Young authors?

Any out there? I'm seventeen and it seems that people are a little bit wither wary or judgemental of us (an observation, not a judgement, I don't claim to speak for everyone, just the people I've personally encountered!) I just wondered what are your thoughts... or are you one and what experieces have you had? Personally I've gotten a bit of a hard time but that's just how things have fallen out for me... perhaps people have been really sympathetic to you? Either way I thought it would be an interesting discussion. :) I look forward to hearing everybody's findings and opinions!