Zara

Hi! My Name Is Zara!

I’m seven years old, and I have severe autism.

I don’t use spoken words to talk. I speak with sign language! My hands help me tell people what I want, what I need, and how I feel.

Sometimes it is hard for me to understand things, look directly at someone, or show how I am feeling. My senses can also make sounds, lights, touch, and things happening around me feel really big and overwhelming. When that happens, my feelings and behaviors might look different from what you expect.

There are lots of things that make me happy, too! Two of my favorites are macaroni and cheese and chicken nuggets.

I’m one of Evan and Ava’s friends, and I’m excited to be part of Evan Says and Ava Says!

I’m here to help show you that safety looks different for everyone. Some of us use spoken words, some of us use sign language, and some of us communicate in other ways. Some of us need more time, more practice, or more help understanding what is happening around us.

Evan, Ava, and all our friends want you to know that every person deserves to feel safe, understood, and listened to.

I may not use my voice to speak, but I still have a lot to say!

Love,
Zara