Autism Point of View: A Conversation with YouTube Content Creator & HOPe Member, Anthony
During the pandemic, some folks baked bread. Anthony, a HOPe member and Bridgewater State Communications Studies Major, launched a YouTube Channel. The channel was, at first, a review of his passions - film and comic-con culture.
“During the pandemic, I was mostly in my own thoughts, and I thought I could be doing more with myself, more than work and attending classes. I wanted to find the best part of me and share that with others.”
Anthony, who is on the autism spectrum, found it easier to create educational content sharing his personal experience, culminating in his Autism Point of View videos:
“I found an audience who can relate or who were willing to learn and listen. When I talk about myself, I try to be as real as I can. Video helps me bring an audience together, builds a connection, and creates a dialogue. When you are a content creator, you need an audience. My Youtube channel lets me know I make an impact.”
Anthony’s Autism Point of View series includes several videos ranging from ten to twenty minutes in length and covers such topics as communication strategies or stimming, repetitive motions or noises that individuals may use as a coping mechanism.
When asked why he launched the Autism Point of View series, Anthony highlights advocacy as a driving factor.
“Autism is one of those things that is pretty well understood in society but our advocates and advocacy aren’t mainstream. Celebrities don’t really cover it. It’s like the saying: If you want something done, you may as well do it yourself.”
When looking ahead at his Youtube channel and the Autism Point of View series, Anthony hopes to cover more topics like college life, navigating a job, and driving. He would also love to broaden the channel to his other passion including non-conforming gender cosplay and weightlifting while monetizing his channel and launching a Patreon, a subscription service for content creators.
Anthony receives support and services from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and the House of Possiblities. Anthony credits his confidence in expanding upon his Autism Point of View series to working with Autism Spectrum Services at House of Possibilities, and specifically working with Cameron (Cam) Lyons, Autism Spectrum Services Manager.
“I feel more safe and comfortable. I’ve opened up to him, and Cam really listens. The vlog reflects me and how comfortable I am talking about myself. The youtube channel would not have been possible without the support of the DDS. “Video production isn’t as easy as it may seem. Through creating my youtube channel, I have taught myself editing, computer skills, and what it takes to create the best content, creating videos that are appealing. I am real, and that’s important. My channel will go and expand on topics - The sky's the limit.”
Follow Anthony on YouYube: Gen-Z Geek: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq-0EhiGFbCdhhhrE0tiV_Q