Hey everyone, it’s Summer Rose.
I wanted to share something really personal today because I know a lot of you following me are autistic, neurodivergent, or just trying to figure out who you are as a teen.
This September, I’m starting a 14–16 education programme. It’s for home-educated kids to give us a chance to experience school-style learning, do GCSEs, and open up more options for when we’re 16+.
It feels like a huge deal. Honestly? I’m excited. But I’m also really scared.
If you’ve ever moved schools, started college, or tried something new, you’ll probably get this. Here’s what’s been in my head:
What if I can’t make friends?
What if I don’t even like people there?
What if they don’t like me?
What if they’re judgy about me being autistic?
What if they find my Instagram and think I’m weird or attention-seeking?
What if I turn back into the person I was before I was home educated? I was so uncomfortable with myself—my appearance, my personality, everything.
These aren’t small fears. They’re real and they matter. But I don’t want them to stop me.
I’ve been talking it all through in counselling. We made a plan that splits things into three areas:
Friends are a bonus. I don’t have to force it. I want to be kind, generous, open-minded, conscious of conversations, and know my own worth. I don’t have to be best friends with everyone. And that’s ok.
The point of this programme is to open up my future. I want to focus, stay motivated, take care of myself, balance my time, and not push myself too hard. Even if the social side feels scary, it doesn’t change why I’m going: to get options for the future.
The social part is the hardest for me. I need to learn to live within a system I can’t control, navigate difficult relationships, interact socially even if it’s not deep, have easy conversations, be laid back, enjoy alone time, and not rely on certain people for all my social needs. Just reading that can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down helps.
If you’re autistic, neurodivergent, shy, anxious—or just a teen trying to figure it out—please know:
You don’t have to be everyone’s friend.
People might judge, but that’s their issue, not yours.
You’re allowed to be you, fully and unapologetically.
You don’t need to hide the parts of yourself that make you special.
I’m scared of people finding my Instagram and judging me for talking about autism. But why should I hide something that helps others and helps me? If you’re reading this, you probably get it. Let’s promise not to shrink ourselves to fit in.
We deserve spaces that accept us. And sometimes we have to be brave enough to make those spaces ourselves.
To everyone starting something new: It’s ok to be scared. It’s ok to not have it all together. You’re still worthy of opportunities, education, friendships, and being fully yourself.
remember your worth.
— Summer - Rose H 🌸
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