“Autism is not a disability; it is a different ability,” declares 13-year-old Vincent Yee, a statement that reverberates powerfully within his own remarkable story and serves as the foundation of Optism’s online platform.
Spotlight
Meet Optism’s Chief Inspiration Officer
A 13-year-old's inspiring autism journey of resilience and achievement.
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A personal journey with autism
As our Chief Inspiration Officer, Vince embodies the essence of perseverance and hope, offering a narrative that is both profoundly personal and universally inspiring.
Vince’s journey with autism began at the tender age of three when he was first diagnosed. “I remember I didn’t know how to speak,” he recalls. “I didn’t want to look at people, and eating vegetables would make me vomit.” Like many children on this autism journey, Vince’s began intensive therapy, a regimen demanding hours of hard work. His day started at 6 a.m. with nursery school prep, followed by therapy sessions until 6 p.m., mirroring the grueling schedule of a full-time job.
Overcoming autism challenges
In addition to his demanding therapy schedule, Vince had weekly doctor visits and took daily supplements to support his health. Taking supplements was particularly challenging for someone who couldn’t tolerate most foods and would often vomit. He also underwent therapy to help with his low muscle tone and coordination. “I worked very hard to overcome many autism challenges,” he explains. “I started making sounds, and very slowly, I began speaking. Having autism is not easy. I have to deal with stimming; I touch the floor sometimes and am often told not to. Sometimes I talk to myself, and people always remind me to stop. Everything seems loud to my ears, like train noises, toilet noises…”
Determination and progress
Yet Vince’s determination was unwavering. “I just wanted to keep going and not give up,” he shares. “My therapy sessions were really hard, but I knew they were helping me. People around me always said, ‘Keep going, you can do it. You can do better than this.’”
Fast forward ten years, and Vince’s progress is nothing short of extraordinary. Not only has he overcome many of his early autism challenges, but he has also embraced new ones with enthusiasm. One of his most notable achievements is learning to speak French. “I can speak French now!” he exclaims with pride. His motivation to learn the language was driven by his dream of visiting Paris and experiencing its culture and cuisine. “Learning a new language has been really good for me,” he adds. “I didn’t know how to speak before, and now I’m learning a second language.”
Embracing and overcoming challenges
Another significant milestone in Vince’s autism journey is his participation in triathlons. Competing in these demanding events is a tremendous leap for someone who once struggled with low muscle tone and poor coordination. “Doing triathlon is a big deal for me,” he says. “It's about never giving up and trying my best.”
Despite his remarkable autism progress, Vince still faces challenges. Sensory sensitivities remain a part of his daily life, with certain noises being particularly overwhelming. He has also experienced bullying, with people calling him names like “bad boy” and “stupid.” Yet, Vince’s resilience shines through. “I just want to keep going and be happy,” he says.
Vince's tenacity has enabled him to overcome various ASD challenges over the past decade.
Raising autism awareness
Vince’s experiences highlight the often invisible nature of autism, leading to misunderstandings and judgment.
“Autistic people are not stupid. We work really hard to manage our daily challenges. We need support and understanding, not judgment.”
When asked about his vision for the future, Vince speaks with a wisdom beyond his years. “I want our future to be more understanding and enjoyable. I hope people will be kinder,” he says. His words echo a deep desire for a world where differences are celebrated and supported.
Dreams and aspirations
Vince’s aspirations extend beyond his current achievements. He dreams of becoming a pilot someday, soaring through the skies and exploring the world. “I want to travel and see different places,” he shares. “I can visit my loved ones and try foods from all around the world.” However, Vince is also realistic about the challenges that may lie ahead. “I know it might be hard to become a pilot because I need to be able to manage my emotions very well, but I still want to try.”
Embracing individuality, kindness and tenacity
He believes that society should move away from rigid labels and embrace individuality: “Everyone is different, and that’s okay.”
To parents of children with autism, Vince offers encouragement and advice. “Don’t give up. Remember to try hard.”
As Vince continues to break barriers and challenge stereotypes, he remains a source of autism inspiration for many. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of autism support, and the boundless potential that lies within every individual, regardless of their abilities or challenges. Vince’s message is clear: with understanding, kindness, and perseverance, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to shine.
