According to 44-year-old Avenell Heights local, Ben Horton, World Autism Awareness Day is “a great day to be acknowledged”.
Ben, who has been supported at Bundaberg Learning and Lifestyle (L&L) hub for 25 years, is an advocate for inclusivity.
“Autistic people are just like everyone else,” he said.
“While they may have things they aren’t as good at, you’ll usually find they’ll be excellent at other things.
“For example, I’m a very good writer and artist and musician, and I spend a lot of time studying so am well educated.
“At the end of the day, does it really matter? – we’re all still people.”
According to Site Manager, Nicole Novak, Ben’s talents have made him somewhat of a local celebrity.
“Ben really likes to perform. In addition to us offering the platform at our L&L hub for him to express himself through drama and music, on a Friday night, he performs karaoke to local audiences,” Nicole said.
“He performs as his alter ego, Guy Truelee.
“He’s simply fabulous, singing Elton John, Queen and so many other well-known covers.
“While autism is diverse in its own right, Ben is a wonderful example of how misconceptions can also be wrong.“
“Our L&L hub provides a safe and communal place where people can gather, enjoy activities, learn new skills, and just be themselves – in character, and even when feeling out of character too.”
Ben said the hub has enabled him the freedom to allow his genius to shine.
“The last thing anyone wants is to feel misunderstood,” he said.
“That’s why it’s so important to get to know people first.
“That way you can enjoy the best of who they are.”
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