Tag: autistic culture
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‘Autistic’ is Not Synonymous with ‘Distress’
‘Autistic’ is not synonymous with ‘distress’. Being Autistic does not cause meltdowns, anxiety, or trauma. Usually we are described by how we are “affected by autism” but what we are actually being affected by is the environments we are in and the lack of support we receive. Meltdowns can occur in environments not designed for…
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We are Autistic
Our language informs our perspectives and beliefs of ourselves & other people. With Autistic & otherwise Neurodivergent people, we have long been described through deeply dehumanising language. We are still stuck with the term “Autism Spectrum Disorder” being used by professionals, as though we are sick or ill. In reality, the word “disorder” is just…
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How Stimming is More Than just Self-regulation
The main description used for stimming refers to this as “self-stimulatory behaviours” or any action which provides stimulation. Stimming is a universal human trait. It can present as tapping pens, shaking legs, pacing up and down, twirling hair, biting nails. There can be visual stims such as light, stims through taste, smell, vocals like humming…
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An Autistic Culture Shift
Below is a transcript of a speech I gave at a recent charity event. For context, the project being referred to in this talk is an Autistic-led training programme I developed alongside two other Autistic people. It was where I was offered my first opportunity to become an Autistic trainer and speaker, something which has…
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Heartbreak High: Finally Great Autistic Representation!
A review of the Autistic character Quinni in the Netflix show, Heartbreak High. Representation of Autistic people has been very poor in the media. There are shows like the lead in The Good Doctor, Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory (not confirmed by the creators but who demonstrates stereotypes) Atypical (Netflix show) and of course…
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An Autistic Shutdown
Earlier this year I was part of a team to set up a celebration event for a charity that invited hundreds of guests. The venue featured family friendly activities at the outside area with space indoors to get drinks and breaks. Most of the morning was spent on us putting down signs to direct people…
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Autistic Joy
When people think of ‘autism’ or Autistic people, there’s one word that likely comes to mind: distress. We have been viewed as people who have a ‘disorder’ or ‘deficits’ in communication and interactions, per the outdated claims of the diagnostic criteria. Many clinicians will only diagnose Autistic people who are displaying or experiencing some kind…
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Embrace Autistic Culture
Culture is not something that tends to be associated with Autistic people. We have been pathologised and dehumanised since groups of Autistic people were first recognised over a hundred years ago. Our society is still rooted in the pathology paradigm which views Autistic people as being disordered or that we need parents and non-autistic people…
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Being in an Autistic Space
Living in a neurotypical dominant world is a very complicated experience for Autistic people. It is one which also unfortunately inflicts a great deal of trauma on us. The world is filled with unspoken rules that we are apparently missing the book of. There are social norms that aren’t compatible with our neurology. I remember…
Autistically Scott 