- Cast of “BEAUTIFUL” (left to right): Shane, Valeriya, Alan and Arman.
By Arman Khodaei
I first met Elena and Lana back in August. which is when they introduced me to Match-A-Friend. At first, I had a hard time conceptualizing their program or how it would work. But, I gave them the benefit of the doubt, and I am glad I did.
Over the few months, I got to know Elena and Lana better, and they also learned more about me. They attended some of my groups, and in 2013, they started running a workshop series in Claremont, near where I live and where most of my autism empowerment groups are based out of. In April, for Autism Awareness Month, the workshops became part of the documentary project called “Beautiful” the main part of which was filmed in Santa Monica.
Being a part of “Beautiful” was a huge privilege. I learned a lot about myself from that experience, my confidence has increased, and I feel more self-aware. Self-awareness has been a concept I have been struggling with for a long time. I feel as if there are hidden aspects of myself that I have still yet to come to terms with. Despite writing a blog every day, journaling, and writing a memoir, I still have a great deal to learn about myself. Hopefully, by finding my identity, I can help others discover who they are, as well.
I am very grateful to have Elena and Lana in my life. They have added a lot of value to my group and have helped me become a better person.
Sometimes, we are blessed and angels come into our lives. I think Elena and Lana are angels, or at least, self-actualized individuals that will guide humanity to a higher state of awareness just as they have helped me.
Arman Khodaei is an autistic adult and the Program Director for Empower Autism Now: A Program of Services Center for Independent Living (http://empowerautismnow.com). Arman is the main subject in the documentary Autism in Love. He also writes a blog and maintains a YouTube channel where he provides inner insights into the world of autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.
Dance Into Unity 