“ Fear , first and foremost , is nothing but opportunity disguised as risk .”
failure . Think of failure as a trampoline : You are going to fall , but you will bounce back better because of it !
I chose to become a self-advocate and speaker in order to help others not have to go through the unnecessary pains and struggles I ’ ve been put through . I take pride in being a voice for the unheard , for I know how frustrating and challenging it is to go unnoticed . I ’ m honored and humbled to be able to give hope to families and parents who are concerned with their children ’ s future , just as my parents once were .
I have a raging fire within me to help others succeed no matter what obstacles or hardships they may be faced with . I sincerely hope this article aids in this all-important endeavor of mine .
Russell Lehmann is a 26-year-old autistic awardwinning motivational speaker , poet , author , and disability advocate . He sits on the Nevada Governor ’ s Council on Developmental Disabilities and is a board member for the Autism Coalition of Nevada , chairing their statewide Youth Advisory Committee . He is also the Youth Ambassador for the mayor of Reno , Nevada , Hillary Schieve . Visit Russell ’ s website at www . TheAutisticPoet . com for contact information , motivational videos and booking information .
ZOOM Autism through Many Lenses 19