Aamani wants light to be shed on the Autistic community in a positive way, from someone that is actually Autistic, herself! She also discusses skincare, being mixed race + a member of the LGBTQ+ community. We chatted to Aamani on set of the Glow Collective shoot, let's get into it... 

Why did you want to be part of the Glow Collective?

I wanted to be part of the Glow Collective because I love skincare and more importantly, they were giving people a platform to talk about matters that were important to them. For me, I wanted to speak about Autism, and would really like some light to be shed on the Autistic community in a positive way, from someone that is actually Autistic.

Can you tell us more about your autism?

I was personally diagnosed at 16, which is very late in comparison to boys, who are normally diagnosed around 4- 6 as they show it more. Girls don’t tend to present autism as outwardly as we learn to hide it more from a young age.  For me, I think this is a great issue, as there is a big stigma around girls with autism and they don’t get the help they might possibly need and the support they should be receiving.

In the media, I would say autism isn’t presented in the best way, as there is a whole spectrum of autism, and it mainly focuses on those that are low functioning (maybe people who can’t speak or can’t communicate as well) as well as it being predominantly boys.  However, there is a whole spectrum of autistic people, I’m high functioning and I’m able to communicate with people, although it might be difficult for me to do that. I really think it’s important that people with autism can communicate and are safe and able to do so. There should be funding or different ways or services where autistic people can feel like they can share their voice or feel like they can get their voice heard.

On social media, I think it’s very rare to see people that talk about autism, although there are some, it’s not very common, so I think it would be great if there were more influencers that do have autism that can share their experience with younger people, or just people that look up to them. For me this was a big thing, because I couldn’t really find anyone who was going through the same thing, or someone to aspire to be like. By speaking to my friends who also have autism and trying to connect with people who also do it can help you feel more included and less vulnerable and lonely.

How did you find other people who were autistic?

I’ve not really met any till this year, I went to college I managed to find some friends who were also autistic. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and by speaking to other people I have found a big group of both autistic to connect with and neurotypical friends who have been able to learn more about autism, helping to change their behavior to better help autistic people.

You’re also part of the LGTBQ+ community, could you tell us more about that?

I feel like advocating for this community is awesome and very crucial! Yes, there has been a rise in the media shining light on this community of people, but as a society we’re not quite there for the acceptance. I think it’s still necessary to put love in a high category of importance, making sure to praise people for coming out and supporting them as it’s a really brave thing to do.

Some of my family is actually Muslim, and I do know in different communities and religions it’s harder for people to come out and they won’t be accepted with family and friends. For me it was split, but with time my family got used to it and got to know more about it, and as they did become more accepting. I’d say we need to educate people, if they’re not too sure on the matter or they don’t seem positive about it, you also need to remember there’s nothing to be ashamed of – it’s just love, so keep being who you are, and I’m sure the people around you in turn will love and accept you.

Whats your favourite thing about being part of that community?

It’s such a bright and colourful community! So obviously the symbol is a rainbow, or a rainbow flag and I do feel it’s a very vibrant community, full of creative and beautiful people who are willing to express everything about them in the most beautiful and magical of ways.

You also said you’re an advocate for the anti-racism?  

I myself am mixed race, but I do feel like the black community is the biggest minority and has been for an extremely long time. I know we’re working towards a better and more accepted living space on earth, but I do feel like we need to push further with this. As we see from what’s going on in the news and media were not there yet, there’s still lots of black people who are losing their lives or are not in the best possible situation because of their race. I really do think we should be pushing the message for love across all spectrums, all races, all genders, all sexualities.

Anywhere you look for help/advice?

Personally, speaking to friends that care about you. And then through the internet and social media, you can find your community and your people! Other people who have been through whatever you have - youtubers, tik tokers and instagrammers – they all speak about these matters and can help you on your journey.

As children, it’s harder for autistic people to make friends, so I don’t think I had that many friends when I was younger and growing up. I actually think that has affected me in a positive way as I was able to connect with myself more and I think that’s really important to learn how to love yourself and love yourself first, as that can take you a long way in life.

Do you know skin type?

I do, it’s combination! Some places are oily and some places are dry.

Fave part of skincare routine?

Ooo that is a good question! I do really like toning, it’s just really soothing, and I do love moisturiser too as its really creamy and calming.

Are you skin confident?

I think I am skin confident. However, sometimes we do all feel like we might need to put makeup on before we go out, so I think it’s important to take time and care in loving your skin and loving yourself so we can all feel a little bit more confident with and without makeup.

Fave glow hub product?
It’s got to be the Calm & Soothe Toner Essence and Moisturiser. They’ve both got Hemp & Jojoba in them, and obviously hemp is just really chill and zen, helping you have a beautiful self care moment.