“The limits of the possible can only be defined by going beyond them into the impossible.” - Arthur C. Clarke. Russell who is an award-winning and internationally recognized motivational speaker, author, poet and advocate has conquered all his limits and challenges by pushing his abilities. His book titled “Inside Out: Stories and Poems from an Autistic Mind” was featured in the LA Times, earned an Honorable Mention at the 2012 NY Book Festival and won the award for Literary Excellency at the 2013 International Autistic People’s Awards in Vancouver, Canada. He is a member of the Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Youth Ambassador for the mayor of Reno, Nevada. Russell has reached over 15 million people all across the world with his motivational speeches and publications.

You are an author, a poet, a motivational speaker, and a disability advocate. How has each role enriched your life?R: Each of these roles has a common theme, and that is to spread my message of hope and inspiration to others, which is an extremely rewarding and heartwarming experience.

How did you get the idea for your book Inside Out: Stories and Poems from an Autistic Mind?R: “Inside Out: Stories and Poems from an Autistic Mind” is a short autobiography of my life up until the age of 20, when the book was published. It also contains poems that give the reader an inside look into what living with autism, OCD, anxiety and depression is like. I chose the title “Inside Out” because, as the first few lines of the book read, I felt “closed on the outside, and open on the inside”. I knew I had a lot to give to society and my community, however I just didn’t know how to interact with the outside world back then.

Can you tell us more about your school days? What struggles did face and how did you overcome?R: I dropped out of public school in the 5th grade due to severe OCD, social anxiety and depression and basically became a societal outcast for the next 12 years. I overcome this, however, by always believing in myself, and knowing that I had to start using my voice, for I didn’t want the lessons I had learned and the insight I had gained from my painful experiences to be for nothing.

You are inspiring others with your advocacy and motivational speaking. Who has inspired you in your life?R: My mom. She has been with me every step of the way, through thick and thin. She is the reason I am where I am today, and why I am who I am today. She is my hero.

Who is your favorite poet/author? Which of his/her work inspires you the most and why?R: I love Edgar Allan Poe. I relate to his writings immensely. I also relate to him as an individual as well. He lived a very difficult life and found refuge in his poetry and short stories.

What do you like to do when you are with your family/friends?R: I just simply love to cherish the time I do spend with family and friends. I have found that personal connections as so vital in life, and I definitely appreciate them a great deal due to being somewhat of a recluse for the large majority of my life.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you like about that place?R: My favorite place to visit actually happens to be the gym. I workout pretty much every day, for it significantly helps me battle the challenges that I’m confronted with on a daily basis.

What are your other hobbies?R: Along with reading, writing and working out, I enjoy deep conversations, learning, family time, traveling and spending time outdoors.

What tips do you have for those in our community who are interested in becoming a writer/poet?R:  I would just say that the first step is to just start writing and putting your thoughts down on paper. Write about things that you are passionate about, for passion helps you to perform to the best of your ability. Down the road, after you have compiled enough writings and/or poems, you may want to look at having them published on some websites and magazines, and then ultimately perhaps a book.

Any special message for our community?R: Don’t ever give up, on yourself or your dreams. Life will throw you against the wall sometimes, and when it does, you have to make the decision to get up or to give up. I hope it’s the former, because each and every one of us is meant to be on this earth, and we all have incredible potential within us. Additionally, please don’t be ashamed of who you are. I know it’s tough when people look down on you or make fun of you, but please be nice to yourself. Be your own best friend. Whether you know it or not, you’re a beautiful person, and if I could, I would look you straight into your eyes and tell you that myself.