This week on The I Can't Stand Podcast, Ronan Soussa shares his journey as an advocate, performer, and ambassador living with autism. He opens up about finding love on Love on the Spectrum, his passion for raising awareness about invisible disabilities, and his goals for a more inclusive future.
With warmth and positivity, Ronan inspires listeners to embrace their authentic selves and celebrate their unique strengths.
Connect with Ronan:
Connect with Peta:
Instagram: @petahooke
Website: www.icantstandpodcast.com
Email: icantstandpodcast@gmail.com
Episode transcript:
Peta [00:00:02] Hello and welcome to the I Can't Stand podcast, but podcast answering your questions on what life is like when you have a disability. My name is Peta. I have cerebral palsy and I'm your host this week. I have Ronan Souza. If you don't know, your Ronan is. Although I'm pretty sure you might. He was on Love on the Spectrum in season two. He was keen to find love. And lucky for him, he found it in Katie. We have a fantastic conversation talking about finding a relationship when you have autism and the challenges that that can bring and how Ronan feels as an autistic person. This was a bundle of joy, a fantastic chat. So without any further ado, let's get into it.
Ronan [00:01:05] Hello everyone, and thank you for having me, Peta. It is truly such an honour to be here. My name is Ronan Soussa. I'm 25 years old and I have autism. I live in Sydney with my parents, my older brother and our two mischievous cats. Blade and Axl. I went to mainstream school from year two and I graduated in year 12, which I am very proud of. School was a little bit tricky for me at the start, but in the end I did something very special. I did life skills and it felt just perfect for me. Life Skills is like I didn't have to do any tests or HSC exams. Life skills was like bonus activities for me to do and I found it so enjoyable. Since then I have worked in supported employment, which has taught me a lot. But right now my goal is to move into open employment. I am very passionate about motor racing, especially the Formula ones, the V8 Supercars and the World Rally Championship. I love acting and performing, doing voiceover modelling, playing the piano and tuba keeping fit. And I'm a black belt in karate. If I described myself, I would say I have a positive attitude. I'm caring and kind. And of course, I always like to do the right thing. I like to live my best life and I like to encourage other people to do the same.
Peta [00:03:14] That's amazing. It's so great to have you here, Ronan. What an introduction. That was brilliant.
Ronan [00:03:21] Thanks, Peta
Peta [00:03:23] Many listeners would recognise you from the incredible show Love on the Spectrum. We're so happy that you found love with Katie. What new perspectives on love and love did this show bring you that you might not have had before?
Ronan [00:03:40] Being a love of the spectrum was truly such an amazing experience for me because I really did want to meet someone special, but I wasn't really sure if it would happen. But when I met Katie, it felt just perfect. Sometimes. I used to see my brother with his girlfriend, and I really wish that I could have that, but. I was never sure how it would be possible or how I would meet someone special. After being given the opportunity to be on the show and to actually meet someone special like Katie, which was incredible. I felt so warm and and appreciated inside me. It's made me realise that I can have someone special in my life who I can care about and they will care about me and accept me for who I am. And it's also shown me that finding true love and having their having a relationship is actually possible.
Peta [00:04:52] I'm so happy for you.
Ronan [00:04:54] Yeah. And Katie and I, we do live a bit of a distance apart, but we still make it work because we get together as often as we can to do something special that we both enjoy. As a matter of fact, Peta, I was with Katie last Friday. We both did Watercolour. Painting.
Peta [00:05:22] That's beautiful. What a good choice. Did you enjoy it?
Ronan [00:05:26] I really enjoyed it. It was so magical and. And really peaceful, too. Like, Katy loves doing arts and crafts. Like, it really suits her well. And. And speaking of which, I'll be seeing Katie again soon for Christmas Day.
Peta [00:05:49] Well, that's so nice. I know you and Katie have been together for over four years. Congratulations. What have been the most valuable lessons you've learned about maintaining your relationship?
Ronan [00:06:02] Yes, you're right, Peta. I can't believe that it's been four years since I asked Katie to be my girlfriend. So I truly thank you for the congratulations you said to me. So far, this loving relationship with Katie and myself, it's it's pretty fantastic because Katie is so nice, kind, caring, lovable and cute. And it makes me feel so comfortable when I'm with her. I think because we appreciate each other and we also enjoy each other's company. I've learned how to be a good listener and to respect Katie's feelings, but also to share her interests. Be supportive and encouraging and to share lots of experiences together. We understand each other and we always like to give new things a try. And best of all, have lots of fun.
Peta [00:07:10] And as I keep repeating myself, I'm so happy for you, Vernon. That's amazing. Love is really hard to find. And I'm pleased you found it with Katie.
Ronan [00:07:19] I truly thank you for that Peta.
Peta [00:07:23] Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jodi Rogers, who was on the show with you. She is an amazing human. What was it like to have her in your corner while you were filming Love on the Spectrum? And did her support make a difference for you?
Ronan [00:07:42] Meeting. Jodie Rogers was such an amazing experience for me because Jodi was lovely and friendly and she really cares about helping people. When I met with her, she gave me so much good advice because the one thing that I was nervous about was making conversation. When I went on my first date. But the good thing is Jodi gave me lots of ideas how to ask the right type of questions to keep the conversation going. She's given me so much confidence and encouragement and she's made me realise that I had that I had to just be myself, relax and enjoy the experience. And that's exactly what I tried to do. And Katie and I had ourselves a really beautiful first date together.
Peta [00:08:41] I want to talk to you about when you were first diagnosed with autism. And how did that experience shape your understanding of yourself and the world around you?
Ronan [00:08:52] So I was diagnosed with autism when I was only two and a half years old, so I don't really remember much about that time. I didn't understand what was happening, but I started going to speech therapists and occupational therapists, which didn't make me very happy at first because I didn't know what they were going to do. And that made me very upset. I really just wanted to be left alone and not interact with anyone because it made me feel uncomfortable. I wasn't very social at all because the unknown would really scare me. And the people were unpredictable because most of the time I didn't know how to communicate with them. I never liked going to new places at first because I thought it would be very scary for me. When I was young, I would get very upset and have meltdowns because I couldn't understand why I had to do certain things. I'm not really sure when it happened, but I slowly started to realise that some things weren't as scary as I thought. I began to understand things better and I started to feel more comfortable being around people and going to different places because my parents supported me so much and they encouraged me to try new things. And the more I did this, it gave me more confidence to find enjoyment in so many things. And then my love of performing began. My world was opening up because I loved it so much. It's taught me to be confident and brave to. It hasn't been easy growing up with autism because there was so much to learn and understand, and I still have anxiety about change and the unknown, but I'm able to manage it much better now. And the best thing of all Peta is that I want to live the best life I can and enjoy all the things that make me happy. I know I still need guidance and support, and that's okay. I don't know how I would be if I didn't have autism, but I am happy with the person that I've become. I feel very proud of what I've achieved so far. I think it's made me a kind and caring person because of the difficulties I've experienced. All I want to do Peta is to be helpful to other people and to make them feel happy and comfortable, too.
Peta [00:12:01] Well, what an amazing goal to have. We are very lucky to have you in this world, Ronan. You're a very good person and I'm the same as you. I don't really think about my cerebral palsy very much, and it's made me who I am as well. I think I'm a more empathetic, nice person because of my cerebral palsy. For those who have been recently diagnosed with autism, do you have any advice or words of encouragement to offer them?
Ronan [00:12:32] It is a bit tricky, Pete, because everyone has lots of different challenges. I think the only thing that I can say is to be open to trying new things. I know that it can be hard and a bit scary, but once you give it a try, it will become more easier and more comfortable and you will find things that you can really enjoy doing. Also another thing, too, is try not to focus too much on your disability. Just have a positive outlook. Focus on your strengths and try not to stress about the small stuff. Just be yourself and do what makes you happy.
Peta [00:13:25] As you've mentioned before, you love performing. I want to talk to you because you clearly have an amazing voice on this podcast. People who are listening are in for a treat because you sound amazing. Have you considered presuming a career in media? Because I feel like you'd be a natural.
Ronan [00:13:45] Well, I definitely have Peta because I am very passionate about doing voiceover and acting. I really like to entertain people, by the way. And as a matter of fact, Peta, I've done a few voiceover courses to learn lots of skills. In fact, next year, Peta, I will be doing some training at to IPH, which is a radio station that reads for people with a print disability. So they read newspapers and magazines to help support people who are not able to read all those things themselves. I am really looking forward to go there and learn about radio production, podcasting, presenting, and of course, storytelling.
Peta [00:14:38] As you've mentioned, you've taken on so many important roles, including volunteering, being an ambassador, an advocate. What drives you to dedicate so much time and energy to educate others and supporting the community?
Ronan [00:14:55] Being an advocate for autism and disabilities is something that I really love to do, Peta, because I want to help make a difference in our communities so people can have a better understanding and acceptance of disability. I think Love on the Spectrum has helped to show the world that people with autism have hopes and dreams like everyone else. So I want to continue that message so communities can be more inclusive and understanding and give people with disabilities the opportunities to achieve great things. I really want people to understand that we have feelings and goals we want to achieve and of course, to have happiness in our lives. It makes me feel so happy to help people and I feel so proud to represent some disability organisations such as the Autism Community Network, Bus Stop Films and stellar experiences. Hopefully I am helping communities to be more inclusive and not to judge just because of our differences, but appreciate and accept them instead.
Peta [00:16:16] In your experiences, what are some of the key areas of disability awareness that you feel are often overlooked and need more attention?
Ronan [00:16:26] I think we need to be more aware that not all disabilities are visible. Autism is often known as an invisible disability, which is hard because when people look at me, they might not know I have a disability and not understand the challenges I have. People living with autism might show their feeling differently and communicate and behave differently. But we have so many amazing things we can do, and I really want communities to realise that. All we need to be given Peta is just the chance. I really want to encourage people to be understanding and patient if they see someone struggling because that person might have an invisible disability. People just need to be patient sometimes. Peta. Employment for disabilities also needs a lot more attention. At the moment I am looking for open employment. After doing four years in support and employment. But it's not easy to find a job because most places are not offering opportunities for disabilities. Obviously like. Opportunities need to be given more to people with disabilities because it shows that people with disabilities can actually do something.
Peta [00:18:03] Yeah, of course we can. We're very capable. And you are a clear example of that. I think you would be great in the workforce. Customer service. I feel like you'd be perfect because you are such a friendly and personable person.
Ronan [00:18:19] Yeah. Thanks. Peta.
Peta [00:18:23] My last question. Is there anything you love about having a disability? Ronan.
Ronan [00:18:30] The things that I love about my disability is I have a strong, excellent memory and I can remember so much information. My attention to detail is simply incredible. I always never give up Peta. I always say to terminate my acceptance to all differences is very positive and I never judge people. I'm so loyal, kind and, of course, caring.
Peta [00:19:11] Thank you for listening to this week's episode. I hope you enjoyed it. If you did, could you please leave a writing and review on Apple or Spotify? It helps more people find the podcast through the algorithm or share the show on social media. Well, let a friend know that this show exists. I would really appreciate it. Thank you so much. And thank you, Ronan, for your time on the podcast today. It was such a pleasure talking to you. Don't forget, you can always get in contact with me over on Instagram. My handle is @Peta. Hooke. You can send me an email. I can't standpodcast@gmail.com. Thank you so much for listening. And until next week. Have a good one, guys. Bye. I would like to respectfully acknowledge the Wurundjeri people and Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation of which I recalled the podcast today. And I pay my respects to both elders past and present, along with and especially to those in the First Nations communities who are disabled themselves.
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