Mélodie is a vibrant, outgoing, teenager who expresses herself easily and loves being in the spotlight. Since the age of 6, she has been living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Despite her flamboyant nature, she believes her ADHD makes her unique.

When asked to describe in one sentence what best sums up everything she experiences, she replied, “There is no flower without a little rain.”

School remains a major challenge for Mélodie, despite being in a special class with other teenagers who live with ASD. At Polyvalente des Monts, she also learns notions that will help her enter the job market, thanks to an amazing student café project, the “T’SA coche Café,” which promotes social inclusion. 

Self-acceptance is also a sensitive and complex process for Mélodie, who says she feels free at times, depending on circumstances, but finds it difficult to be completely herself. She can always count on people she loves the most—her best friend, boyfriend and family—who support her, listen and enjoy spending time with her. For Mélodie, a perfect day with her loved ones can be summed up in two words: camping and board games.

Working at a summer camp makes her especially happy, since she loves to spend time with children. In her free time, she hangs out and enjoys  long discussions with friends. They point out her open-mindedness and active listening, two qualities that set her apart.