employment, housing, better education.
When were you diagnosed with autism? How did you feel about getting the diagnosis? How did getting the diagnosis impact you?
I was six years old when I was diagnosed with autism.
My diagnosis impacts stuff. I actually used to be nonverbal growing up. There’s still some communication and not knowing how to do it in specific situations that affects me. But other than that, my autism is just there. I have learned to manage it as I’ve gotten older.
I tend to be self-reflective with the choices I made. I also like to read stuff in the media and get other people’s perspectives on autism. It’s a therapeutic approach to help me process stuff if I’m in a similar situation in the future.
Do you have any special interests or hobbies? What are they? What do you enjoy about your interests or hobbies?
I mostly enjoy nonfiction books, but I have a pretty large autism library as well. I like to read up on the latest materials on autism whenever I can.
A recent book that I read was Autism Out Loud, which featured parents’ perspectives on raising children, adults, and teens with autism. It was a good read and book!
I also enjoy video games and traveling. I have driven around Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and I do a lot of public speaking on the East Coast.
I also really love coffee shops. I’m a big coffee drinker, so I like to take advantage of any coffee places or restaurants around. I was in South Carolina visiting family once, and I stopped at a Waffle House, and I had a GREAT TIME! I like the inclusive coffee shops. There are two of them: Beans & Coal and The Nest Coffee House that I love because of thier model and the mission. And Providence is getting an all-inclusive coffee shop later this year called Billy’s.
I like to plan my trips around coffee spots and my public speaking events. I feel like each thing I do, I get something out of—like a new perspective, idea, or some kind of enjoyment. I just want to improve the communities around me.
Are you employed or do you volunteer? Is there anything you want people to know about your job?
I mainly work in autism-centered places. I work at a nonprofit-focused center for autism where I do work as a teacher’s assistant. I am also in one of their DCF Group Homes. I am a direct care person, and I also work on my own website. I like working in places like these to, again, improve the communities around me. I also have a few side hustles like public speaking and contracting. For example, I do blog writing and research assisting. I have my bachelor’s degree in psychology, so right now I am trying to figure out the next steps.
I went to Manchester Community College.
How and when did you first become connected to The Autism Project? Is there anything you would like to share about your connection with The Autism Project?
I went to the Imagine Walk two years ago and got connected with your Training Manager, Ariana DeAngelis, and she is excellent.
I came to tour The Autism Project about a year ago and recently joined your advisory board. I like being a part of the advisory board because it helps me gain perspectives and learn more about Rhode Island, one of my neighboring states.
Do you like spending casual time one-on-one with people, in small groups, or in large parties?
Honestly, it all depends on the circumstance and my mood. I have attended larger events like conferences and video game conventions. Next month I am going to Connecticut-Con. I enjoy it there because it’s a place to hang out with people who like media, video games, and books just like me.
What are your favorite things to do with friends or family?
My dad has a dog and I’m a huge fan of his. His name is Sky, and he grew up with me, so I’ve bonded with him a lot. He’s a German Shepherd.
Do you have a romantic relationship or partnership? If so, how did you meet your partner?
Not right now. I am currently concentrating on my professional life and condo move. I am living with a roommate who I get along with, and we mainly have everything settled.
What accomplishments—academic, personal, or professional are you most proud of?
I have done a lot, and you can see more details on my website. But my biggest accomplishment would probably be paying for the rest of my college for my psych degree. I used my public speaking funds and FAFSA federal grants to help me. I have been loan-free the whole time. So, I was able to make it work and kind of help out my dad and my grandparents as well.
My grandpa, who lived until 96 and just passed away a few months ago, really helped me while I was in college. I did not want to go back and forth between him and my dad for financial assistance, so I wanted to see if I could help myself. So, that’s where public speaking came into my life, and it has become a big part of what I do. I have always been happy that I did not drive them both crazy with that.
What are some goals you’re working toward? Personally, professionally, or academically?
I have some development goals. I may look into a graduate program in the future just to see how that would work. I’m not sure what that fully looks like or will be like, so I want to figure that out before I make any final choices.
What do you want more people to understand about autism, especially in adulthood?
More people need to understand that autism stays with you for life, and everyone affected by it is truly different.
Some individuals view having autism negatively, and some view it in a positive way. I think there is a lot of confusion out there with different movements.
Go with your gut and the feelings you have, and be okay with accepting help because it is confusing and I am still navigating through the unknown. There are a lot of trial and error.
Those that are going into advocacy—just be kind to people. I don’t want to speak for everyone, but adults, parents, and professionals already have a lot going on, and I don’t think it helps when exclusion and bad things are involved.
What do you think doctors should understand about autism?
If anything, that autism does not go away. Also, to offer resources to parents. I understand that they need to provide medical talk, but just offer resources. A lot of people don’t know what to do after a new diagnosis, so any resources would be helpful in those situations.
The book that I mentioned earlier, Autism Out Loud, shared that many parents were unprepared for the journey, so offering resources can go a long way.
What are the greatest misunderstandings about autism?
There are several misunderstandings: everyone is the same, stereotyping, etc.
There are differences between Levels 1, 2, and 3. Autism is different for everyone.
There is a need for open-mindedness and acceptance of different perspectives.
Is there anything else you want people to know about you?
I’m resilient and go the extra mile for my work. My website will speak for itself.
And my dog is very adorable too.
Would you like to add any art (painting, drawing, photo, poetry, music) to your blog post?
View my website here: Andrew Arboe: Autistic Self-Advocate and Speaker - Home
Thank you for taking the time to get to know Andrew. His honesty, insight, and passion for improving his community remind us how important it is to listen to and learn from autistic voices.