#Autism fundraiser shirt

[noisycowboyglitter]

"Grandpa Saurus Tee: Roarsome Personalized Shirt for Dinosaur Grandpas

Grandpa Saurus: The Roaringly Awesome Grandparent!

Grandpa Saurus isn't your average grandpa – he's a prehistoric powerhouse of love, laughter, and roarsome adventures!

Buy now:19.95$

This playful nickname celebrates the unique bond between grandfathers and their grandchildren. Just like a mighty dinosaur, Grandpa Saurus possesses:

Unwavering Strength and Support: He's always there to lend a listening ear, offer a helping hand, and shower his grandkids with unconditional love.

A Playful Spirit: He transforms everyday moments into dino-mite adventures, full of silly jokes, imaginative stories, and backyard explorations.

A Wealth of Knowledge: Sharing fascinating tales and prehistoric wisdom, Grandpa Saurus becomes a walking encyclopedia for curious young minds.

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Grandpa Saurus is more than just a nickname; it's a symbol of the special connection between grandfathers and grandchildren. It represents a world of laughter, adventure, and memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

The Autism Puzzle Piece: A Complex Symbol

The puzzle piece is a familiar symbol for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It represents the:

Diversity of Autism: Like a puzzle with many unique pieces, each autistic individual has their own strengths and challenges.

Complexity of the Condition: Autism is a spectrum, and experiences can vary greatly from person to person.

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However, some in the autistic community find the puzzle piece dismissive, suggesting they are incomplete or need to be "fixed." A growing movement embraces alternative symbols, like the infinity rainbow.

Regardless of the symbol, raising awareness and celebrating the unique strengths of autistic people is key.

Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve (or Tee!): Autism Awareness T-Shirts

Show your support for the autistic community with a stylish Autism Awareness Tee. These shirts are more than just clothing; they're a way to:

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Raise Awareness: Spark conversations and educate others about Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Embrace Acceptance: Promote a world where autistic individuals feel understood and valued.

Celebrate Neurodiversity: Recognize the unique strengths and perspectives autistic people bring.

Available in various styles and designs, find the perfect tee to express your support proudly. It's a small act with a big impact!

[awarenessgallery]

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Awareness Ribbon Custom Gifts and Merchandise

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Awareness Ribbon Custom Gifts and Merchandise #autism #autismawareness

From the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in the US, “Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first 2 years of life. Autism is known as a…

[tortiefrancis]

♿️ ♾️ Happy disability pride month!!

[ ID: Digital, stylized artwork of five people and a cat sitting around the Disability flag, against a pastel blue background with pastel yellow stars doodled around. Above them is navy blue text that reads: "Feliz mês do orgulho PCD" (Translation: Happy disability pride month). The people, from left to right, are:

1) A thin woman with medium tone skin, dark brown eyes and a long, dark brown wolf cut with blue tips and spiky bangs. She wears dark makeup, earrings, a chocker, a cross necklace, a long sleeved mesh shirt, a dark tank top with the wheelchair symbol in the center, black shorts, a big, black belt with a chain on the side and a black boot. She has one amputated leg and uses blue crutches. She smiles, eyes half open.

2) A young child with dark tone skin, dark brown eyes and short, dark, curly hair. He wears a long sleeved green shirt with blue and yellow striped on the wrists, cyan pants and dark blue shoes with yellow lightning bolts. He holds a blue teddy bear with yellow ears. He has Treacher Collins Syndrome. He smiles.

3) A fat woman with light tone skin, green eyes and short, red-ish hair with a white streak. She wears glasses, a pink tank top, blue pants with white stars, light blue shoes and a medical bracelet. She has a cleft lip scar, a heart surgery scar, white patches on her skin due to piebaldism, and also moles. She smiles, doing a peace sign with one hand.

4) A thin man with light medium tone skin, sharp, brown eyes, a thin beard and medium length, wavy, green hair with a shaved side. He wears a black and white t-shirt with yellow stripes on the sleeves, black pants and red shoes, as well as two pins; an orange one with the schizophrenia symbol, and a red one with the autism symbol. He has scars on his wrists and a semicolon tattoo there as well. He smiled. Next to him is a gray and white cat with an "Emotional Support Animal" vest.

5) A thin person with pale skin, blue-ish eyes and a short, coily, white afro. They wear sunglasses, a white flower necklace, a blue, long sleeved shirt, a beige sweater vest and a long, brown skirt. They also wear hearing aids, which are beige. They have albinism and strabismus. They smile.

/End ID ]

🇵🇸 Digital Art Raffle . 🇵🇸 Sketch Commissions . 🇵🇸 Gaza Fundraisers . 🇨🇩 DRC Aid . 🇸🇩 Sudan Aid

[anti-workshop]

Hey y’all! The ADHD and AUTISM shirts are BAAACK! We almost got evicted from the shop, but we are clinging onto life support here and we need money to pay down our debts!

These beauties sport our brand new fancy glitter gold ink to really show off your neurodivergence!

Get them here and help us stay afloat!

[monriatitans]

World Autism Awareness Day is big bucks these days, and organisations, businesses and even government buildings around the world now “light it up blue” for autism awareness. While pretty blue buildings and monuments are undoubtedly pleasing from a sensory perspective, this year I urge you to reconsider your support of their campaign. Here’s why.

We are already “aware” of autism - what autistic people need from society is more widespread education about our neurological differences, and willingness from the neurotypical majority to accommodate us in situations they may never have considered before as “unfriendly” to autistic people.

No amount of fundraising, puzzle piece t-shirts or baking blue cupcakes is going to change the fact that we live in a world designed at almost every turn to accommodate neurotypicals, with very little thought to improving the lives of actually autistic people, especially autistic adults.

For more information on why ABA therapy is harmful, please visit: https://theaspergian.com/2019/03/28/i...

[intrepidbeans]

March Fundraiser Total

and April Fundraiser reveal

Fourteen people purchased stickers that raised $28.82 for the Palestinian Children’s Relief fund this March, and countless more shared & interacted with my art to help make that happen. Thank you all so much!!

This month I’ve decided to donate my artist’s portion of any Redbubble sales from now until May 1st @ 12am EST to Point of Pride, a scholarship-like program that provides direct financial assistance to trans folks who cannot afford their gender-affirming surgery

I’ve been incredibly moved by the hard work of Mercury Stardust (aka the Trans Handyma’am) & Jory (aka alluringskull), two trans women who work tirelessly to help others in the queer community & educate those who aren’t, and who have a level of resiliency that is inspirational

Gender affirming care saves lives, lives like Nex Benedict & Alex Franco who we lost this year far too soon due to the unfounded violence and hate against trans & gender nonconforming people. Additionally, as April is autism awareness month, non-cis people are 3 to 6 times more likely to be autistic (an intersection I’m personally a part of) so now feels like the perfect time to help support Point of Pride

[artfulpawsart]

Check out this awesome 'in april we wear blue Autism Awareness Month' design on @TeePublic! 

[nonbinarynightmarefuel]

Online advocacy isn't useless. Online activism is important.

Three years ago, all the schools in my district did fundraisers for Autism $peaks and had students wear blue for Autism Awareness Day. This year, at least 1 elementary school in our district is doing a Autism Acceptance Month, and the staff had matching neurodiversity symbol shirts and the district posted about autism acceptance.

If you think that online advocacy didn't play a role in this change, you're wrong. The world is changing, and we're changing it one post at a time.

[rainbow-femme]

Saw a kid wearing a shirt the other day that I imagine alluded to a fundraising soccer event meant to find a cure for autism but I gotta be honest the aesthetics of a shirt that said “Kicking for autism” was very tempting

[wank127]

expelled/drop out musician denki au!!!

(this has been in my drafts for a while now(also ik it’s a lil out there but it’s an au so shush))

ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ

he’s on mics radio show a lot

bc they’re besties✨

publicly hates on ua and hero society cause it sucks

has a tiktok where he posts snippets of songs, the occasional dancy dance, rating pro hero’s/teachers, swag things y’know

he calls out anyone and everyone when he needs to (boy does he shit on endeavor and nezu)

i can’t decide if he would be in a band or a solo artist

i also can’t decide if his music is like harry styles, andrew rannells, pierce the veil, green day, P!ATD, melanie martinez, bo burnham, joe iconis, one direction, fall out boy, anthony ramos, or even billie eilish. like he could do anything. it’s all fits to me

SMUDGED.

AND WINGED.

EYELINER.

has that one pair of trousers(pants ig) that klouse from umbrella academy has. y’know the leather lace up ones? yeah those

has like a lot of water bottles and snacks at the front of stage and round the sides of the crowd at his shows

his merch isn’t expensive or any more money that it needs to be

he sells sick hoodies and t-shirt’s man

has a youtube (obviously) but makes like videos to raise awareness, makeup/hair/beauty toturials/tips and just like vlogs of when he’s doing something really interesting

he uses his platform to speak up and help people

updates the little linktr.ee things on every account he has whenever he sees something to put on it

every once in a while he’ll tweet something like ‘ayyy drop y’all’s gofundmes and fundraisers down below. i’m in a retail therapy kinda mood’ and donate to every single one

still talks to everyone from ua

gives them all free tickets and shit if they want it

has a whole album with jirou

and another one with the a band

he’s really good at composing and writing lyrics. like they’re so beautiful and perfect

he can’t read sheet music that well. he definitely learns by ear

made songs about how shit the hero society is and school and just everything that did him dirty

his most popular tiktok is of him just fucking around but accidentally meeting up with present mic when he was on patrol

they had a lil unplanned dance party together. they did the same moves and synchronized with each other on accident

they were both on the floor but the end of it

thirst posts about all his friends from ua

pretends they’re strangers in interviews when they’re actually best friends

best fucking music videos ong

best fashion and makeup

PLATFORM.

BOOTS.

sponsored by skittles

no one knows why or how

he just is

once at an award show he won(duh) but when he had to go up on stage he got his hand stuck in his glass/cup

did the whole speech with a cup hand

has wayyyyyyy too many memes made out of him

very open about his views and values, what he does and doesn’t support and who he is as a person

reads all the fanfic and looks at all the art of himself

reposts them of course

y’know that one tiktok audio? the ‘goddammit which ninja turtle are you?!?!??’ that was him 100%

SOMEBODY NEEDS TO BE THAT STUPID RAT

fell off the stage at least 38 times

actual WORLD tours

mf goes everywhere

amazing visuals in music videos and concerts

makes autism/epilepsy friendly non-flashy/stroby versions of his videos so everyone can enjoy

posts pages of a ‘where’s waldo’ book on twitter for his fans but instead of waldo it’s aizawa

sheesh this was very all over the place, apologies

all in all he’s amazing 10/10 would record to a friend or coworker

[noisycowboyglitter]

"Funny Riz'Em Opossum Raccoon Meme - Hold On Autism Support Tank Top"

The "Hold On Autism Funny Riz'Em Opossum Raccoon Meme" likely combines several elements into a humorous internet meme related to autism awareness. While I haven't seen this specific meme, I can describe its probable components based on the keyword:

Buy now:19.95$

"Hold On" suggests a pause or moment of reflection, possibly setting up the joke or punchline.

"Autism" indicates the meme is related to autism spectrum disorder, possibly making a lighthearted observation about autistic traits or experiences.

"Funny" implies the meme is intended to be humorous, likely using gentle humor rather than mockery.

"Riz'Em" could be a play on words or a colloquial phrase, possibly meaning "raise them" or serving as a made-up exclamation.

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"Opossum Raccoon" suggests the meme features images or references to these animals. Opossums and raccoons are often portrayed in memes as clever, mischievous, or relatable creatures, which might tie into the autism-related humor.

The combination of these elements could create a meme that uses animal imagery to illustrate an aspect of autism in a funny, relatable way. For example, it might show an opossum or raccoon exhibiting behavior that mirrors common autistic traits, with a caption that makes a humorous connection.

Buy now

As with any autism-related content, it's important to note that such memes can be controversial. While some find them relatable and amusing, others may see them as insensitive. The reception often depends on the specific content and how it's presented.

Autism gift ideas focus on items that cater to the unique needs, interests, and sensitivities of individuals on the autism spectrum. These gifts often emphasize sensory experiences, comfort, learning, and skill development. Popular options include:

Sensory toys like fidget spinners, stress balls, or textured objects

Noise-canceling headphones for sound sensitivity

Weighted blankets for comfort and anxiety relief

Visual schedules or organizers to aid in daily planning

Special interest-related items (e.g., books, toys, or memorabilia on their favorite topic)

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6. Sensory-friendly clothing with soft fabrics and no tags

7. Educational games or puzzles that align with their interests

8 .Assistive technology devices for communication or learning

9. Calming lights or projectors for relaxation

10. Chewable jewelry for those with oral sensory needs

These gifts aim to enhance quality of life, support learning, and provide enjoyment for individuals with autism.

[coconut-cluster]

Can you elaborate on the band au? It’s my favorite au of yours and I’d love to see more

of course!!!!! (it’s one of my favorites too lol!)

okay imma ramble about pat and lo for a bit, because i feel like i focus on the band more than them like all the time 

they’ve been best friends for FOREVER, like since before kindergarten, and at this point they’re basically brothers (remus is also like a older brother figure to both of them, despite being their age)

Logan works in the school library during sixth period, and with Patton’s passion for community service, they both really enjoy volunteering at the public library on the weekends

Logan doesn’t really like coming to the Disasters’ practices/gigs/concerts because it’s a little too much noise and people for him, but Patton loves going to gigs and (loudly) supporting his friends so he records their performances for Lo 

Patton is the band’s biggest fan. He’s been friends (and neighbors) with Janus since they were two and friends with Roman and Remus since kindergarten (Remus more actually in sophomore year but still), and he was Virgil’s first friend when V moved to (i think i named the city) Copper Cove, so he loves them all so much and even buys a foam finger to wave at their gigs and makes a t-shirt with their logo on it

(he’s also the biggest prinxiety shipper)

((he thinks Virgil and Roman are dating for the first couple weeks after Roman joins the band. he is corrected by Janus and Logan and is as such slightly crestfallen))

Pat is usually the first to stand in for one of the band boys when they need it - like if they have a gig and can’t man a fundraiser booth, etc - and one time he cries because Janus thanks him with lemon bars 

Pat is actually the most popular of his trio (Ro/Lo/Pat) and actually probably the whole crew, bc even though Ro is really popular, Patton doesn’t usually get made fun of behind his back like Ro does :(

Logan may not come to performances, but he likes helping them with technical stuff like transportation and lighting ideas and budgets

he also really enjoys just hanging out with the Disasters - he, Janus, and Roman all love poetry and talk about literature a lot (usually just Janus and Logan in the library though bc Roman doesn’t like having to whisper the whole time), he and Remus and Patton hang out during lunch a lot, he and Virgil like to hang out because it’s chill

on that note Logan and Janus get along really well and Janus totally doesn’t have a crush on Lo at all in any sense 

(in all seriousness, Janus really admires Logan and Lo really enjoys Jan’s company, they can talk about philosophy and psychology and sociology and literature and history for hours)

okay i just love Pat and Lo a lot moving along 

Roman and Logan are adhd/autism solidarity 

Jan and Remus are best friends bro 

^^ when Remus was younger and going through a tough time with his dad, he spent a lot of time over at Janus’ house (and Roman spent time with Patton and Logan), so now Jan’s mom and dad love him like their weirder and much louder son 

Janus! Plays! Keytar!!! 

He learned classical piano when he was younger but his dad said “Giovanna on god our son is gonna be so Rad” and got him a keytar

Janus’ dad is a favorite with the Disasters

(he was in a band when he was in high school so he’s totally hip with the kids, esp Virgil bc he, too, played drums)

((Janus’ mom is so (fondly) exasperated))

Roman teaches Remus a lot of tumbling tricks from cheer so Remus also just does random handstands during practice 

(the twins have handstand competitions to see who can stay in one longest sometimes. Janus likes to throw small objects at them while they do so. Virgil keeps a first aid kit on hand at all times) 

Roman makes the band a logo for hypothetical merch!! he almost doesn’t show them because he doesn’t want them to think he’s too weird or enthusiastic since he just joined, but Remus sees him working on it and brings it up oh-so-subtly at practice 

(”Hey guys we should make t-shirt designs. Roman likes designing stuff like a nerd i bet he would do it. what do you think Roman don’t you think that’s cool and my original idea with no reference to the contents of your sketchbook whatsoever”)

Virgil has a beanie collection that he protects with his LIFE

(his favorite is one that’s a gradient from purple to black) 

Janus loves that eye imagery babeyyyy

Roman loves strawberries and that is not related to ANYTHING except that Virgil offhandedly gives him a strawberry gummy one time before practice and Ro goes on a whole ramble about how much he loves strawberries, and now every time Virgil sees something strawberry-themed he has to physically restrain himself from getting it and giving it to Ro

(he does see a beanie with a little embroidered strawberry on it one time tho. and he does not restrain himself. he gives it to Patton to give Roman because he feels a little stupid about buying it on a whim but Roman loves it and makes a whole outfit around it to wear to one of their weekend practices)

im tired so imma stop there but if theres anything else u wanna know do NOT be afraid to ask bc i love talking about this au

[leonordchoem]

saw a quote from an article about gift giving for autistic people that was like 'this brave Autism Parent swallowed their grief and got their 16yo son a spongebob squarepants t shirt' which is just like. a buck wild sentence and concept. like. is a funny cartoon t shirt not an age appropriate gift for a child in their mid teens? could they think of no better metaphorical representation of the concept of grief than a spongebob squarepants t shirt? did they not realise how comedic this juxtaposition was? even if it was an 'abnormal' or age inappropriate gift, why would that be worthy of grief and mourning? why do we so readily accept the idea that autistic children are shadows version of a hypothetical Good Neurotypical Child whose loss must be mourned and lamented? where can i purchase a spongebob squarepants t shirt for a reasonable price in the year of our lord two thousand and nineteen? these are the kind of tough questions we must come to terms with if society is to ever accept autistic people

also when i posted this to facebook it helpfully suggested i add a donate button to the post, so im pleased and proud to announce my fundraiser to purchase myself a reasonably priced spongebob squarepants t shirt from an online retailer. every bit helps 🙏

[broken-clover]

ACC Day 1- #RedInstead

Oof, almost forgot to put this here! Welcome to this month’s writing challenge, courtesy of @uniqueaspergirl. I’m looking forward to this project, I think it’s going to be a lot of fun!

Starting out, I’ve got an ensemble piece for Guilty Gear, though Sin is the main POV.

Sin Kiske wasn’t the most observant person, but even he could notice the obvious.

As if to make it clear that no, he wasn’t imagining things, he noticed the other students in the lecture hall going quiet. Most of them turned their heads towards the front of the room.

“Good morning, students!” Dr. Faust announced in his typical cheery tone. He deposited his briefcase on the desk just like he did every morning, falling into his usual routine without a hint of awareness that anything was out of the ordinary.

“Uhh...Doc?” Someone raised their hand. “Did you...forget to separate your laundry?”

As opposed to his usual crisp white jacket, Faust had donned something similar, but instead bright maroon. Maybe for someone else, it wouldn’t have been as puzzling, but Faust wore the same jacket every day, regardless of circumstance or weather.

(Maybe wearing the same thing every day was weird anyway, but hey, it was Faust)

Despite the interruption, the man looked absolutely delighted. “I’m very glad you’ve noticed! I’m wearing red in support of myself and my peers for autism acceptance!”

‘Autism?’ Sin vaguely recalled the term from a textbook, but he didn’t remember anything about it. He raised his own hand, and was swiftly called on. “Yes, Mr. Kiske?”

“What’s that mean?”

Around him, a few more hands shot up.

“Isn’t it supposed to be ‘awareness?’”

“I though people used blue for that…?”

“Why do you-”

“Alright, alright, everyone settle down.” Faust went quiet for a minute, flipping through his papers. “Well, I suppose we’ve gotten a bit ahead on our anatomy lectures. I’d be happy to do a short lecture on the subject if you’d like?”

It seemed that the majority of the class were either intrigued on the current subject, or eager enough to skip more anatomy lessons. The professor was all-too-happy to oblige, tucking away his notes.

Sin watched with rapt interest. He was always eager to learn new words, regardless of circumstance.

Apparently, it was a disorder that had a lot to do with how people communicate and express themselves. Faust was quick to remark that it was actually a pretty common thing, and that most of them had probably met a few people who had it at some point. Faust himself had it, and when he asked if anyone else did, a few classmates raised their hands.

Sin had definitely met a few people who weren’t the most socially skilled. But as the professor carried on, he realized that it was a bit more nuanced than that. The more the lecture went on, the more of an odd little thought was bouncing around in his head.

Struggling with communication. Sensitivity to some stimuli. Preferring schedules and routine. Hyper-focus on certain interests. There were a lot of different symptoms, and not everyone with autism presented the same ones, but the ones that caught his attention felt way too familiar for him to shake the idea.

Once Faust was able to explain the condition, he moved onto the other questions. The askers hadn’t been entirely incorrect, as autism awareness was identified with the color blue, along with a puzzle piece motif. But the people who started that movement were generally considered a hate group by the autistic community, putting emphasis on autism as a burden and something needing to be cured instead of putting attention on the people themselves. So, by wearing the red instead of blue, it was a sort of retaliation by the community and a call for acceptance, instead of just recognition.

Before they knew it, the lecture block was over. Faust gave them a cheery wave and pulled out a box of red pins from his bag, if anyone wanted to take some.

Sin was quick to swipe a few from the container as he hurried out of the hall. He’d still been mulling on the same thought he had been for almost the entire lecture. He didn’t usually head right back to the dorms after class, but he was too curious to waste time.

When he unlocked the door to his room, he found his roommate in his regular spot, tap-tapping away at his laptop.

“Hullo, Sin.” Bedman greeted him, not looking up from whatever he was working on. “You don’t usually get back this early. Something happen?”

“Uhh, sorta?” Dropping his shoes at the door, Sin flopped over on his bed. “Faust gave us a weird lecture today.”

“Oh?” Though Bedman kept his attention on the monitor, Sin knew the other boy well enough that he could tell he was still paying attention as he worked.

“He showed up in a red coat today. Said it was for ‘autism acceptance.’ I didn’t really know what that was, but he explained it to us.”

The sounds of typing slowed. For a half-second, Sin saw a pair of eyes glance up at him.

“I thought that a lot of the stuff he was talking about reminded me of you. So I was wondering, do you have that?”

The typing stopped. The room was quiet for a good minute. Sin was going to ask if he had been heard, but he noticed that his roommate had gone a little pale behind the screen’s glow.

“I’m sorry, should I not have asked? I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable-”

“Sin, do you think I’m stupid?”

“Wha- no, why would I?” Sin tilted his head. “You’re like the smartest guy I know!”

“I mean…” Bedman wrung his hands together. “With people. O-or- I can’t think of how to say this, how do I…?”

Sin wasn’t sure, but he took a wild guess. “I don’t think you’re dumb or weird or anything if you do. It’s just different! Nothing wrong with that.”

It seemed he’d managed to hit the nail on the head. Bedman gave him a funny look, before chuckling. “Of all people to be worried about...of course you wouldn’t care either way.”

He wasn’t entirely sure how to reply, but he was happy that he’d managed to quell the boy’s fears. “Oh!” He fished one of the pins he’d taken out of his pocket. “Faust was handing these out at the end, want one?”

“Nothing wrong with being supportive, I suppose.” The key-tapping resumed, though only for a few moments. “Speaking of which, it seems Dr. Faust is holding a little picnic over in the lecture hall courtyard. Fundraiser for the Autism Self-Advocacy Network. You get a discount if you show up wearing red.”

Sin was already halfway across the room, shedding his shirt and digging around in his dresser. “I know I had something red in here somewhere…”

Bedman shook his head in dismay, but smiled nonetheless. “I appreciate your enthusiasm.”

“Well, duh!” The taller boy wiggled into a new shirt, just as quickly pinning the little button onto it. “Gotta support folks! You up for eating lunch outside today?”

After a moment of though, the laptop was placed next to him, and Bedman hopped off. “A bit of sunlight never hurt anyone.”

“That’s the spirit!”

++++++

Neither of them had been expecting the courtyard to be as bustling as it was when they arrived. Sin almost immediately noticed the two Valentines over by one of the picnic tables.

“Ram! El! Hey!” He waved, beaming brightly as he approached. “Good to see you guys!”

Elphelt looked just as chipper. “Hiya, Sin! Glad to see you could make it!” She’d put on a pretty red skirt, paired with another of Faust’s pins.

“Of course we would!”

Bedman offered a polite little nod. “Hello, Elphelt. Ramlethal. Your participation is appreciated.”

“No worries! However I can support my sister!”

Ramlethal blushed a little, smiling. “Elphelt’s been very supportive since I got diagnosed. Really helped me try and find ways to adapt.”

“Aww, of course, sillyhead! That’s what sisters are for!”

“Good afternoon, students!” Faust approached the group, holding a camera. “So nice to see more guests! I do hope you’ll stay and eat, the cooking students are working very hard today.”

“Man, it’s like half the campus showed up! This is awesome!” While trying to find the end of the food line, Sin caught sight of a few familiar faces scattered about. He almost bumped into a shock of white hair at the end.

“Wh- oh, hey, Sin!” He recognized Chipp from Economics, though the red vest was new. Before Sin could respond, the man leaned back to nudge someone in front of him. “Hey, An, this is the one I was telling you about!”

An unfamiliar fellow with a scarf wrapped tightly around his mouth turns and offered a cordial wave. “Ah. I know this one. Bedman talks about him.”

The person in question had started blushing by the time Sin turned back around to look at him, but fought it down. “Answer. I had my suspicions.”

“As did I. Kind of hard to not make assumptions after you gave the class an impromptu lecture on the meaning of ‘unbreakable.’”

“You’re the one who had a ten-minute tangent on the legality of hedgehogs.”

“Hey, hey, no need to fight!” Sin stuck his hands between the two. “We’re all here to have fun, right?”

“...Fair.” Bedman relented. “But just to be clear, Answer, your points were very compelling.”

Ram was too distracted by the odor wafting overhead to care about the bickering. Maybe it was hard to notice for others, but she was particularly sensitive to scents. “I smell burgers.”

And correct she was. Twenty minutes and fifteen dollars later, the little group found a place on the grass, just close enough to hear Jam chatting in response to Haehyun’s rapid sign language.

“Ahh, I really love the burgers they make here!” Sin chowed down happily, content with his food.

Nodding in approval, Ram seemed to down half of hers in one bite. Elphelt got started just as quickly, but Sin noticed that Bedman was merely watching the proceedings.

“Something wrong?” He asked. “Too loud?”

“I guess I’m just a little surprised, is all.”

“Surprised?...You lost me.”

“I know it’s a bit stupid.” He kept his eyes off Sin, meticulously picking at his burger. “I know you of all people probably wouldn’t judge me for being autistic. It’s simply...a concern I have with everyone. There’s always just that little bit of uncertainty. Everyone reacts to it differently.”

“Aww. We’re friends, man!” The blonde replied. “I have been living with you for months. It’s not like knowing you’re autistic changes anything about you. You’re the same person I just know a little bit more about the way you work now, is all.”

“Hmm…” Bedman offered a smile. “You’re more philosophical than I give you credit for, Sin.”

“Aww, thanks!”

“Do you know what that means?”

“Not a clue!...it’s a compliment, right?”

“...Yeah, it’s a compliment.”

“Oh good, you’re still here!” Faust was still carrying the same camera as he approached the group again. “Mind if I take a photo of you for the school’s media page?”

“Sounds fun!” Elphelt replied. “Sound okay, Ram?”

“Sure.” Somehow, she had already finished her food.

“Alright, so just scoot in a little more…” The camera was lifted up and positioned. “Smile!”

The next morning, Bedman found the group photo posted right on the front of the site. Elphelt had fallen over about a half-second after the photo was taken, and Sin was smiling so hard he almost looked cross-eyed. But they all looked happy.

’Spending Time at the Campus Fundraiser!’ The caption announced cheerily.

For as confusing as friends could be, Bedman was very happy that he had them.

[proudautisticgirl]

Autism Awareness tshirts ($20)

Shirts are $20 each! They are red with white lettering that says “#RedInstead” with a group of children joining hands below it. On the back, white lettering reads “‘different, not less’ -Temple Grandin”. Proceeds go to The Foundation to Decrease World Suck. These shirts are to raise awareness for autism. Fundraiser goes from November 10-24. Thank you to everyone who buys one!!

[think32blog]

Ten kilometres of a Pandora’s Box

There many ways in which partition has held back the development of the women’s movement, like other aspects of Irish society, but for today, I want to start by talking about the Pandora’s Box that is the mis-named Women’s Mini-“Marathon”, or the VhI sponsored 10k women-only run on Whit weekend every year in Dublin.

I took part in it this year to support the Amber Women’s Refuge which is in Kilkenny and helps women subject to domestic violence or psychological abuse. Fair play to Kathleen Funchion TD for organising a group which raised €2,500+ and I hope is some comfort to the women and children using the service.

So, to Pandora’s Box: Greek mythology says that Pandora was given the box and told it was full of gifts, but that she was not to open it, ever. Despite trying hard, eventually, her curiosity got the better of her. She opened it and out flew all the evils in the world.

She tried in vain to close it again, but they all escaped, leaving inside the one good thing which could combat the evils: hope.

I was reminded of Pandora on Sunday, lining up on Fitzwilliam Street in Dublin to begin the women’s 10k. We had to stand for about an hour in the hot sunshine, waiting to be allowed to start. It was hard going for those of us who were more like slow walkers than “mini-marathon” runners, but it gave me a chance to look at the t-shirts around me, each one calling out an evil, either by its nature or by the way it is dealt with by this government.

There was indeed a Pandora’s box full of pain, suffering, neglect and anguish on the t-shirts worn by the 30,000 women to took part: multiple sclerosis, autism, polio, depression, every kind of cancer imaginable, every kind of childhood disease or condition and so many beautiful photographs of loved-ones who had died by suicide or by some of the aforementioned diseases, addiction, homelessness, racism, violence against women, rape. The list was endless.

I fast walked with my daughter and we made it in about two hours, which pleased us because we are not fit and not used to such distances. There were people pushing wheelchairs with their children, sisters, mothers, aunties or grannies in them and there were women wheeling themselves along the route, there were fit, thin b***ches who ran and didn’t even look out of breath or break a sweat, there were joggers, there were walkers, there were fast walkers and slow walkers and hobblers and shufflers.

It was the female personification of the dire state of our health services and support services for the victims of all sorts of misfortune, cruelty and injustice. The women, every last one of them, were an inspiration and a hope that we can make things better and a signal that they were going to try to make that happen. They were the hope at the bottom of Pandora’s Box.

I look forward to the day that they all realise that although the event is worthy and valuable and even a bit of craic, that alongside the fundraising, we need some consciousness-raising and campaigning to change the circumstances so that society, via an equitable health service, looks after the old, the sick and the vulnerable and that women will run only for fun and not to prop up an inefficient and inequitable health service.

A united health service, in a united Ireland should aim to take the best bits of the NHS in the North and the HSE in the South and make a new start towards achieving that goal.

Up the women! Well done to every one of the 30,000 who took part. Now, where’s the Radox?

Contributed by @cathypower