Autism is my secret talent: Louis’ story

April is Autism Awareness Month, and this month Neive Wright took some time to talk to her friend Louis, a 29-year-old with autism and dyspraxia, who is here to share his story.

Louis was diagnosed at age 11, and while his journey has had its challenges, he’s learned to embrace his autism as a part of who he is. He’s passionate, talented, and full of dreams—hoping to raise awareness and encourage others to see autism through his eyes.

For Louis, autism isn’t something to hide or be ashamed of; it’s part of his identity, and he feels that it’s even an asset in his life: “Autism is my secret talent that I’ve always had.” We discussed how autism acceptance needs to be “out there more… we need to spread the word now before we have any more upsets!”

Louis stays busy with a number of activities. “In the weekdays I do MENCAP two days a week, then when I get back, my support come over for a gaming session.” He and his friends often play video games together, with his favourites being the Black Ops series. “At the moment, Lorenzo and I have just finished Black Opps 3…we are now halfway through Black Opps 1.” Louis enjoys increasing his game score, especially when he can beat his friends! “My mate Theo is slowly catching up to me on his game score, but I want to get 6000 this month, its good when I play with my support, Lorenzo and Marley.”

Outside of gaming, music is another of Louis’s passions. “I like to call myself a ‘semi-pro’ at guitar, I’m not quite there but someday I might be. I’m trying to get my own band together.” His friends support his musical ambitions, and he envisions collaborating with them. “My friend Nigel plays, and some of my other friends play instruments too.” He explains “I’d like to be a country singer, like Dolly Parton, but I don’t know whether I’ll be able to get a job like that because of my autism and dyspraxia”. Louis’s interests extend to rap as well. He’s already taken the first steps towards his dream: “I have a rap single…and I had training to become a rapper.” His ambition for the future is clear: “I’d like to be a fully trained rapper like 50-cent or Eminem. It is my dream job, and the money is ridiculous!”

However, Louis has faced struggles in relationships due to his autism. “I have been in so many relationships, and relationships are a pain in the ass. I need a relationship where I don’t get the piss taken out of me basically. I need someone who won’t do that.” He’s learned to be cautious, as he’s been hurt in the past. Yet, he appreciates those who accept him for who he is. “Being autistic makes relationships and friendships harder than normal. My ex Dominica knew I had autism and she was lovely and accepting of it which was good.”

Louis’s experiences as an autistic person have shaped the way he interacts with the world. “I find it incredibly tricky when I am out travelling.” He also struggles with the lack of understanding he faces in public. “I don’t really get why people have to be so disrespectful to people that have autism…it feels heart breaking when people start taking the mick.” This kind of disrespect happens often for Louis, and it’s something he wishes more people would recognise. Although, when discussing it he’s not sure that full understanding will ever come: “No, and they never will understand I don’t think.”

“I want to be more noticed.” Louis wants the world to understand autism more deeply. He wishes that people would “Take some time to get to know me.” For him, autism isn’t something to be embarrassed about, but rather something that should be accepted. “I can’t form words properly, and people point. People try and annoy me.”

Despite the challenges he faces, he’s thankful for those who are kind and patient. “With some of the bus drivers, I get on the bus, and they understand and give me time to find my bus pass.”. Louis also draws attention to the small but significant ways that people can support those with autism. “I would like to have people notice me more than anything else.”

When it comes to his family and his home life, Louis has created a space that allows him to feel safe and comfortable. He has recently moved to a flat of his own, which he is loving. “This flat makes me feel safe, a lot. And the support here has made me feel safe as well.” He values his independence, even as he navigates challenges that come with autism, but he explains that “I would like to be even more independent”. Louis also told me a lot about his family: “I love being an older brother” and when I asked him what gives him hope, he said “My family, to be honest with you.”

Louis knows what makes him feel good about himself, too. “I am very good at keeping things clean at the moment, and I have hidden talents; my friend Molly nearly got knocked off her seat when I started singing Elvis.” He also has big dreams. “I said to someone ‘I want to be the next James Bond,’ and they told me ‘No way,’ but I think I could do it. In my film I think Theo could be the enemy with Nigel. And Molly could be a good bond girl.” His imagination knows no bounds!

Louis hopes that society will continue to change for the better, especially for those with autism. “I would like to be more noticed. Just for people to know about autism and other things that are not noticed.”

He also has an idea for how to make that change: “I’d like to have an autistic sign in every shop for people who don’t know about autism. Like banners. I’d like to start doing that. The more people understand, the better.”

Finally, Louis shares his advice for other autistic people: “Just be happy you have autism and not be so hard on yourself and you might just get somewhere in life.”

Louis’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the desire for greater acceptance. As we celebrate Autism Awareness Month, we are reminded of the importance of understanding, respect, and kindness towards all individuals, no matter their differences.