Finding Connection: Sam Meets Chantale.
Sam felt a mix of curiosity and excitement as he met Chantale, an adult on the autism spectrum who was at the book show in which he was participating. As she spoke, Sam was captivated by her warmth and openness. Chantale shared her experiences growing up, including the challenges she faced with bullying.
She described how difficult it was to navigate social situations and how the hurtful words of others sometimes overshadowed her strengths. But Chantale also emphasized resilience, explaining how she learned to embrace her unique perspective and find supportive communities.
By the end of their meeting, Sam felt inspired. Chantale’s journey of overcoming adversity and embracing her identity gave him hope.