Tag: autistic
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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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Build Boundaries, not Resilience
There’s a common saying by professionals that children need to “build resilience” in order to cope in the world. When there appears to be progress for an Autistic child in school after receiving access to supports and adjustments, the mindset of professionals is to begin removing these supports to ‘increase independence’. Fading these supports only…
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Striving for a Better World
As we move into a new year, let’s make further steps towards creating a world where Autistic and other Neurodivergent people are valued as being part of human diversity rather than a pathology to fix. To embrace deviations from neuronormativity rather than to treat them as broken or sick. A world that identifies our experiences…
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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…
Autistically Scott 