As you may know, my dad passed away recently. Please help my mom get legal guardianship of my brother. He's unable to care for himself and is currently a ward of the state.
‘Neural noise’ could be a hidden advantage of the autistic mind
But some research, including our own study, has explored specific advantages in autism. Studies have shown that in some cognitive tasks, autistic people perform better than allistic people.
Autistic people face ignorance, prejudice and discrimination that can harm wellbeing. Poor mental and physical health, reduced social connections and increased “camouflaging” of autistic traits are some of the negative impacts that autistic people face.
So, research underlining and investigating the strengths inherent in autism can help reduce stigma, allow autistic people to be themselves and acknowledge autistic people do not require “fixing”.
The autistic brain is different. It comes with limitations, but it also has its strengths.
Or, an autistic who isn't afraid and/or shy to share that they are actually autistic?
Or, an autistic person who is active in the autism acceptance “movement” (if we can call it that)?
Or, perhaps, an autistic who were interviewed and disclosed they're autistic?
Maybe you have other considerations or criteria that defines “openly autistic” for you?
NOTE: Being openly autistic is a choice and is not for everyone. I think it is safe to say that we all face discrimination, stereotyping, and prejudice for being actually autistics, thus, most choose not to be open about it.
However, recently, there has been a slow growth in numbers of openly autistics, and like with most things in life, we have different criteria, definitions, and cultural considerations.
Thus, I am curious what you think, personally or maybe your immediate environment or organisation, is an openly autistic person. Or, when do you consider one as openly autistic.
Again, this is not about if an autistic person should be openly autistic or not. ^_^
It may seem like a small win, updating language from "autism awareness" to "acceptance", but it is important. Especially when the language change comes from a government.
Please don't #lightitupblue as it supports the awful #autismspeaks that has always seen autism as a 'disease' to be 'cured' and among many, many other issues, in their current '100 Day Kit for Parents' they advise parents of recently diagnosed autistic children to 'grieve for the loss of their non-autistic child' as if we are changelings that killed the 'real' child and replaced them. Please #lightitupred or gold instead
With @actuallyautistic discussing "AI", I thought this Embrace Autism article discussing "Valuing truth over conformity" which was sparked by a talk on "AI" is interesting.
Personal note: I've been confused my entire life about why other people around me don't seek "truth", and also why so many people around me get upset at me when I speak.
My #AutismAcceptance has helped me better understand the previous 5 decades of life.
In the context of a UK study on Autism Employment, I discussed my experience employed by an organization with “executive dysfunction” that didn't mix well with me being Autistic.
I've been in barely ♿️ #accessible towns and very accessible towns but so far, #LasVegas is the most fake-accessible I've been in. It's modern, it's beholden to the #ADA, it should be easy to use its sidewalks, but between all the pedestrian overpasses trying to feed us* through casinos instead of down the sidewalk and adding lots of distance, and the constant construction tearing up sidewalks, rarely marked before we headed down them, it's barely accessible. Quito, with its cobblestones and narrow sidewalks, was easier.
We're here for a family wedding, but won't be coming back as tourists.
*Us:
One nearly 13 multiply #neurodivergent person who is overwhelmed by some kinds of visual and auditory simulation. And yeah, shoulda grabbed ear protection, but it would have been too much regardless.
One 60 year old disabled by pain, deformities, and poor balance due to 2+ decades of medication-resistant #rheumatoid disease.
"I’m autistic," I say. A brief pause ensues, a furrowed brow from what I can see from the mirror, and then an unexpectedly humorous response: "Is that like a professional auto driver?"
Thoughts based on Michelle Garnett and Tony Attwood's article on "Autistic Flourishing" and how we, autistic adults, can thrive in this life without changing who we are.
🌒One night that redefined a life.
🚨Dive into #Autistic identity... embrace rebellion, break ALL the rules.
🎙️🎧No masks, just raw authenticity. Click to enjoy