My name is Sophia, I am a neurotypical teenager from North Carolina and I want to make a difference. Growing up, I’ve heard the stories of my neurodivergent friends and their challenges against ableist people in their community. Recently my six year old cousin was diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Her autistic symptoms are hyper fixation, trouble with conversation, and trouble with listening, because of these symptoms she was held back from first grade, meaning she must repeat kindergarten. The sad truth is that her and the one in thirty-six kids diagnosed with autism will be discriminated against at some point in their lives for faulty reasoning. Autism is NOT a sickness that needs to be cured, but it is a disorder that needs to be brought to peoples attention to stop the shame and sour taste that is associated with it. Please help me bring awareness to ASD by signing my petition.