Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi I'm Leaves (Jess),
I've been lucky enough to get an early diagnosis and I feel it's made things easier for me as a lot more made sense in the last few years. There's still a lot of confusion too but having my diagnosis has made a huge difference to me in a good way.
I'm a naturalist, I've done this for a few years now and I never want to stop. From a young age I was obsessed with nature, the world, animals. I knew I'd end up doing something to do with all that for my work, I was obsessed and still am, it's my special interest and I love sharing it with the rest of the world!
Doing this and making videos I get to work with a lot of people and I'm doing my best to raise awareness for autism by sharing my own journey which has had its moments. Autism is just a word, we can do anything we want to, just have to believe and keep going. That's what I did.
I'm currently working on a book. I'm hoping to have that finished by the end of summer. Hopefully published by Christmas. I've already published two books and done audio versions for those who prefer that - myself included. Lol.
I'm so glad to be diagnosed as autistic. I feel from that day I've opened a new exciting chapter in my life and I've not looked back since. Life throws many challenges my way but I face them all with my head held high.
There's more about me on my profile page, though I may have written too much like I have here. Sorry.
Oh, and Happy Autism Acceptance Week!
HI Leaves, wow its amazing you've already had two books published thats awesome! I am working on a couple at the moment, including a story about the Berlin Zoo at the end of WW2. I love nature too and spend most of my time out in the country. What are your favourite animals and living creatures? I love ducks and wildfowl and spend most days feeding them. I also spend a lot of time at my local safari park / zoo and, as you can tell from my picture, I love hippos.
How do you get to be a naturalist? Must be an amazing career
Hi Billy, I know right it's surreal! Like a dream. As soon as I saw your pic I knew you must love nature. Your writing sounds awesome! I love the sound of your Berlin Zoo book, I bet that will be a fascinating read. Good luck with it. And don't get disheartened if you don't get published first time - I was rejected so many times with my first book, 16 times, but got there in the end! :)
Penguins are one of my favourite animals! I think they are gorgeous and very interesting. Birds basically but they can't fly, their wings are pointing down like arms which aids their water skills.
I would love to see a flying penguin.
Going to the safari and zoo frequently must be fun. That's also a good starting point if you want to get more involved with nature. There might be volunteer opportunities for you. Definitely worth asking about.
Billy87 said:How do you get to be a naturalist? Must be an amazing career
Technically you study it and get your qualifications but if you struggled in a learning environment like I did then you "cheat" and don't bother with that. Lol.
I decided I was a naturalist before I actually was. I got out there and threw myself in to nature, started photography, videos, writing and went to local events. Eventually I was noticed, I guess I made enough noise and the rest as they say is history. But most will go to college/uni depending on what they're going for.
I would never have coped with that so I did it my own way and thankfully it worked out.
I hope you decide to do this as well. It's a worthwhile and rewarding career. Nature is the best.