I Am Whole By Arturo Contreras Mejia

There is a radial gradient with a golden center that fades into purple with text. The text reads I am whole (bold lettering). I am whole (bolder lettering). I am not deficient (light lettering). I am enough (bold lettering). I am enough for my (bold lettering) community. I am right to trust me (bold lettering). I could only lead me to where I want to go. I am whole (boldest lettering). I am efficient (boldest lettering). I am plentiful (boldest lettering).

Image Description: Arturo is standing on the left of the picture, in front of a telephone pole with his arms crossed. He is wearing a pink hoodie, jeans, and sunglasses. He has a serious bearded face. To the right, is a plentiful cactus plant. Behind a gas station that reads “kinda tropical”.

Arturo’s Story

Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is weird. Suddenly so much of your life makes sense, like now I know why I always forget something at home when I’m about to leave. But the other thought that would enter my brain is that I was not enough. I would think this because I would fall short. I always over promise but underdeliver. There was always this nagging voice at the back of my head telling me that what I was doing was wrong, that I was not giving enough, that of course life is going terribly because I thought I knew what was best.

All of those things were untrue. I knew then and I know now that its not true.

To combat this I would face them head on. I tell myself that I am enough, that I am right and that I know where I want to go in life. ADHD is not a hinderence. It is not an unbeatable monster. ADHD is a friend that tells you EVERYTHING. ADHD tells you; what you are stressed about, because you (I) avoid it and get anxious about it; where you can find happiness, because you will be obsessed with it; what you don’t like, it calls attention to the things you like (day dreaming). 

I have ADHD. But it is not who I am. I am whole. I am a person. A person who is enough. A person who adds value. A person who loves ,cries, and thinks. ADHD is a part of me, a part that I have struggled to come to terms with. But, the ADHD is not going to go away and neither am I. 

My ADHD makes me feel empowered. I have the power to think about many things at once, to see details that others skip over, connect with lots of people because of my never ending thirst for knowledge and the dopamine that comes with learning. But aside from my own actions it is my community that supports and empowers me. Like IDJ empowers me to share my experience, allowing me to fill a me-shaped hole in my community. Spaces that allow creatives to work, are empowering because it tell me that someone wants to hear our story, see our point of view. 

What does not make me feel supported are the suspiciously low number of callbacks I receive when I self identify as having a disability. What does not make me feel empowered is the stripping of our Universities majors to “better reflect the job market”. The market does not make me feel supported, because there was a time when mental asylums where the solution the market dictated. 

Investing in people and programs to let people express themselves , no matter how difficult the truth, will always be more supporting than pretending that people with disabilities don’t exist. The difficult truth is that everyone in their life will at some point experience disability. We need to support and empower those of us who are disabled now, so that when we are disabled we can work together and find out. What that looks like is investing in these communities, investing in their voices, and making sure to keep those voices at the decision making tables.

About the Author

Arturo is standing on the left of the picture, in front of a telephone pole with his arms crossed. He is wearing a pink hoodie, jeans, and sunglasses. He has a serious bearded face. To the right, is a plentiful cactus plant. Behind a gas station that reads “kinda tropical”.

Image Description: Arturo is standing on the left of the picture, in front of a telephone pole with his arms crossed. He is wearing a pink hoodie, jeans, and sunglasses. He has a serious bearded face. To the right, is a plentiful cactus plant. Behind a gas station that reads “kinda tropical”.

Arturo Contreras Mejia is a 27-year-old Mexican Man. He is currently a student at IUPUI studying digital marketing. Arturo is an Indianapolis creative. In his free time, Arturo enjoys spending time with his loved ones.

 Navigating Life After Diagnosis

Arturo Contreras

 

Hey folks! I’m Arturo Contreras, a 25-year-old Latinx guy on a journey of understanding and advocating for disability justice. Like many of us, I’ve recently been diagnosed with ADHD. That moment was both a relief and a revelation—a chance to finally put a name to all those quirks that made me feel out of place. But let me tell you, disability justice goes far beyond just an individual diagnosis. It’s about building a world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, feels seen, valued, and supported.

Today, I want to dig a little deeper into some of the key areas that have helped me make sense of this new chapter, and how they relate to broader disability justice. Let’s jump in with a positive, solutions-focused mindset.

1) Holistic Wellness: Caring for Both Body and Mind

Taking care of your body isn’t just good advice—it’s essential for navigating life with ADHD, ASD, or any other condition. I’ve found that regular exercise and a balanced diet can really make a difference. But beyond individual wellness, we have to look at the bigger picture. The disability justice movement teaches us that accessibility in health and wellness is crucial.

In an ideal world, everyone should have access to affordable, inclusive health care, nutrition education, and adaptive exercise programs. Whether it’s creating sensory-friendly gym spaces or offering affordable, healthy food options in low-income communities, there are ways we can make wellness more accessible. These steps help dismantle ableism, the systemic discrimination against disabled people, by making it easier for everyone to thrive.

 2) Building Community: The Power of Interdependence

 The principle of interdependence, from the Disability Justice framework, reminds us that we don’t have to face our challenges alone. Community is a powerful thing, and it’s not just about socializing; it’s about mutual support. When I was first diagnosed, I felt isolated. But connecting with others who shared similar experiences was transformative. It’s in these communities that we can share strategies, vent frustrations, and most importantly, feel understood.

Disability justice pushes us to expand our definition of community. We need to make sure that digital spaces are as inclusive and safe as physical ones, so that everyone can find their “neurokindred,” no matter where they are. We also have to remember that community spaces must be accessible in terms of transportation, language, and sensory accommodations.

3) Medication: Your Body, Your Choice

Medication can be a complex decision. While it’s an incredibly personal choice, it’s also something that disability justice emphasizes should be accessible and informed. We need to advocate for greater transparency and accessibility in healthcare systems, so that everyone can make informed decisions about their bodies. This also means pushing for healthcare that is culturally competent and sensitive to the unique needs of disabled folks from marginalized backgrounds.

We must also support those who choose not to take medication. The disability justice framework reminds us that disability is not inherently negative. Society often tells us that the goal should be to “cure” or “fix” our conditions, but it’s about embracing our unique perspectives and ways of being.

Looking Forward: A Call to Action

Disability justice is not just about acknowledging that disability exists. It’s about addressing the societal barriers that make disability harder to live with. We must commit to making systemic changes that prioritize accessibility, inclusivity, and the voices of disabled folks. Together, we can create a world that values diversity of all kinds—one that moves beyond mere tolerance toward genuine celebration and support.

So, whether you’re newly diagnosed, or you’re a long-time disability justice advocate, remember this: You’re not alone, and you have a community that has your back. And as we continue to learn, share, and fight for justice, let’s hold on to hope and solidarity. Together, we’re unstoppable.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Arturo Contreras

Arturo Contreras Mejia is a 25-year-old Mexican Man. He is currently a student at IUPUI studying digital marketing. Arturo is also a part of IDJ as a social media captain (intern). In his free time, Arturo enjoys spending time with his loved ones.

Image Description: Arturo is standing on the left of the picture, in front of a telephone pole with his arms crossed. He is wearing a pink hoodie, jeans, and sunglasses. He has a serious bearded face. To the right, is a plentiful cactus plant. Behind a gas station that reads “kinda tropical”

Image Description: Arturo is standing on the left of the picture, in front of a telephone pole with his arms crossed. He is wearing a pink hoodie, jeans, and sunglasses. He has a serious bearded face. To the right, is. a plentiful cactus plant. Behind a gas station that reads “kinda tropical”

Embracing Life’s Challenges: The Journey of an Autistic Person with Epilepsy, Autism, and ADHD

Written and Art by Ash Ward

Image Description: A disabled trans male being told He's enough and the person saying that is making him feel important. Surrounded by the disabilities he has, the pain of having them are fading farther away once he hears those words of encouragement.


 Image Description: A disabled trans male being told He’s enough and the person saying that is making him feel important. Surrounded by the disabilities he has, the pain of having them are fading farther away once he hears those words of encouragement.

 Living with disabilities is a unique journey that shapes one’s perspective and invites a myriad of experiences. Today, I tell you my life story of navigating through the complexities of autism, epilepsy, and ADHD. It was a long process, and I surely struggled, but it became harder and the road to where I am today was, indeed, bumpy.

 • Discovering Differences

From an early age, I began to notice my innate differences from my peers. My initial encounters with autism manifested in distinct communication and interaction patterns. Socializing became an intricate dance that required both patience and understanding from those around me. Despite these challenges, I found solace in my burgeoning creativity and unique perspectives on the world.

 • Epilepsy’s Unpredicted Twists

As life unfolded, epilepsy unexpectedly entered the stage, adding another layer to my journey. Seizures brought forth uncertainty and fear, each episode altering their path momentarily. However, with resilience and support, I discovered ways to manage my condition, embracing life’s unpredictability with open arms. Medication played a huge part, but overcoming my fear helped.

 • The Dual Nature of ADHD

ADHD joined the ensemble, introducing a whirlwind of hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and difficulty concentrating. It challenged my ability to stay on task, especially in school, and sometimes made me feel restless in an environment designed for neurotypical individuals. Nevertheless, their ADHD became a catalyst for innovation, enabling me to approach my problems from unique angles and harness my boundless energy for creative pursuits.

 •The Obstacles

Life was far from smooth sailing, as societal stigmas and misconceptions surrounding disabilities often stood in the way of my progress. I faced educational barriers and workplace discrimination various points in their life. However, with determination, advocacy, and the invaluable support of friends, family, and mentors (staff in my previous and current homing situations), I overcame these obstacles.

 • Finding a Voice

In my quest for self-acceptance and resilience, I discovered an artistic outlet that allowed me to share their experiences. With writing, Drawing, or any creative medium, I was able to express my unique perspective on the world, enlightening society on the true nature of disabilities and eroding the boundaries between neurodiversity and the mainstream.

 • Embracing Neurodiversity

The journey towards self-acceptance led me to embrace the concept of neurodiversity. I became passionate advocates, fostering inclusivity and understanding within their communities. My experiences with epilepsy, autism, and ADHD gave me invaluable insights into the diverse tapestry of human existence and the beauty that lies within the differences we all possess.

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ash Ward

I am Ash Ward. My pronouns are He/they and I am 23 years old. I enjoy drawing and listening to music. I like helping others and volunteering at animal shelters!

 

Image Description: Trans man with pink fluffy hair, hazel eyes and an anime shirt on Trans man with pink fluffy hair, hazel eyes and an anime shirt on


Image Description: Trans man with pink fluffy hair, hazel eyes and an anime shirt on Trans man with pink fluffy hair, hazel eyes and an anime shirt on