MHNRN | Apple Podcasts | Spreaker | Episode #9

Today, we have an inspiring guest, Sydney Holmes, who shares her journey growing up with autism. She reflects on her experiences, self-acceptance, and the importance of advocacy in navigating neurodiversity. Sydney offers incredible insights on friendships, education, and the power of embracing one’s unique perspective. Let’s dive into this heartfelt and enlightening conversation!

Navigating Life on the Autism Spectrum with Sydney Holmes

[00:00] Introduction

Welcome to The Dr. Mary Podcast! I’m your host, Dr. Mary, and I’m thrilled to have an incredible guest today. Joining me is Sydney Holmes, who many of you might recognize as the daughter of Dr. Stephanie Holmes. Sydney has an inspiring story about growing up with autism and navigating life with self-awareness, advocacy, and resilience. Sydney, welcome to the show!

Sydney: Hi! Thanks so much for having me.

Dr. Mary: Absolutely! Why don’t you introduce yourself and share a little about your journey?

[02:30] Discovering Her Diagnosis and Early Years

Sydney: I was diagnosed with Asperger’s when I was six. My parents never hid my diagnosis from me, so I grew up knowing about it, though I didn’t fully understand it at first. I even misheard it as “artistic” and thought I had a special talent! But as I got older, I started noticing differences—especially in middle school when social groups formed.

Dr. Mary: That’s such an interesting perspective. How did that knowledge shape your experiences growing up?

Sydney: It helped me realize that the issue wasn’t necessarily me but rather how people perceived me. But it wasn’t until high school and college that I truly understood how autism affected my social interactions.

[07:50] The Challenges of Friendships and School Changes

Dr. Mary: You mentioned having a unique school experience. Can you tell us more about that?

Sydney: I attended multiple schools—both public and private—and was even homeschooled for a year. Making friends was tough. I mostly had “inherited friends,” meaning friendships formed because of family connections or church, rather than genuine personal connections.

Dr. Mary: That must have been tough. Did you notice how your sister made friends differently?

Sydney: Yes! She’s a social butterfly, while I struggled to fit in. At first, I thought it was just personality differences, but later I realized autism played a role in how I interacted with others.

[15:20] Embracing Self-Acceptance and Advocacy

Dr. Mary: When did you start feeling comfortable sharing your autism diagnosis?

Sydney: It was a progression. In elementary and middle school, I kept it to myself. In high school, I told only a few people I trusted. But by college, I decided to be upfront—take it or leave it.

Dr. Mary: What influenced that shift?

Sydney: Honestly? Bad experiences. I had a best friend in middle school who dropped me in high school to be “popular.” That betrayal made me more cautious. But in college, I realized the people who genuinely wanted to be in my life would accept me fully.

[22:45] Navigating Adulthood with Autism

Dr. Mary: What has life been like for you post-college?

Sydney: I moved to Nebraska for a job after grad school. It wasn’t my initial plan, but doors opened, and I embraced it. I now work as a membership manager at a museum, which is ironic because it’s a very social job! I talk to people all day long, which can be draining, but I’ve learned to manage my energy.

Dr. Mary: That’s incredible! How do you recharge?

Sydney: My cat helps! I also set clear boundaries and practice self-care—something my mom drilled into me since childhood.

[28:30] Writing a Book on Autism and Family Experiences

Dr. Mary: You’ve turned your experiences into something valuable—your book! Can you share more about that?

Sydney: Absolutely! My mom originally wrote a book years ago about our family’s autism journey. Recently, we decided to expand it with perspectives from my dad, my sister, and me. Embracing the Autism Spectrum: Finding Hope and Joy in the Neurodiverse Family Journey is a collaborative effort to show how autism shaped our family dynamics.

Dr. Mary: That’s such a powerful concept—giving readers multiple perspectives on the same experiences. Where can people find it?

Sydney: The audiobook is available on BookBaby, and we hope the print version will be out by December.

[35:10] Encouragement for Neurodiverse Individuals

Dr. Mary: If you could go back and give younger Sydney advice, what would you say?

Sydney: I’d tell her to hold on—things get better. Every challenge shaped me into who I am today. And the skills I’ve developed, like reading people’s true intentions, have become some of my greatest strengths.

Dr. Mary: That’s so inspiring. Any final words of encouragement for neurodiverse individuals listening?

Sydney: Be open and honest about who you are. The right people will accept you, and the ones who don’t? They weren’t meant to be in your life anyway.

Dr. Mary: Thank you, Sydney, for sharing your journey with us today!

Connect with Us:

• Dr. Mary’s Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, & Linkedin 
• Mental Health News Radio Network

HEY SIS!

As a devoted pediatrician, specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders, my focus is on guiding and supporting families who have received an autism or ADHD diagnosis.

I am a PCCI trained life and leadership coach.

– Dr Mary