Amplify Series Advisory Council

This council was formed to include neurodiverse voices in the planning and implementation of the Amplify Series, particularly as the series expanded with the publication of an album and sheet music anthology. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The five Advisory Council members, Darren Stella, Mitchell Robins, Rithik Sinhasan, Luke Burke, and Aiden Levy, shared their thoughts with LYNX’s board members and staff, and offer their expertise on events and activities within the Amplify Series. The council included past Amplify Series writers with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Watch our Council’s 2021-22 project: A Presentation on Neurodiversity and Presumed Competence

Darren Stella

Darren is a young man who enjoys biking, swimming and horseback riding. He thinks of himself as a writer and loves comedy. He has published his first book entitled “A NEURODIVERSE VIEW OF THE WORLD”, available on Amazon.com. He is also a continuing learner and has started his college level studies online.  Though Darren is somewhat verbal he uses RPM to express his thoughts and feelings. Darren would like to thank all those that have helped him along the way and looks forward to a full and happy life. This will include continuing to write and contribute to society in any way as much as possible. With best wishes to all.

Mitchell Robins

My name is Mitchell and I am an autistic teen. I want to share my life with the world in hopes that I can bring awareness of what it is like to live with autism. I believe spelling as a form of communication is not well understood and I hope to bring awareness to this lifestyle and change that for autistic people everywhere. I am on the move a lot because it helps me concentrate and apply myself. I don’t think it is a problem, I just think I am different. I want the world to see different as beautiful and not scary like they do now. I know I may not act like everyone else, but that is what makes me awesome! I use a letter board to communicate and I am starting to use a keyboard on my iPad.

Mitchell’s Blog

Rithik Sinhasan

What Rithik Sinhasan Is Made Of

Of awesome drumbeats and loud guitars and soothing music,

kites flying so high, and the wind blowing in my face.

The good smells of chicken nuggets and fries make me happy.

Of pleasant sunny days, going parasailing, trips to terrific places,

of walks around VOA park, of rides at King’s Island.

Of liking cold, snow days with no school,

Legos, reading books on Kindle and watching movies.

Of having a restless, autistic body, with lots of overwhelming sensations,

Of feeling anxious, really no telling when my body will suddenly move on it’s own, 

Of working to understand my autistic body,

of terrific memory, of bold writing, of being able to read a page with one glance. 

Of wishing for total inclusion, I want to let hope have reign.

I’m made of hugs and book club and meeting people.