Imagine a small child standing in their crib, utterly perplexed by the world around them. That was Lawrence O'Connor. From an early age, he struggled to make sense of his surroundings, a confusion that would later be understood as a symptom of autism.

Lawrence's story is one of self-discovery, resilience, and the transformative power of acceptance.

Defined by his commitment to family, Buddhist community, professional life, and friendships, he embraced a values-based life, always striving to be supportive and present.

In his Buddhist community, he learned to respect others, viewing differences as precious opportunities for personal growth. As an acting teacher, Lawrence aimed to bring authenticity and truthfulness to his work.

But Lawrence's early years were marked by challenges. As a child, the world felt overwhelming and confusing:

* He remembers standing in his crib, struggling to understand time, place, and the narrative of his situation.

* At nursery school, he wouldn't speak, preferring to sit on a tricycle, stare at the wall, and hum to himself.

* School nativities felt "hellish", with no one explaining what was happening.

* In South Africa, he would run away from nursery school to escape the sensory overload.

At 13 and 14, Lawrence began to discover his talents, teaching himself classical guitar and music theory. He found solace in drama, feeling at home in the theatre's controlled environment.

The stage offered a space where he understood the boundaries and could express himself freely.

However, Lawrence's journey wasn't without its setbacks. At 17 and 18, he became arrogant and started "to believe my own publicity". Experimenting with drugs led to a nightmarish experience, where he saw his "mask fall away" and felt utterly lost.

A turning point came when Lawrence's mother introduced him to chanting. This practice brought about a profound transformation, leading to new opportunities, love, and a sense of purpose.

Chanting helped him manage his autism, embrace acceptance, and recognise his neurodivergence as a superpower.

Today, Lawrence is completing an MSc in Creative Arts and Mental Health, driven by a desire to promote well-being in the performing arts. He seeks to understand the psychological impact of acting and create a safe, supportive environment for his students.

With his Buddhist practice, Lawrence learned to manage and accept his autism and recognise his neurodivergence as his superpower.

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