Autism and Ambition: Dreaming Big Is Valid

For a long time, autistic people have been told to focus on being “realistic.” Not in an empowering way — but in a limiting one. We’re often pushed to aim low, to stay within narrow expectations, and to seek safety over possibility.

But what if ambition isn’t the problem?

What if the real issue is that society still underestimates what autistic people are capable of?

We’re Taught to Be Practical — Not Powerful

Many of us grow up hearing the word “no” more than most.

“No, that’s too hard.”

“No, that’s not realistic.”

“No, you should just be grateful to have anything.”

That kind of messaging wears on you. It makes you think maybe you shouldn’t aim too high. Maybe you should play it safe.

But ambition isn’t arrogance.

And dreaming big isn’t a flaw — it’s a signal that you see something worth building.

Autistic people have always been builders.

My Path Isn’t Traditional — And That’s Okay

I’m not following a one-size-fits-all path. I’m writing books, designing a psychology-based app, and preparing to speak publicly about autism and inclusion. These are goals that light me up — and they didn’t come from anyone else’s template. They came from my vision.

I want to see a world where people like me don’t just “cope.”

We thrive. We lead. We create. We make an impact.

That doesn’t mean I’m ignoring challenges. It means I’m choosing to believe they don’t get to define my ceiling.

Why We Need a New Narrative

There’s a quiet message woven into schools, workplaces, even families — that autistic people should stay small. That we should focus on managing, not dreaming.

But here’s the truth:

People rise to the level of the expectations placed on them.

If we only expect autistic people to survive, we’ll never see how far we can actually go.

We need stories that show more.

Stories where autistic people build businesses, lead movements, create art, and make a living doing what they love.

We need ambition to be part of the narrative.

To Any Autistic Person Who’s Dreaming Big

Don’t shrink your goals just because others can’t see them yet.

Don’t water down your vision to make others more comfortable.

Whether your dream is to become a filmmaker, start a nonprofit, live by the ocean, or build an app that changes lives — it’s yours. And it matters.

You don’t need permission to dream big.

You just need to keep going — one step at a time.

Your goals don’t have to look like anyone else’s.

They just have to be yours.