Conversations with Ian Weller

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ian Weller

Hi Ian, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Born and raised in Northern Michigan, in a small town called Charlevoix. I was diagnosed in the 90s and experts said I would make it through middle school. My parents knew I was capable of far more than they thought.

I went through the public school system, taking general education classes. I passed middle school and went to graduate high school in 2007.

I continued on to get an associate degree and a certificate of development in New Media. I got my own apartment in 2016 and got married in 2021 to my wonderful wife in Northern Michigan. And moved to Bay City in 2022.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My road hasn’t been anywhere close to smooth. I was bullied in middle school and started to secretly hate my classmates. I grew angry, but kept it contained. My anger and hatred of people became a form of addiction. It took me 15 years to finally address it. I slightly joke when I say “I made a deal with Jesus”, but I am unaware of anything other than the path of faith that can help with that one.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a part-time Behavior Technician. I help kids or young people on the autism spectrum to be more “mainstreamed” with their neurotypical peers. A person on the spectrum teaching young people on the spectrum to blend in with their neurotypical peers.

On the side I do creative writing. I have self published a couple books. I have written some poetry books, and combined them into a thicker volume. The combined collection is called Poetry Anthology: Peace and Redemption & Strength for Autism. I have also self published a memoir titled Rising Up.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I never had a mentor, and didn’t realize I was on the spectrum until I read an article about it and saw a diagnosis I received in elementary school. But it is very important to have good support system. Without a support system, it is difficult to have a chance to thrive. Family is a usually a good foundation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://writerweller.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552608691703&mibextid=LQQJ4d