Evans is the founder of “An Autism Advocate and a Spiritual Journey”
By Andrew Harris, pictured is Evans
You may know Michael Evans already, he’s a familiar face in Wellsville who is spreading an important message: Autism is a gift, not a disability. He’s spent many years soul searching and attempting to come to terms with being on the spectrum in a world that is finally coming to terms with what it means to be “on the spectrum.”
In the last few years Michael has discovered something powerful: Autism isn’t a diagnosis or a disability, it is part of the human condition, and many of us are actually part of that “spectrum.” In fact, many of our most accomplished and impactful fellow humans have lived and thrived with the unique talents and personalities coined ‘autism.’ Evans has realized that the key living a happy and impactful life is about identifying and embracing the things that make him different.
We talked to Michael about his journey where he explains that realization hasn’t come easily, or without support:
Autism has become such a widely used word to describe a huge segment of our society. What does the term mean to you ?
Michael: The proper term I like to use is: It’s a Different Ability. Which states a lot of the people on the spectrum struggle with some things that people not on the spectrum do on the regular but there are also a lot of things people one the spectrum excel at. Which confirms it’s not a disability at all.
Your advocacy efforts have reached quite a few people both locally and regionally. You are a well known face on the streets of Wellsville, you have 600 followers on social media, and post lots of videos, even live streams to make a connection. How has becoming an advocate changed your life ?
So before I started I was kind of an outcast. I was still trying to find my voice. What really gave me the confidence to start the page was when Jacob Witter reached out to me in the spring of 2024 wanting me to help him start the Batting Mind Striders. I have always wanted to start a page for advocacy but never had the confidence. The main difference I really notice is everywhere I go there is always someone who knows me. Which is nice. I’m always getting compliments on my walking videos especially. I even had someone start me a GoFundMe page after my bike accident.
We are constantly realizing that some of the most impactful and famous people in history would have been considered autistic today. Do you have any favorites ?
Michael: I like Michelangelo because his name is so similar to mine. He was a really great artist and the chapel he painted must of taken a lot of focus. I totally respect that.
I respect Albert Einstein because me had delayed speech and his discoveries helped create a lot of modern tech like quantum technology and gps.
Any heroes that are really making a difference today that you look up to ?
Michael: I have a lot of respect for a lot of other young advocates on Facebook. Specifically the ones from Love on the Spectrum and the ones who have been on other forms of entertainment.
What is your advice for someone who has been diagnosed with autism or as “on the spectrum” and is scared or anxious about what that might mean ?
Michael: It’s ok to be scared about what your feeling but you are blessed with many gifts. The best way to figure out what they are is to think about what you enjoy. A lot of people on the spectrum usually have a special interest and once you find out what that is you can be like Albert Einstein or Michelangelo or Temple Grandin.
Living in a small town can be difficult when you are different in any way from the normal ! What is your advice for living a life through a prism when many people appear to prefer black and white ?
Michael: Be patient and you’ll find your people.
What is the one thing you understand today that you wish you understood ten years ago ? What do you go back and tell Michael Evans in 2016 that would have come in handy?
Michael: So 10 years ago I was really struggling with finding a group of friends that understood me and treated me like family. I really had no social skills and I was extremely socially awkward. The one thing I would tell myself is it’s ok and you will eventually meet your people. Relax and stop trying so hard. And that goes for anyone.
Connect and Find Michael online here
