Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

LightNews

Ben Canham

@bencanham.bsky.social

17K followers 2.2K following 450 posts

Official Account for Ben Canham | Online Activist | Featured on ITV News and STV News I love raising awareness for autism. I love all of my friends.

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Pinned

Ben Canham @bencanham.bsky.social · Jul 27

I lost both my parents at 19. I’ve been
bullied and attacked for simply being
myself. After 13 years on social media,
I’ve found my voice. I’m not less than
anyone I just see the world differently.
Thank you for letting me be me here.

Ben Canham @bencanham.bsky.social · 18h

I've been on Bluesky
for a year now, and I'm still
grateful every day. This space
has been a lifeline where I've
found understanding, support,
and friendship. Thank you for
walking this journey with me.
It means everything. 😊❤️

Ben Canham @bencanham.bsky.social · 18h

You don’t have to change
or hide parts of yourself to fit
in. Being yourself is your greatest
strength. The right people will
see you all of you and stay.
That’s real acceptance.

Ben Canham @bencanham.bsky.social · 18h

Don’t judge someone until
you’ve walked a mile in their
shoes. Because some battles
you can’t see but they’re real.

Ben Canham @bencanham.bsky.social · 19h

When you're autistic or neurodivergent,
friendships can feel like walking on eggshells.
But true friends don’t flinch at your honesty,
your silence, or your struggles. Those who
mind don’t matter. Those who matter don’t
mind. Keep the ones who let you be you.

Ben Canham @bencanham.bsky.social · 1d

Online friendships mean so
much to me. When people
dismiss them or twist genuine
kindness into something
negative, it really hurts. 💔

Ben Canham @bencanham.bsky.social · 1d

I was made to feel like I was asking
for too much just by checking in or trying
to be a friend. That hurts. Kindness shouldn't
be twisted into a burden. Especially when
it's what helps us stay connected.

Ben Canham @bencanham.bsky.social · 1d

I’m autistic. Social media has
helped me find amazing friends and
get through some of my hardest days.
If someone makes you feel guilty for
caring or being yourself, you don’t
owe them space in your life. 😊

Ben Canham @bencanham.bsky.social · 2d

I love you all. That’s the post. ❤️

Ben Canham @bencanham.bsky.social · 3d

I miss my parents every single
day. I wish they could see how far
I’ve come as a man, as someone
with autism, as someone who didn’t
give up. I talk to them in quiet
moments. I hope they’re proud.

Ben Canham @bencanham.bsky.social · 3d

Autism isn’t something to hide.
It’s something to own. And I’m proud
of who I am every part of me. To anyone
out there who feels different You’re
not broken. You’re brilliant.

Ben Canham @bencanham.bsky.social · 3d

We see the world differently and
that’s a strength, not a weakness. Yes,
there are challenges. But every challenge
I’ve faced has taught me how strong,
creative, and resilient I truly am.

Ben Canham @bencanham.bsky.social · 3d

I’m autistic and I wouldn’t change
that for anything. People with autism are
some of the most gifted, intelligent, and
unique individuals you'll ever meet.

Ben Canham @bencanham.bsky.social · 3d

A lot of people have asked about the
book I was working on. The truth is, I lost
it when my friend who was helping me
write it passed away. I didn’t know how
to talk about it until now. It still hurts,
but I appreciate everyone who believed
in it. Maybe one day I’ll try again. 😊

Ben Canham @bencanham.bsky.social · 3d

Some days are hard, and that’s okay.
But every day is a chance to celebrate how
far you’ve come. Keep shining your light
the world needs it. #AutismAwareness

Ben Canham @bencanham.bsky.social · 3d

Autism isn’t a flaw it’s a different way
of seeing the world. I don’t apologize for
how my brain works. I’m proud of my
perspective, my strengths, and yes,
even my struggles. Because every shade
of autism is important and beautiful.

Ben Canham @bencanham.bsky.social · 3d

Autism is like a rainbow bright sides,
darker shades, but every color matters.
I don’t hide from it. I embrace it. I’m proud
of who I am. Autism is part of me and I’m
becoming the best version of myself.

Ben Canham @bencanham.bsky.social · 4d

I don’t share my story for sympathy.
I share it to show how far I’ve come. If
my journey helps even one person get
through their own hard times then it’s
worth it. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.

Ben Canham @bencanham.bsky.social · 4d

I hope no one else has to go
through what I did let down by
social services and ignored when
I needed help most. The system
isn’t made for people like me. We
need better support for autistic,
grieving, and struggling people.
Everyone deserves better.

Ben Canham @bencanham.bsky.social · 4d

Looking back, I’m amazed
at how far I’ve come. It hasn’t
been easy, but I’m proud of the
person I’m becoming. I hope
my parents are proud too.

Ben Canham @bencanham.bsky.social · 4d

Six years ago, I was at my lowest
hospitalized, scared, and convinced
I’d never feel whole again. Every day
since has been a quiet battle to rebuild
the confidence I thought was lost forever.
Some days are still hard, but I’m still
standing. And that means everything.

Ben Canham @bencanham.bsky.social · 4d

I’ve faced so much, but I’m choosing to turn
those struggles into growth. Every small step
forward is a victory rebuilding my confidence,
finding new strength. Healing isn’t easy, but it’s
worth it. And I’m proud of how far I’ve come.

Ben Canham @bencanham.bsky.social · 4d

By 19, I’d lost both parents. Bullied in
school. Ignored by family. Left out of
my mom’s funeral. Abandoned for
being autistic. Let down by the system.
I nearly gave up. But I didn’t. I’m still
here. Still healing. And that means
something. #WorldMentalHealthDay

Ben Canham @bencanham.bsky.social · 5d

Two years ago I met
@mrjamesob.bsky.social
in Edinburgh at his book
event. He was every bit as
thoughtful, kind and engaging
in person as he is on the radio.
A real gentleman it was a
pleasure to meet him.

Ben Canham @bencanham.bsky.social · 6d

Healing is hard, but this little corner
of the internet reminds me we don’t have
to go through it alone. Whether you’ve just
found your way here or you’ve been here
from the start thank you for being part of
this space. I’m grateful for you. ❤️

Ben Canham @bencanham.bsky.social · 6d

Every morning I wake up
and read your comments.
It’s become a grounding part
of my day. I’ve been on here 13
years now, and some of you
have been with me through it
all the highs and lows, the
laughter and the heartache.
Thank you for staying.