Autistic Bodybuilder
My name is Jocelyn, I have Autism spectrum disorder ASD. I suffer from "meltdowns," "sensory overload," and I'm tactile defensive. I can struggle to connect with people, read emotions, and social situations. I went through years of speech and occupational therapy. I lived in fear and to be honest hated the person I was. Then in 2015 I was diagnosed finally with ASD at 23, and everything clicked.
I am now a special needs teacher's assistant. I work one-to-one with children just like me, teaching them not only how to focus and stay motivated but also how amazing, talented and driven we can be.
This year I finally built up the courage to follow my own dream- I became a bodybuilder. My first bodybuilding show was in May at Bodypower where I won my class, made it to the finals in October, and came in the top 10 in that class. Next year I am entering in more shows with the hopes of making it to Miami for the world show (the best of the best) because even though what I do is scary, my passion and my drive is 1000 times greater then any meltdown will ever be. I am not great in spite of my ASD, I'm great because of it.
