• Accepting That I’m Autistic

  by Anonymous

  Names and identifying details have been changed.  Five months after I left my mom’s house and moved in with my aunt, I had to get a psych evaluation. It was one of many new things I had to face as I entered the foster care system. 

• Finding and Telling the Truth

  by J.M.

  Names have been changed.  Anna and I have been friends our whole lives: Our parents met in a neighborhood playgroup when we were 2. She and I biked around the schoolyard, went to the natural history museum, and talked about Percy Jackson together.

• Community in the Darkness

  by A.S.

  As a child, I planned elaborate parties for every birthday, with themes like bakery, rock star, and Rapunzel. I prepared for months before, carefully selecting dresses, activities, and frosting flavors. I helped my parents create a makeshift cupcakery, karaoke bar, and princess castle in our home.

• Out of My Room and Into the World

  by Aster McNulty

  I have always been a homebody, even in elementary school. I went to the park after class with my friends, and to birthday parties. But I felt safest and happiest and most myself at home—the tiny, messy apartment I share with my parents.

• Listening to Love

  by Anonymous

  I realized I was unique when I was 4. Everyone else in preschool had two ears, while I had a left ear and a tiny bump on the right side. I didn’t understand why my mom carefully brushed my long hair to hide the little bump.