Breaking barriers: An autistic young man inspires others by living life fearlessly
In many ways, Sam Forbes is your average 23-year-old.
He loves pop culture, binge-watches TV shows, and is active on social media, where you can find him posting to Twitter, TikTok and Instagram.
His eyes light up when he talks about his wide-ranging interests.
“I’m a major true crime junkie,” says Sam, who is based in Toronto. “I binge-watched Inventing Anna, which is one of the craziest true crime stories I’ve ever heard.”
Sam also loves to read. Current topics of interest include books about his favourite musicians, the Holocaust, and historical books. He’s a huge manga fan too and loves Japanese animation films, citing the work of famed Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki.
Sam working as a Starbucks barista.
While some neurotypical people might perceive autism as a limitation, for Sam it’s been anything but. Living with autism has driven him to test his own boundaries while carving out a unique place in the world. In the process, Sam is leading by example.
“I’m an autistic young man trying to navigate this world of neurotypical people who may not understand my condition,” he says. “I’m trying to educate with my advocacy.”
Sam advocates passionately for both the neurodiverse and LGBTQ communities. At first, he was a little scared to talk publicly about issues that are close to his heart. “I was scared about alienating audiences,” he says. But he overcame this fear in an unexpected way – by appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Here’s how it happened: In 2016, Sam became a viral sensation. A friend posted a video of him busting out some impressive dance moves while expertly making a beverage at the Starbucks where he works. Dancing helps Sam focus, allowing him to channel his stimming movements as he crafts customers’ drinks.
Sam was diagnosed with autism at Surrey Place as a kid.
After the dancing barista video went viral, Sam says it was also touching to see the reactions of parents of individuals with different abilities. He emphasizes the words “different abilities.”
“I’m not a fan of the word ‘disability’- it has the words ‘diss’ and ‘ability’ and why would you diss my ability?” Sam explains. “I can do so many things that neurotypical people can do. I just process things differently.”
Sam is a pro at busting misconceptions while educating and inspiring people in both the neurotypical and autistic communities. And the way he lives his own life provides an example of how autistic people can thrive and want the same things in life as any other human being.
Sam holds down two jobs. He’s a graduate of Humber College’s Community Integration through Co-operative Education program. He hopes to get married. Like a lot of young adults, he feels he’s not ready just yet.
“I would love to find a partner one day,” he says. “I want to open my heart up to someone who is genuine. But right now, I don’t feel mentally ready to be in a relationship.”
Sam has a circle of supportive people who have encouraged him throughout his life. This includes his parents, friends, and his best friend and caregiver Nina, who kept him motivated as he worked toward his college diploma. He maintains a strong relationship with Chris, the Starbucks manager who hired him when he was 17. “He’s an amazing human being,” Sam says.
Sam advocates in the community.
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Written by Stacey Stein
Sam celebrates his birthday with his best friend and caregiver, Nina
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