Neurodiversity : Anxiety and phobia

As an autistic individual, I have faced my fair share of obstacles and challenges, as a child with no support I  learned that facing them head-on can bring immense growth and personal satisfaction. After 8 years of unemployment and 8 months of working in a high-pressure job that requires frequent but pressurised social interaction, I am finally taking a much-needed family holiday.

However, I have an emmense fear of flying, but I am determined to face this challenge and step out of my comfort zone.

Facing my fears and obstacles can be incredibly difficult, but it can i have learned, be incredibly rewarding. By confronting my challenges, I often push myself to grow and evolve. I believe that by testing my limits we discovering what we are truly capable of. This is something that in the past can increased my self-confidence and self-esteem, which are crucial proponants for personal growth and development.

For me, taking this flight is more than just a trip to a warmer destination with my family. It is an opportunity to face my fear and to  prove to myself that I can overcome it. I know that the journey may and possibly will be difficult, but I am prepared to face any challenges that come my way.

as a man, a husband, a dad and an autistic individual, facing my fear of flying is more than just a step towards my personal growth and development, it is also a chance to connect with my family and build meaningful relationships with those around me. I encourage anyone, regardless of their neurodivergent status, to embrace their challenges and push themselves to face their fears and obstacles head-on. The growth and satisfaction that comes from doing so is truly invaluable.

Embracing the Duality of Autism

As an autistic individual, I have come to terms with the duality of my identity – possessing both “superpowers” and struggles. While some may see autism soley as a superpower, I prefer to take a more humorous approach and poke fun at my struggles while I work to overcome them.

My “superpowers” I’m told include honesty, intense memory, single-mindedness, detail-oriented thinking, heightened intuition, and many more. These allow me to see the world in a unique and valuable way.

However, just as there are “superpowers,” there are also struggles such as perfectionism, selective attention, repetition, rigid thinking, social awkwardness, monotone, and sensory over-load. These struggles can often lead to stresses that fuel anxieties, which could if left unchecked, make day-to-day life a constant battle.

I understand that some individuals may see their autism as one big superpower, if it gives them comfort, why not? But for me, I prefer to see the humour in my difficulties and to develop strategies to overcome them. It’s through embracing my challenges I found the strength to keep going and how i continue to grow.

So, to all my fellow autistics out there, to the parents and the carers struggling, I encourage you to find just one bit of humor in your struggles and use it as a tool to help you to embrace your “superpower” of resilience, laugh at your challenges, and never give up on the journey to be the best version of yourself

The Limits of Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity is a term that has been gaining popularity in recent years, particularly in the realm of neurodiversity advocacy and activism. The term refers to the idea that neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other conditions, should be celebrated and accepted as natural variations in human neurocognitive functioning.

While the concept of neurodiversity has been embraced by many as a way to promote acceptance and inclusion for individuals with neurocognitive differences, some argue that it can dilute the distinctness of individual conditions.

One of the main criticisms of neurodiversity is that it can obscure the reality of the challenges faced by individuals with neurocognitive conditions. By framing these conditions as simply natural variations, it can downplay the difficulties that many individuals with these conditions experience in their daily lives.

Another concern is that the term neurodiversity can be used to justify a lack of support and accommodations for individuals with neurocognitive conditions. By framing these conditions as simply a part of normal human variation, it can be argued that there is no need for special supports or accommodations.

Furthermore, it can be argued that neurodiversity can be used to group together a wide range of neurocognitive conditions, and to do so in a way that obscures the unique characteristics of each condition. For example, autism and ADHD are both considered neurodiverse conditions, but they have distinct differences in terms of symptomology, diagnosis, and treatment. By grouping them together under the neurodiversity umbrella, it can be difficult to understand the specific needs of each individual with these conditions.

In conclusion, while the concept of neurodiversity has the potential to promote acceptance and inclusion for individuals with neurocognitive differences, it is important to be aware of its limitations. It should not be used to obscure the reality of the challenges faced by individuals with neurocognitive conditions, to justify a lack of support, or to group together a wide range of neurocognitive conditions in a way that obscures their unique characteristics. Rather, it should be used as a tool to promote understanding and acceptance while also acknowledging the unique challenges and needs of each individual with neurocognitive differences

Ableism: Understanding and Combating Discrimination Against People with Disabilities

Ablism, also known as ableism, is the discrimination and social prejudice against individuals with disabilities. It is a form of oppression that results in the exclusion and marginalization of people with disabilities in society. However, in recent years, the word “ableism” has been used to describe a wide range of issues that may not necessarily be directly related to disability.

The overuse of the word “ableism” can dilute its meaning and make it less impactful when discussing actual instances of discrimination against people with disabilities. For example, if someone uses the word “ableism” to describe a situation where a store does not have a ramp for customers in wheelchairs, it is an accurate use of the term. However, if someone uses the word “ableism” to describe a situation where a store does not have a parking spot close to the entrance, it may not be an accurate use of the term.

Additionally, overuse of the word “ableism” can also lead to the minimization of the experiences of people with disabilities. If the word is used too often or in the wrong context, it can make it seem like ableism is not a serious issue or that it is not a real form of discrimination.

It is important to be mindful of the language we use when discussing issues related to disability. We should be accurate in our use of the word “ableism” and reserve it for situations where there is actual discrimination against people with disabilities. We should also be aware that there are other forms of oppression, such as racism, sexism, and classism, thatmmmm intersect with ableism which can have a significant impact on the experiences of people with disabilities.

In conclusion, ableism is a serious issue that affects the lives of people with disabilities. However, the overuse of the word can dilute its meaning and make it less impactful. It is important to be mindful of our language when discussing issues related to disability and to reserve the word “ableism” for situations where there is actual discrimination against people with disabilities.

Is autism a superpower?

Is Autism a superpower? God NO, no, no.

For every, single, autistic computer scientist, artist or tech genius there are thousands more who struggle with the intricate niceties of every day living.

Some are so severly impacted by their autism that they are unable to speak. Many have no functioning social support network, many more never marry and many more still, have no form of employment.

Compared to the general population, depression and anxiety disorders are more commonly experienced for us. Life expectancy even among those with ASD level one is said to be 15 years less than than that of a neurotypical. Social isolation and suicide are not uncommon incidents.

Among all of the neurodivergant conditions, Autism is particular in that it can grant people gifts, that if developed allow talent to flourish whilst leaving gaping developmental difficulties in other areas of life. Something easily observed in a child computer whizz or a dinosaur wizard someone who may be also hopless socially, among his or her peers.

As a condition, it can be varied with many different expressions to the extent that even among those thought to be ‘intellectually gifted’, Autism can mean a lifetime of challenge or a source of pain

At this point any self advocate requesting payment is sketchy to me.

Never mind autismawareness a reality check is much needed.

High functioning Autism

To me, this sink represents high functioning autism. It works well if the flow is just right and the aim is on point.

You got to stimulate to regulate

I stim a lot, i did before diagnosis and i will till my last breath. It is a way of regulating stresses and the general anxieties when dealing with the regular or the mundane.

Figiting fingers

If you are awaiting assessment for an ASD diagnosis and have been wondering if you stim, here are a list of stims that either myself or my autistic freinds do often.

Assessment can be daunting

You may find it useful 👍

#Rapid eye blinking
#Feeling certain textures
#Fiddling with small items
#Clearing your throat repeatedly
#Coughing repetition
#Turning your head from side to side
#Smelling things
#Listening to the same song over and over
#Tip toe walking
#Clenching fists
#Gringing teeth
#Clucking your tounge
#Chewing you cheek/lips
#Rubbing hands together
#Digging nails in to skin
#Bouncing your leg
#Wiggling feet

Wiggly feet

Things like this can make a difference when you are being assessed or just by making it easier to understand your own whys and wants. Stay safe and stay well

Autism first person language

The first time i heard of this first person approach was in an american social care booklet. for me its no more than an empty feel good topic from the bottom of an “everyone is a winner” barrel, the like of Berkleys school of social philosophy. An issue that produces at least for me, rolly eyes.

This kind of social philosophy to my mind is based on the “pretend to pretend” logic, this idea that the keys to a ‘happy life’ are only found by thinking positive. in itself its not harmful, however, living in the imagination means Ignoring the reality and as this world slides more and more towards the increasingly complicatedly and outwardly screwed, pretending will eventuatally help fewer and fewer people.

We need a vaccines for the coddling, the overbearing “let’s all feel good” mentality that has infected wider society and its autism influencers.

THE TRUTH, is few people are exceptional; fewer become winners, the vast majority loose from time to time, sometimes people need to hear the truth in order to have life support. Life isn’t always fair and most of the time, nobody is to blame.

I spent many a long time getting to know my limitations, I can pretend to embrace my fears and faults while i plot their downfall.

I really hope that people will eventually stop running around looking for things to scream about, so that they can stand still long enough to observe the painful truths. Main one being that there are only a finite number of things worthy of giving a kak about, that its important to know which issue is real and which is really rolly eyed tickle tackle.

Peace ✌️

The Neurodiversity movement

i liked the original idea of the neurodiversity movement, it was inclusive and promoted empowerment. It was also inspired  by the sociologist Judy Singer.

The movement was fairly congruent, very authentic and totally inclusive of delusional, neurobiological and affective disorders. Singer  promoted an anti-oppressive and an anti-discriminatory framework, a fairly revolutionary concept in that age.

She believed that people living with cognitive disorders should not simply be locked away in institutions, but primarily be recognised as human beings who are entitled to the same levels of equality and human rights as the neuro-typical. Furthest she proposed that with access to appropriate levels of support, many can acheive positive outcomes.

Unfortunately, this latest manifestation of the movement is not as transparent and not as inclusive. It (as far as I can see) focuses exclusively on autism and a few other  disorders. It’s doesn’t seem as far as I have seen (so far) to adhere to the same principles of a congruent and anti-oppressive framework. It does; at least to me,  to be born of a murky past wrapped in a shroud of mystery.

If you would like to explain the new neurodiversity movement, go ahead. I find it a bit confusing personally.

#neurodiversity #autism

The Absolute State Of Autism Activism

Its crazy to think that people can’t remember great advocates like Stephen Shore, he coined a phrase that essentially stated “if you meet one autistic person you have just met one” This is because even Autistic person is unique. Since the amalgamation of Aspergers into the Autism banner it has given (some) vocal advocates the misguided impression that they speak for folks with low functioning or high support needs Autism.

Autism advocacy over the past 12 months has slowly been hijacked by toxic advocates who promote forms of intolerance and Invalidation of others. Sometimes they direct these things at neurotypical people other times at the parents of autistic folk. To me I noticed a big squeeze of people being booted and banned from groups where the new way is practiced. When sitting back I notice the subtle gaslighting involving an so called vocal advocates and susceptible autistic people. As a result this niche has fueled the birth of phrase policing, online attacks on parents and the complete othering of asd 2 and 3 people. One shoe does not fit all but sadly a growing number of advocates believe their shoe should be used to stand on autistics unable to articulate and the parents of the most severe autistic peoplethere are. This type of thing was unheard of prior to the dsm change, it didn’t exist. I see the victimisation of neurotypical parents as harmful because it invalidates genuine experiences of genuine Autism advocates. For many autistic people their parents and carers will be their forever advocates, their voices. So please Respect this.

Parents will always be integral to any disability community. many people may never be able to live fully independent lives, two of my children fall in to this category.

For them

*I will say things like low functioning and high functioning, because othering the less able by Invalidating clearly greater difficulties of less able people is ablist.

*I will say self diagnosis is not valid firstly because I found from personal experience that it actually isn’t and secondly because it cheapens the validity of a genuine diagnosis.

*I will say autism is a disability because it is for me

As for the repackaged neurodiversity movement..who’s movement is it? They already sidelined the schizophrenics, the bi-polar folks, people with personality disorders and all manner of neuro-biological conditions.

So no thanks, I’m autistic and il advocate for all and silence nobody while I do it ❤🤞

As for the repackaged neurodiversity movement..who’s movement is it? They already sidelined the schizophrenics, the bi-polar folks, people with personality disorders and all manner of neuro-biological conditions.

I’m just an autistic person, i will advocate for myself and I will silence nobody while I do it ❤