Amy Sequenzia is a poet and autistic self-advocate. Amy’s writing, presentations, and advocacy are leading the way for Change.

Amy answers our Ollibean Questionairre.

 

Ollibean: What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Amy Sequenzia: I believe happiness comes in moments. When you feel like you want to smile until your face hurts, that’s perfect happiness.

 Ollibean: Which living person do you most admire?

Amy Sequenzia: Not sure. I admire several people for different reasons. They are not famous but they impact my life positively.

Ollibean: What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Amy Sequenzia: Being able to type and write and reach a number of different people, especially on the subject of autism and disabilities.

Ollibean: What do you value most in your friends?

Amy Sequenzia: Respect for who I am. I value that they can see the whole me.

Ollibean: What is your greatest fear?

Amy Sequenzia:I fear losing the support I have now. There are always so many factors involved and not enough people who know me well to provide or assist me with the kind of support I need.

Ollibean: When and where were you at your happiest?

Amy Sequenzia: I am very happy at several moments.

Ollibean: What change would you like to see in your lifetime?

Amy Sequenzia: I would be elated if autism, and all disabilities, were totally inclusive and accepted, without pity or shame.

I hope for a cure for epilepsy.

Ollibean: What trait do you most value in others?

Amy Sequenzia: Respect for differences. Kindness.

Ollibean: What’s your most marked characteristic?

Amy Sequenzia: I think I am a kind person. I know I am resilient. People say I have a great smile.

Ollibean: Do you have a motto or phrase you live by?

Amy Sequenzia: Presume competence. The same way I want people to assume I am competent, I also assume that others are competent.

Ollibean: Do you have any advice for kids with disabilities? For their parents? Their teachers?

Amy Sequenzia: I hope parents and teachers can understand that nobody is the same, that individuality is important when trying to find the right approach for each person, and that frustration and bad moments are normal parts of the process. For the kids, and even adults, I hope they never give up being the best they can be. But this is only possible if they (we) have support.

Ollibean: Thank you Amy!