Many AOG members know Owen as the leader of Bad Anon, the host of Drawn Together Creative Club, organizer of movie outings, and President of Autism On the Go. What some may not know is how much his own journey shaped the groups and community spaces he creates today.
Owen recently answered some questions with us about his experiences, what he’s learned through AOG, and what he hopes people discover when they join our community.
From One of the Lowest Points to One of the Brightest
Owen describes his journey with AOG as “enlightening and intricate,” but it didn’t begin in an easy place.
Before joining the community, he struggled with a negative view of himself that followed him from childhood. He carried guilt over mistakes he had made growing up and often felt like those mistakes defined who he was.
“I felt like any mistake you make or person you upset is a reminder that you’re still that overdramatic, selfish little brat and that’s all you’ll ever be.”
In November 2023, he reached a crisis point and called 988. Although he was physically safe, he says he was still deeply unhappy. It was through support from family – and, eventually, the community that would become Autism On the Go – that things began to change.
As he became involved, he found himself surrounded by people who understood similar struggles and who gave him opportunities to contribute, create, and lead.
“Autism On the Go is probably the best thing that ever happened to me. It really transformed my life.”
Why He Created Bad Anon
Bad Anon grew out of Owen’s own experiences feeling misunderstood.
“As a child, no matter what, it seemed like I was always in the wrong. Like I was always the perpetrator and never a victim.”
He remembers feeling angry that his autism wasn’t always recognized or understood by others. That anger stayed with him for years.
Instead of allowing that anger to consume him, he eventually decided to channel it into something constructive.
“What I wanted was for people with similar experiences not to feel alone.”
Today, Bad Anon brings together people with a wide range of experiences—people who have been scapegoated by family members, bullied in school, diagnosed later in life, self-diagnosed, or simply made to feel different.
Owen says one of the group’s strengths is that it allows people to talk openly about feelings that might not be welcome elsewhere.
He returned to an image that has become something of a personal philosophy: snakes and venom.
Growing up, he often felt that his mouth was “Pandora’s Box.”
“I swore, backtalked, said inappropriate or vile things.”
But over time, he began to see that even venom has a purpose.
“A lot like snake venom, I found out that it can be used for good. I took my worst quality and used it in a constructive way. That’s not easy.”
Bad Anon reflects that belief. Rather than judging people for their feelings, the group encourages members to understand them, learn from them, and find healthier ways to move forward.
“It’s just a mindset. That alone can’t hurt anyone. Only the actions done with it can.”
Turning Creativity Into Community
Bad Anon wasn’t Owen’s only idea.
A lifelong artist, storyteller, and lover of character creation, he always wanted a place where people could share their creative work.
“I’ve always had all sorts of ideas for characters.”
After talking with James about sharing artwork with other members, the idea for Drawn Together Creative Club was born.
“A lot like Bad Anon, it brought people together.”
The group has become a space where artists, writers, and creators can share projects, receive encouragement, and celebrate each other’s work.
For Owen, it’s proof that community can grow around shared passions just as much as shared struggles.
“I finally did something great with my drawings.”
Why Real-World Gatherings Matter
In addition to leading groups, Owen also organizes movie outings and other community events.
While these events may seem simple on the surface, he believes they offer something important that online spaces can’t fully replicate.
“They bring people together in a real space watching a real film live and in person.”
Some of his favorite memories have come from these events. He still talks enthusiastically about seeing Transformers One in theaters with fellow community members.
“It’s one of the many best moments of my life.”
Even when attendance is small, he sees value in bringing together people who share interests and giving them opportunities to connect.
“These events get you out of the house and doing something real.”
Creating Spaces With Less Judgment
One of the strongest themes throughout Owen’s responses was acceptance.
When asked how his groups put AOG’s people-centered philosophy into practice, he immediately focused on reducing judgment.
“I try my best to integrate meetings with little to no intense judgment.”
He believes many people spend their lives being criticized for their interests, feelings, attitudes, or ways of thinking.
Because of his own experiences, he works hard to create spaces where people can be honest about who they are.
“I welcome all types of thinking.”
That doesn’t mean every idea is automatically right. Instead, it means creating opportunities to explore difficult topics together, learn from mistakes, and grow.
“If we have thinking that’s problematic, we can assess it, grow from it, and find solutions.”
A Different Kind of Leadership
As AOG’s President, Owen believes leadership isn’t about having all the answers.
Instead, he describes leadership as helping people see possibilities.
“Reality is really just seeing things for what they are, but also for what they can be.”
He talks about what he calls a “faulty reality” mindset—a way of viewing the world as entirely cruel, unforgiving, and hopeless.
While acknowledging that life can be difficult, he encourages people to move beyond that mindset by asking how they can improve situations for themselves and others.
“If not for you, then for somebody else.”
His approach to leadership is rooted in honesty, growth, and helping people turn difficult experiences into meaningful action.
Why AOG Matters
Owen knows firsthand what exclusion feels like.
Although he was diagnosed young, he says there were many times when people didn’t really see him as autistic or understand his experiences.
That disconnect was painful and often left him feeling invisible.
Because of that, he believes deeply in AOG’s mission of creating spaces built by and with the people they serve.
“Everyone should be represented because all everyone wants is to be seen AND heard.”
For him, AOG isn’t about tearing down systems. It’s about building better ones.
“Instead of destroying existing structures, we can create new ones specifically designed with our needs in mind.”
Looking Toward the Future
When asked what gives him hope, Owen didn’t talk about programs, budgets, or organizational growth.
He talked about potential.
“What gives me hope is limitless potential.”
He believes people can grow. Communities can grow. Systems can improve.
Most importantly, he believes people can help one another create lives that are brighter, more connected, and more meaningful.
“We focus on what we can make different.”
Whether through Bad Anon, Drawn Together Creative Club, movie outings, or his leadership within AOG, that’s exactly what Owen continues to do.
As he put it:
“We try making at least one day, one night brighter for somebody else because of our meetings or events. That really shows that our potential is being achieved.”
