From Self-Doubt to Global Stage | How Finding My Voice Helped Others Find Theirs | by Martin Slyngstad | Inspiring Story #221

For years, I grappled with self-doubt. It was my constant companion, even in moments of success, after a kind word from a friend or a fleeting sense of accomplishment. No achievement seemed enough to silence that inner voice saying, “You don’t belong.”

It started after my diagnosis. Autism wasn’t widely understood back then. My teachers didn’t get me. My classmates didn’t know what to make of me. The bullying was constant. And through those years, I never wanted to acknowledge I was autistic. I tried to hide it. But hiding only made the self-doubt stronger.

Middle school was especially tough. I had back surgery.  Didn’t pass many exams and kept failing the SATs. It felt like setback after setback. I remember thinking, “What’s the point?” But something deep inside me whispered, “Keep going.” So I did. After three tries, I finally passed.

Still, the self-doubt lingered like a shadow in the night, always nearby, always whispering that I wasn’t enough. The silence I carried was heavy.

The Healing Power of Writing

To cope, I started writing.

At first, it was just a way to get the thoughts out of my head. I poured everything onto the page: anger, sadness, confusion, hope. Somehow, writing words down gave shape to feelings I couldn’t express. My voice had been quiet for so long, but now, on paper, it was starting to come through.

As I wrote, something shifted. I started sharing my story about being autistic, about the bullying, about the fight to believe in myself.

With every word, the burden of self-doubt lightened just a bit.

The more I shared, the more I realised something profound: the very qualities I once tried to hide like my sensitivity, my unique perspective, my deep empathy, were actually strengths. I knew my story could help someone else.  That was a turning point. 

Sharing My Story Opened New Doors

I put my writings into a book and had it published.

People responded in ways I never expected. Some told me my words helped them feel less alone. Others said they finally felt comfortable opening up about their own diagnosis. Parents reached out to say they had hope again. Hope that their child will be okay.

I’ve since mentored others, spoken at conferences, and connected with people who once felt invisible, like I did. What matters most isn’t the accolades or achievements, it’s knowing that someone, somewhere, who feels like I once did, might hear my story and think, “Maybe I’m not alone.”

There’s one moment I’ll never forget…

I’d traveled to Dubai for a speaking engagement.  After sharing my story near the end of the event, one teen who expresses his words through singing wanted to say something. He stood there nervous, hesitating. I told him it was okay.

Then, out of nowhere, he began to sing a beautiful song about wishing parents would get closer to their kids and help them.

It was so moving and unexpected.  Once again, I was reminded that the voice I once tried to hide had helped someone else find theirs.

A Voice I Once Hid Helps Others Be Heard

Since then, I’ve been invited back to speak in Dubai. Three or four universities have reached out. More invitations to speak at conferences. More opportunities to help others not give up.

One day, while reflecting on this journey, a thought came to me:

“We are like a flower waiting to bloom into something beautiful. When it rains, that essence of life gives us hope we will blossom at the right time.”

To Those Still Living with Self-Doubt

For those reading this, if you feel nervous about chasing your dreams, afraid of being made fun of or misunderstood, please know: everything will be okay. Even when it feels like you’re not making progress, it might just be one small roadblock on your way to something greater.

Achieving success doesn’t happen overnight. These things take time. Take one step.  Pick up your pen and pour your thoughts and feelings out on to the page. Don’t rush the process.

And to parents. I know how tough some days can be. You may feel defeated or unsure what’s happening. Please know this: the meltdowns, the outbursts, they’re not your fault. They’re often just our way of trying to say what we don’t yet have words for.

To us, you are our greatest superheroes. You mean the world to us.

I hope what I’ve shared today aspires you to inspire change. Remember, it all starts with you.

You have what it takes to fight your self-doubt.You have what it takes to lead others looking for someone to cheer them on. So, take that Beamonesque leap of faith to control self-doubt…

The kind that breaks limits.

Martin is an Award Winning Autism Advocate, Global Disability Leader nominee, Special Olympics Athlete, Book Author, and Business Owner

He’d love to connect with you  here:

https://www.instagram.com/martinsautismlife/

https://www.instagram.com/spireautism/

https://spireautism.com

If you’d like to know more about his book, you can check it out here.

https://www.amazon.com/Chatter-Box-Autism-Mother-Perspective/dp/B087L31J92