From Bullied to Broadcaster: An Autism Story That Reaches Thousands |by Sam Mitchell | Inspiring Story #217

For a long time, I felt like the least interesting person on Earth.

Every time I tried to join in with people, they looked at me strangely. Like they didn’t understand, or I was different and didn’t fit in.

Especially at school, I got excluded by other students. I felt misunderstood and endured their bullying. I’d try to fit in, but when I talked to them their eyes grew big and they reacted like I didn’t belong, or I’d said something wrong.

So I chose silence, even though I had so much to say.

Understanding Autism and Understanding Myself

Looking back, the signs were always there. I was officially diagnosed with autism when I was four. Before that, I’d already been diagnosed with ADHD and a peanut allergy. But even earlier, the signs were there.

My mom says I was a late talker. I hated loud noises. I’d have meltdowns if someone touched my toys. I liked things just the way I arranged them. Changes in routine completely threw me off.

She said I’ve always been an out-of-the-box thinker.

I first really understood what autism meant when I was six, thanks to a book called Understanding Sam. That book still sticks with me. For the first time, I saw myself on the page. And slowly, I started seeing that I wasn’t broken, just different.

Still, I learned quickly that many people weren’t comfortable with me being different. So for years, it became easier to stay quiet.

When the Bear Finally Roared

Toward the end of my freshman year, something changed. I don't know what exactly. I guess I’d reached my limit. I had been holding everything in for too long and the pressure built until I couldn’t take it anymore.

Like a bear that had been poked one too many times, my inner bear finally roared.

I was done trying to please everyone else. Done shrinking myself to fit in. I decided I wasn’t going to stay quiet anymore.

From that point forward, everything began to change.

Finding My Voice, Confidence & Self Worth

I joined my high school’s media club, and for the first time I had good friends and felt like I belonged somewhere. That’s when I discovered the world of podcasting. I fell in love with it: the recording, the editing, the creating.

As I started learning more, something else changed too. I felt a sense of self-worth, and my confidence began to grow. I didn’t want to wait until college to keep going because I had something to say now.

I took everything I had learned, and I started my own podcast.

I called it Autism Rocks and Rolls.

Autism Rocks and Rolls: A Platform With Purpose

When I first started, I thought it was a way to use my voice. But I quickly realized I was speaking up for others too, especially those who felt like autism was holding them back.

I’ve had listeners tell me they found themselves nodding along while listening. That nod means something. It means understanding. It means someone out there gets it, and that's powerful.

One of my first big guests was Food Network judge Simon Majumdar. When he agreed to come on the show, I remember thinking anything felt possible for Autism Rocks and Rolls.

Since then, the podcast has reached places I never expected.

A Voice That Reaches Thousands

I’ve interviewed WWE legends, musicians, and even Dr. Temple Grandin. I’ve delivered an official TEDx Talk and connected with thousands of listeners around the world.

But the best part isn’t the guest list. It’s knowing that what I’m doing is opening people’s ears and minds to a population that too often goes unheard.

Back then, I never imagined my voice would reach this far. I used to think no one was listening. For years, I held everything in.

But once the bear found its voice, I didn’t go back into hiding. I kept speaking, and now I have a platform where others can roar too.

If You’ve Been Quiet Too Long, Maybe It’s Time to Roar

To anyone who feels overlooked or ignored, whether you have autism or not, I want you to know this:

There are more than 8 billion people on the planet. It’s unrealistic to think not one of them will get you. It may not be who you expect, and it may take time, but someone will find you interesting.

You just have to keep going. Keep speaking. Someone will hear you.