Ben Canham

I miss my parents every single day. I wish they could see the man I've become, my journey as an autistic person, and how I've kept going through life's hardest moments.

There are so many things I wish I could tell them. In quiet moments, I still find myself talking to them, wishing they were here to see how far I've come.

Turn your battles into blessings. I've faced chapters of life I never would have chosen, experienced loss that changed me forever, and walked through moments I once struggled to see beyond.

One of the things I'm most proud of is being able to turn my pain into purpose. By sharing my story and raising awareness, I hope I can make a difference in someone else's life.

I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has made this a safe space for me to share my story. So much of what I’ve faced once felt like mountains I’d never overcome.

Sometimes, the right words from the right person can mean more than they will ever realize. A little encouragement, a reminder that someone believes in you, or knowing you have a friend in your corner can make such a difference.

Life isn't always easy, and we all need people who remind us of the good they see in us, especially on the days when we struggle to see it ourselves.

Sometimes, a message touches your heart more than words can explain. ❤️🥹 My friend Erika shared the most beautiful words about me, calling me one of the best humans on earth, gifted in communication, and someone with an outstanding heart.

The past couple of days have been truly special. I’ve had such an amazing time with my friend from Australia, and honestly, it’s been one of the best times I’ve had in a long while. After waiting so long to catch up again, having this time together has meant more than words can say.

The days have flown by far too quickly, and saying goodbye last night wasn’t easy.

Autism and mental health awareness must go beyond hashtags. They must include listening to the people living these experiences every single day. 1/8 🧵

Behind every diagnosis is a person. Behind every struggle is a story. And every person deserves to be heard, respected and accepted.

Autism and mental health awareness must go beyond hashtags. They must include listening to the people living these experiences every single day. 1/8 🧵

We don't need judgement, assumptions or people telling us how we should feel. We need understanding, acceptance, compassion and support.

Autism and mental health awareness must go beyond hashtags. They must include listening to the people living these experiences every single day. 1/8 🧵

Not every struggle is visible. Not every battle is spoken about. And not every smile means someone is okay. Autism isn't always easy.

Autism and mental health awareness must go beyond hashtags. They must include listening to the people living these experiences every single day. 1/8 🧵

We never know how deeply our words or actions can affect another person. Something that seems small to one person can stay with someone else for years. That's why understanding, compassion and the way we treat others matter so much.

Autism acceptance is about making room for people to be themselves. 💙🧩 It's about creating a world where different ways of thinking, communicating and experiencing life are welcomed, and where nobody feels they have to hide who they are to belong.

Being autistic is part of my story, and sharing my experiences is one way I hope to make a difference. 💙🧩 I know I can't speak for every autistic person, because we're all individuals with our own experiences.

Behind this photo is my story a journey of loss, struggles, resilience and hope. I've chosen to turn my pain into purpose by sharing my experiences to raise awareness, inspire others and remind anyone struggling that they're not alone.

💚 World Mental Health Day 💚 Behind every smile is a story, and behind some smiles are battles the world may never see. You never know what someone has been through, what they’re struggling with, or how much strength it takes just to keep going.