Seeking to spread awareness for autism, twins Kaitlyn and Emily Myers said they created a YouTube channel called “Autwinsm.” They spread awareness by sharing their real experiences of having autism and what is different for them, in hopes others will understand their world, they said.
Their mother, Lauri Myers, said, “At times, people with autism might not look at you when you are talking or may react in a ‘weird way’... But that doesn’t mean they are not worth knowing.
“Since the YouTube channel began, people who saw the videos are not afraid to talk to [them] because they feel they know [them] better. It has opened doors for communication and [broken] down barriers.”
“It’s not a disease and not something to be ashamed of. It is something unique and special,” said Kaitlyn Myers.
How it began
Kaitlyn and Emily Myers are local Kahuku graduates. They created their YouTube channel because of a class assignment. It was something they always wanted to do, but they said they just never got around to starting it.
Kaitlyn Myers said they were required to go out into the community for a school assignment, but she was not comfortable with it. Instead, she asked permission to do videos on autism awareness.
She said a lot of people are judgmental towards people with disabilities or mental illness because they do not understand what it is like. “I think the more we can help people understand what our world’s like, hopefully, the more accepting and open people will be.”
Usually, the sisters are shy and don’t speak much, but the videos are a space for them to be confident. Lauri Myers described, “[They’re] showing the world who [they] are in the safety of home and the comfort of family.”
In the videos, both Kaitlyn and Emily Myers feel comfortable being their true selves, said their mother. Kaitlyn Myers said they don’t only want to spread autism awareness, but also inspire others.
Emily Myers often giggles in the videos, and she makes her sister laugh. She hopes
the people who are watching laugh and smile too. She said, “I think it’s really important to encourage people and make people smile... Try and get to know people [with autism] and make them smile, but approach slowly.”
Lauri Myers said the message they want to share on their YouTube channel is, “We are different. We all have our quirks, and that is fine. I have seen [their confidence] implant itself in their hearts even deeper since they have been working on this project together.”
Overcoming challenges
Abigail Nielsen, a junior from Utah studying accounting, is a friend of Kaitlyn and Emily Myers and their family. She said she admires them both because she feels they both have to push through so much, and they do it with strength.
“To see them do everyday things that may seem impossible to some people who have autism, they are doing it. They make me so proud, and they inspire me. If they can do these things, I can do it, and I can make it. They have done a great job of being great people.”
Nielsen shared an experience of them pushing through loud noise and a chaotic environment to attend two of her dance recitals. She knows loud sounds are difficult for them and was touched that they went into that situation to support her at her dances where it would be loud. She said, “It meant a lot to me.”
She also admired their bravery of dancing a Polynesian dance in a class at Kahuku at the Hukilau Marketplace where it was going to be loud and in front of many people.
The future of “Autwinsm”
Kaitlyn, Emily and Lauri Myers all agreed Autwinsm will continue. Lauri Myers said, “The project is a family effort. Every member of the family helps to support in the ways they can.”
She said the girls have unconditional support for one another. She has loved watching them giggle and laugh together during this project where they can express themselves and educate others on the importance of accepting people with autism.
Emily and Kaitlyn Myers are thinking and planning out ideas for future videos.
Watch their videos by searching “Autwinsm” on YouTube.