"You can't see that on the outside." - Lieke

My name is Lieke, I am 11 years old. I live with my mum, my dad, Gijs, Iris and Tim. One of the things I like is horses. I like taking care of horses, being around horses and riding horses. I also like to meet up with friends.

I have autism. One advantage of my autism is that I get extra help. I go to ‘Buitengewoon’, which is a care facility on a farm. I learn a lot there. I also have a autie pass, which is an benefit in amusement parks. I think one downside of my autism is that people sometimes don't understand me; you can't see that on the outside, of course. Sometimes that is difficult.

There are also things I am proud of. I am proud of myself, I have a good life. I am also amazing with horses, I love working with them. I also get along well with people, for example with my classmates.

To other people with autism, I would say that you have to believe in yourself, keep doing what you like doing!