#Communication Aids for Autistic Teens

[noisycowboyglitter]

Celebrating Neurodiversity: "Hello, I Am Autistic, Not Rude"

"Hello, I Am Autistic, Not Rude": Bridging the Gap with Understanding

Buy now:19.95$

Sometimes social interactions can be tricky, especially for autistic individuals who may not always express themselves in ways neurotypical people expect. The phrase "Hello, I Am Autistic, Not Rude" acts as a gentle bridge, explaining that a seemingly curt greeting or different approach to conversation stems from autism, not rudeness.

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Autism can affect social communication and interaction. People on the spectrum may prefer direct communication, struggle with small talk, or find eye contact overwhelming. This can be misinterpreted as rudeness or disinterest.

Wearing a shirt or pin with "Hello, I Am Autistic, Not Rude" opens the door for understanding. It allows for self-advocacy and sparks a conversation. It's a way of saying, "I may be different, but I'm still friendly!"

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This phrase isn't just for autistic individuals. Parents and allies can wear it too, fostering a more inclusive environment. By promoting awareness and acceptance, we can create a world where everyone feels comfortable being themselves. After all, a little understanding goes a long way in building strong connections.

"I'm autistic" simply explains a different way of experiencing the world. People with autism may process information differently, find social situations trickier, or have strong interests. It's a part of who they are, not a limitation. Let's celebrate neurodiversity and embrace understanding!

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Teens on the spectrum crave fun and self-expression just like anyone else. Here are some gift ideas to spark joy:

Fidget Fun: Keep their hands occupied and minds focused with fidget spinners, squishy stress balls, or calming chewelry.

Creative Outlets: Unleash artistic energy with textured modeling clay, vibrant paints, or a light-up drawing pad for a unique twist.

Sensory Delights: Create a calming haven with a weighted blanket, noise-canceling headphones, or a mesmerizing lava lamp.

Building Challenges: Boost confidence with 3D puzzles, intricate marble runs, or engaging building sets that encourage creativity.

Consider their interests too! For gamers, explore sensory-friendly controllers or noise-canceling headsets. Bookworms might love a subscription to an audiobook service or a comfy reading hammock. Remember, the best gift caters to their unique personality!

[cripplecharacters]

that has a supporting character with dwarfism, and he's really close with his older brother, who is pretty tall. would it be weird if i sometimes had the younger ask his older brother pick him up so he can reach things? its supposed to be a cute little quirk of theirs that shows their bond, but i'm worried it might come off as weird for some reason. also, do you guys could give me a couple more tips on writing a character with dwarfism, if you have any? thanks in advance! (2/2)

Hi! the guy who asked about less talkative autistic characters here. sorry about that! i was going for more of like... don't talk to a point where it wouldn't be considered "socially acceptable?" but i had a character limit so i couldn't really get my point across that well. now that i think about it, that would probably also be lumped into just, yknow, not being talkative too. anyways, i have another unrelated question! probably equally silly but w/e. i'm writing a slice-of-life story (1/2)

Hello lovely asker!

I just wanna say that because of the ask backlog and the rotation of mods I'm afraid I don't know what ask your talking about, but I'm sure it was simply just a question that was in good faith of curiosity which is what this blog is for 😊

And to answer your question, I'm curious with how old the younger brother is. I haven't been picked up since I was probably about five to help me reach something and even then I was getting yelled at for climbing counters and such. If the younger brother isn't a very young child I would avoid this.

Being picked up is a general no. if you wouldn't do it to anyone else don't do it to someone with dwarfism or any person with a disability. Unless it's under their explicit permission, or help with transferring (from say a mobility aid to a bed or another place etc) or life or death situation, it's almost always a no.

Instead using things like the broom handle to hit tall switches or they even have these things called a "Reacher Grabber" that makes grabbing high up things super easy. Stool also are a big help, the small collapsible ones are easy to carry and move, and certain placed handles help too. Tall people are an advantage I will say though. Having the older brother bring something down to the younger brother is fine. Also have the younger brother climb things and stack objects and use the environment around him so he can get what he wants. I assure you this is what most of us do a lot.

A few more writing tips I have would be:

Research different types of dwarfism and find out which one you want your character to have and how this will affect him. It doesn't have to be mentioned at all but you knowing what type will give you much more insight into building this character.

Don't be afraid to give them mobility aids. A lot of people with Dwarfism have them and use them because they help us and they're pretty common in the community. (Do plenty of research there too if they do have one!)

A joke once or twice, especially if the two characters are very very close, about his dwarfism is okay! Me and my friends joke about mine all the time but quantity control along with a joke in good taste and timing is very important.

The character getting frustrated with his disability is okay too! It happens to me a lot but usually I'll find a solution right after to the thing that frustrated me and that frustration is gone as quick as it came.

If he's having a long conversation or an eye-to-eye conversation with someone that's tall, have them sit down somewhere, get to eye-level (I wouldn't have them lean over to his height though). It really does start to hurt your neck and head after looking up at everyone for so long.

And lastly, I certainly use my height to my advantage in multiple different scenarios. Small hands and small containers or spaces are very compatible with one another. And even though I have to shop in the small teens or kids section for clothes or shoes, I will say certain things are made better for kids (for some reason). But I also know how to hem my own clothes and how to fix them! A lot of people with dwarfism make or modify their own clothes. I can't tell you the amount of times I've gotten discounts at buffets and restaurants because people just assume I'm a child and I'm not gonna protest the discount either so. There are many fun aspects to having dwarfism, I have more fun with it and get more laughs and community out of it than frustration or anything else.

I know there's many more little things that I'm forgetting right now but the dwarfism community could probably add a few things too. Good luck writing!

~ Mod Virus 🌸

[intersex-cpunk-wolfdog]

I really do not identify with late diagnosed high masking autistic experiences of unmasking after diagnosis. I was diagnosed as a teen but my masking ability has always been close to nonexistent. I mean it was nice to not feel ashamed when I stimmed anymore and it has been very healing to stop trying to force myself into unhealthy situations but like I cannot force myself to talk through a sensory-induced shutdown, which was then a daily occurrence because I didn’t have sensory aides, beyond simple yes/nos. I get overwhelmed and that’s it. I can’t just pretend to have neurotypical facial expressions and people have always thought that I looked variably angry/sad/upset even when I was literally just chilling. I can’t just learn social queues because even when I try I still miss stuff because I am literally incapable!

For me, diagnosis didn’t help me unmask. It just gave me an explanation for why everybody thought I was weird and sometimes creepy. And it gave me supports to deal with my autistic symptoms.

I know there must be a lot of people like me but it sucks because I feel like I never see this experience discussed in the autistic community.

[indigos-stardust]

Mom's Scales/ She's Here, I think I know what it's about based on the name alone from what you've told me about your aus and hcs, TELL US MOOREE

Ok so I didn't have a lot of words to give so I made some art

For context: The death of Links mother (only a few months after he was born) is a pretty recurring undertone of my four swords series Color Spectrum. Its effected their dad and Link's relationships a lot...

From their father grieving when Link was little and Link trying to pick up the emotional strain as a kid... to feeling like it was his own fault or like he was a burden due to how "difficult" he was as a teen. A lot of this was subconscious in Link before the manga, but it definitely plays a large role in their dynamics between each link and also each of their relationships with their father.

I can go into more details about this if you like, but that's more of a "What if I exploded and Generational Trauma just Splattered Everywhere" (#14) starring Red lol

anyways, I had this idea that like, links mother (im calling her Mia for now) got some freshly dead privileges esp considering her relationship with fairies and yk, giving birth to the kid with the soul of the ancient hero or whatever.

Point is she wanted a way to be able to come back and protect or aid her little one in some way in the future. Hylia gave her an offer and she took it. And uh-

Also forgot to mention shes Soo autistic <3 which is fun because link (or the linkS) are very autistic and that like??disconnect is what caused SO many issues between them originally, I really feel like links shaky relationship with his dad is overlooked but eh just my opinion

Listen this originally just started out as "lol what if the dragon from the manga was sweet and kind to shadow" but I'd also just finished thinking about how links dads grief paralleled vios and uh-

Well I connected the dots (I forced them together very aggressively while sobbing) and now their mom came back as a half sentient dragon who saw bebe shadow and went "this is mine" and decided to lick his wounds (literally) and teach him how to fight when he was just like... yk being forced to become stronger thru survival

to be clear she didn't mean to like burn down crops and whatever, half sentience and all, but she just wanted to support her new lil monochrome bebe (shadow) and then SHE DISCOVERED MORE IN DIFFERENT COLORS AND WAS ABSOLUTELY THRILLED

(links father is terrified but also mystified by her) and she thinks that this little fella who has been taking care of her babies is very nice to keep alive as well

Also shadow originally named her "Blood Hunter" but in private? When its just her and him? He calls her Mai-Mai because well. Dragons do communicate and her little noises while she took care of lil shadow? Sounded very much like "mai a maiamaimai"

(also I just love the name I stole it from ALBW)

they do reunite after shadow is reborn btw

ANYWAYS HERES HER DESIGN

(thank you @here4dragons for helping me with the anatomy and abse THANK U THANK U THANK U)

lil doodle^

[t-sizzler]

Pose Inspired CC Dump

✨ The category is: FACE ✨ Embrace the enchanting allure of the ballroom as your Sims sashay away to the rhythm of timeless elegance. 💃🕺✨ Serving face and personality, I present to you my bespoke custom content inspired by the grace and splendor of Pose in The Sims 4! 🌟

Angel Hair

BGC

Hat Compatible

Maxis 24 swatches 

Teen - Elder

Vertices: 8565  Polygons: 10222

Anchor Beard

BGC

Maxis 24 swatches 

Teen - Elder

Vertices: 145  Polygons: 228

Pray Tell Glasses

BGC

7 swatches 

Teen - Elder

Vertices: 1290  Polygons: 1404

DOWNLOAD: patreon

As you can probably tell, I'm a bit obsessed right now with a particular series called Pose. I know I'm late to the craze. All my palm colored friends knew about the show and were practically begging me to watch back in 2021. I'll be the first to say it. Black-ish was a show made about black people for white people to watch. I thought this was one of those same situations. had this one friend who recommended me the show. I told that boy, "I live episodes of Pose everyday. I'm a 21st century autistic, queer black man in an America that is constantly trying to tear down people who look like me". I was fearful that this series was going to be another example of glamorized trauma porn media showing one-dimensional struggles of black people because honey, I already have enough to share with the WHOLE world. But truthfully it wasn't as bad as I thought. The series revolves around the HIV/AIDs crisis. Funnily enough, I've actually noticed many parallels to the BLM protests, covid-19 pandemic and the hysteria surrounding monkey pox. During the 1980s and 1990s, many queer people were kicked out of their biological parent's homes. Mostly in fear of the unknown of what HIV could bring their families. And this fear forced many kids out on the streets. The series follows the lives of a group of characters who are part of the ballroom scene, a vibrant subculture in the LGBTQ community where individuals compete in dance and runway competitions, forming "houses" that act as surrogate families. The characters faced several moments of discrimination, prejudice, and hardships but also found strength and catharsis in their chosen families and artistic expressions. I really admire how the show tackled the hardships and they really didn't sugarcoat anything. Overall, the show presents a rich tapestry of themes emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance, community and advocacy, all of which are things that a modern black queer person like myself can really resonate with. I truly saw myself in so many of the characters.

[brightlotusmoon]

Sensory and Communication Tools Deserve Respect - Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)

Stigma and shame around neurodivergent needs can take many forms, some of which can appear much more “benevolent” than the public shaming I witnessed at the library.

I have heard of parents denying chewy necklaces or other stim tools to children and teens with diagnosed sensory needs because they “might stand out” or “might get teased”. This may seem kinder than slapping and insulting a child, but it too can cause them to feel deeply ashamed.

The belief that sensory aids are shameful or childish even appears in children’s books.

[darkaviarymc]

So why tf are you living with a zionist? And why tf did you get married to one in the first place?

I've gotten anons asking invasive questions about my relationship with Troy and why I have yet to end it, and I've deleted each one. I don't know if you're the same anon, but I'm guessing you follow me because my latest #aviisleaving post has no notes and was less than an hour old when I received this ask.

But.

Due to recent events in this fandom, abuse has become a spotlight topic. I don't know if I would call my marriage abusive or not. But whether or not it is, my situation and my reasons for staying in it for the time being is similar to what abusive victims face. There are many reasons not to leave, to bide your time before leaving, and to not be able to leave at the time or even at all, and I think it's an important discussion to have.

I'll start by explaining why I'm with him in the first place. We used to be closer ideologically. He wasn't always this far right and (this is where I make a confession that idk if I'm actually ready to make, but here we go) I wasn't always this far left. Seven years does a lot to change people, for better or worse. I was a left-leaning centerist, he was a right-leaning centerist, and we met in the middle to either compromise or peacefully agree to disagree.

We were both nerdy autistic weirdos with the same taste in music, same sense of humor, and enough ideologically in common to make peace. He got along well with my daughter and was quick to let me know that, if we ever got married, he'd consider her his kid as if she was his own.

I'm hyper-romantic. I see romance basically everywhere I look, and I fall in love hard and fast. He wasn't used to having a woman (my egg hadn't cracked yet, we'll get to that) who wasn't an absolute bitch be interested in him, so he fell harder than he ever had. We also both hated our situation at home, and I wouldn't pretend that wasn't a factor. We rushed the relationship and got married before we'd been together a year.

Everything changed for me when I realized I was queer.

I found the community I'd been denying for my whole life, and I learned a lot. He was an ally then. A flawed one, but he was willing to try. He was supportive of me when I came out, first as bisexual and then as nonbinary.

But everything changed for him when the wreck happened. He was driving with our mutual best friend in the front passenger seat when he lost control on black ice and slid into oncoming traffic. Our friend died at the scene, and Troy's injuries left him permanently disabled. He's since regained his independence, but he'll always struggle with his left arm.

We both took solace in our faith (I'd still consider myself a Christian, feel how you feel about that, I've heard it all) but he got lost in Christian Reddit, then Christian TikTok. Christian TikTok led to Evangelical TikTok, which led to transphobic, homophobic, MAGA, and zionist TikTok.

He ate that shit up. He fucking chugged that kool-aid. It gave him something besides himself to be angry at.

Grief opened my mind and closed his. It softened my heart and hardened his.

It just went downhill from there.

And now I can't live with this. I know he can't either, and the only reason he hasn't initiated a separation is because 1) there's no biblical grounds for divorce because I haven't cheated on him, and 2) he doesn't think a fat, autistic, disabled nerd in his 30s with a small dick and $30,000 in medical debt could ever find a godly wife. His words, not mine.

So if I want what's best for myself, my daughter, and yes, even for Troy, I need to be the one to leave.

So why haven't I yet?

First and foremost, money. We live in a society blah blah blah. Our society isn't friendly single mothers, queer people, or disabled people, and I'm about to be all three. I need to be 100% certain that I can support not only myself, but a high support needs autistic teen daughter who will likely never be able to live independently.

We currently only have one working vehicle, and aren't in a financial place to remedy that. I will need my own form of transportation if I'm going to be on my own.

All of my preparations (housing, transportation, moving logistics, etc) will have to be enacted quickly and perfectly. Surgical precision packing, moving, and stocking up on groceries so I don't have to leave the house for a while within 24 hours. Why? Because his family can't have any forewarning. I would not be safe. Currently, I'm not safe emotionally, but if I mess up even one step off the plan, if I'm not perfect in my exit strategy, I won't be safe physically, and neither will my daughter. I won't elaborate further on that.

Not only do I have to leave perfectly, but I have to be 150% positive months in advance that I can keep perfect. Because he has friends and family in places that could be dangerous for me, not the least of which is CPS. I fully expect to have them at my door by the end of the first month. I can't give them cause to take my daughter, even if it's the smallest, stupidest thing. Especially since they'll already have a small, stupid thing. Namely, my queerness and my disability.

Because I'm under no impression whatsoever that Troy won't out me to every single person who I can't safely be out to the instant he gets the chance. I will have no more help from (and possibly no contact with) my family. I will be completely alone. My support system will be gone forever. I have to be emotionally, mentally, and financially ready for that.

And I am none of those things right now.

And until I am, I have to do whatever I can to keep myself safe enough to bide my time for the right opportunity.

[librarycards]

1 and 5 for the autism ask, please! Also, kinda related to 1, but how did you/your family figure out you might be autistic? Thanks!!!

How old were you when you found out you were autistic?

this is kinda complicated, because as a kindergartener-second grader i was dx'd with a bunch of autism-adjacent // "comorbid" things while also gifted-tracked. never autism itself - common for people perceived as "girls" in these demographics. my father works at an institution (residential) for mentally disabled kids/teens, and his assertion, up until my formal diagnosis as an eighteen year old, was that i was not autistic, could not be autistic, because i didn't (to quote him) "piss on the walls". he is garbage in many ways, including that one. i have long dreamed of actually pissing on his walls (now that they are no longer also my walls)

that said, like many autistic people, i became obsessed with autism as a kid. it was part of my first special interest in the dsm/various psychiatric and other mental disabilities. i was fairly sure i was autistic by age eight (despite my father's combo of gaslighting and outright refusal, and also the patently anti-autistic genre of ableism i received from him and other family members). i flirted with the whole indigo children thing (a very weird co-occurring special interest) - classic cope.

i began to doubt myself, but when i joined tumblr, my confidence in my own self-knowledge reemerged. finding #actuallyautistic and adjacent bloggers on and off tumblr, and embracing the self-/community-diagnosis movements, disability justice, what was then called the "tucute" community (xenogender/neogender/coinage-based communities broadly) reaffirmed my confidence and aided in my self-determination. ultimately, this led to me having the confidence to publicly assert that i am autistic. it also allowed me to seek out professional diagnosis when i realized i absolutely needed formal living accommodations as an undergraduate student. that's when my autism became "real" in the eyes of the medical industry, but, you know. i've known for ages.

What do you wish more people knew about autism?

answered, but here's another: the "aspie" identity is politically reactionary. the end.

[noisycowboyglitter]

Celebrating Motherhood: 22 Meaningful Gifts for New Moms

New moms are superheroes, but even superheroes need a little pampering and support. When choosing a gift, consider items that make their lives a little easier or help them prioritize some much-needed self-care.

Buy now:19.95$

For Relaxation and Comfort: A luxurious robe or comfy nursing pajamas are lifesavers. A spa gift certificate allows her to unwind, while a pampering bath set with bath bombs or essential oils provides at-home spa vibes. A weighted blanket offers deep pressure stimulation, promoting relaxation and better sleep, which is a precious commodity for new moms.

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For Convenience and Feeding: A subscription box delivering healthy snacks or pre-portioned meals takes the pressure off meal planning. A coffee mug that keeps drinks warm is a game-changer for those early morning feedings. Consider a nursing pillow for added comfort during breastfeeding sessions or a baby carrier that allows her to keep the baby close while getting things done.

Keepsakes and Thoughtful Touches: A beautiful charm bracelet with a birthstone or initial charm commemorates the new arrival. A baby book allows her to document precious milestones. Consider a framed photo of mom and baby or a piece of sentimental jewelry to cherish forever.

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Remember, the best gifts are often the most thoughtful. A home-cooked meal, offering to help with errands or housework, or simply giving her some uninterrupted time for a nap are gestures that show you understand the demands of new motherhood.

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Picking the perfect gift for an autistic teen can be tricky, but focusing on their interests and sensory needs is key. Fidget toys like spinners, putty, or clickers provide a calming outlet for busy hands. Noise-canceling headphones create a quiet space, while weighted blankets or lap pads offer deep pressure for relaxation.

Subscription boxes catering to their hobbies, whether it's art, science, or gaming, spark joy and exploration. Art supplies like watercolors or adult coloring books allow creative expression. Tech gifts like a portable projector for movie nights or a subscription to a streaming service cater to their entertainment preferences. Remember, it's about showing you understand and appreciate their unique personality.

[creacherkeeper]

Hi!!! I saw that you youre a social worker, and thats so cool because Im also neurodivergent and wanting to become a social worker. Im curious if youd talk about your journey into becoming a social worker and how youve blended that with games and maybe what gameshave inspired you UwU

hi nonny!! i absolutely would love to talk about it!!

so i've been a social worker for over two years now. i specifically work as a disability coach, content writer, and now supervisor for a company that specializes in services for autistic adults and teens, but i've worked with a lot more clients than just autistic and have professional experience with adhd, trauma/(c)ptsd, anxiety and depression, addiction, dissociative identity disorder, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, chronic pain and fatigue, and more. i started with a specialty in autism, adhd, and trauma, but it quickly wound up that whenever we got a particularly complicated or challenging case my boss just gave them to me :P which is awesome because a lot of the time they wind up being the most rewarding clients to work with

i became a social worker from an unusual route because i actually started in advocacy work. i was a disability advocate for 7 years before i got my job as a social worker, and as an advocate sat on multiple state wide disability boards, was on the board of a center of independent living, ran a statewide autism expo, sat on lots of panels, participated in a think tank, ran community events, hosted a social group, co-wrote a local guide on voting with disabilities, and even made my own educational video game about autism. so it was all of that that caught my boss's eye when i reached out to him about joining the team, and i got the job after a 5 step interview process

after writing a 27,000 word training manual for my company i've now started working with new coaches and doing their training and have been doing their supervision hours as well. i also wrote a comprehensive introductory guide to autism for psychiatric and medical providers

the question about games and gamification goes back pretty far! i struggled very heavily with ptsd, executive dysfunction, and eating disorders through college and just found that therapy wasn't a good fit for me at the time (i didnt have enough knowledge and understanding to ask for what was helpful, and wasn't at a place in my emotional journey to start unpacking years of trauma and abuse) but games were the thing that seemed to help the most. using gamified mental health aids made the process of recovery fun and put it more under my own control. it wasn't clinical and potentially dangerous (i was at severe risk of institutionalization at the time and wanted to avoid it at all costs). using gamified apps and websites, i was able to recover from my eating disorder without professional treatment, take control over my schedule, and balance a job, college, and writing three books enough to graduate with a 3.7 gpa while being entirely financially independent. at the same time, i started playing tabletop roleplaying games like d&d, monster of the week, call of cthulhu, fiasco, starfinder, and more. this so radically improved my communication and conflict resolution skills, and expanded my emotional understanding and vocabulary to the point where i felt like a whole new person

as for inspirations, gamification is still a growing field but there's good stuff out there, and i use them a lot with my clients. they tend to be hit or miss, but they do a lot of good for the people they work for, and i've taken the lessons on how these games work and adapted them into my own individual systems i build on a client by client basis. i've built mini systems to help clients navigate making friends, improve their marriage, write original fiction, and more

habitica is the one i use most often. it's a gamified to do list split into habits, dailies, and to dos where you gain xp, get loot drops, defeat bosses, and collect pets as you accomplish your tasks

superbetter helped me a lot as a younger person, its a mental health site where you take on a secret identity and activate power ups, complete quests, fight bad guys, and recruit allies to recover and accomplish big goals

finch is a digital pet app where you power up and take care of your pet by completing self care activities like drinking water, going on walks, and reaching out to friends

plant nanny is a water tracking app where the liquids you drink in a day water your digital plant. it sends you reminders to drink if your plant is thirsty, and you have to drink enough to keep it from wilting

there's also a lot of video games out there that help you explore difficult emotions and concepts. one example that i absolutely adore is a game i'm replaying right now called spiritfarer. its a cozy resource management game where you play as a psychopomp who ferries the recently deceased to the afterlife. its a very sweet and beautiful game that packs some punches, and has a lot of meaningful things to say on trauma, disability, abuse, premature death, and a lot of other difficult topics. its such an incredibly meaningful game to me. the family gaming database has curated lists of video games that tackle emotional topics like grief, trust, or love in meaningful and sensitive ways. so that's a great place to start if you're looking for games to explore those things!

i hope that answers your question :D i know i wrote a whole novel. but im very excited about the work that i do and my plan for the future is to continue creating games like haunting to help people with mental health challenges and disabilities. this is only my first project but there are more on the horizon im really excited about. in the meantime you can check out my games at @psychhound where i post a lot of smaller systems and try to post freebies fairly regularly!

absolute best of luck with your own journey nonny, and if you ever had any more thoughts or questions please let me know!!

[spectrumsistersblog]

Spectrum Sister here (if you hadn’t already guessed) and I’m ready to open up my mind an put all things Autistic, ADHD, mental illness and chronic illness OUT THERE!

That’s right, I am an Autistic ADHD’er with mental health issues, Fibromyalgia and Joint hyper mobility syndrome. My disabilities are as invisible as they get, but I’m here to MAKE you see them for what they are. The good, the bad and the extremely uncomfortably UGLY!

Now firstly, Let me introduce myself a little bit more formally before I start, my name is JD, I’m 35yrs old, born and raised south Londoner who is also a single mother to a gorgeous 11yr old boy. I was late diagnosed ADHD at the age of 34 and Autistic at the age of 35 and due to the lateness of my diagnoses I’m sure you can imagine my life has been a bit of a BLEEPING mess, hence the development of mental health issues in my teens that I’ve carried with me ever since.

Saying all this, Im not one to throw a pity party, so let’s get that out the way. I’m here to tell it how it is, straight forward with honesty and facts. The doom and gloom, but also the funny and quirky side of life too, because you can’t get one without the other. To truly embrace and appreciate happiness, one must also know the feeling of true sadness. So I’m here to feed you it all, in true Virgo style ♍️

Just to get you up to speed I’ll explain a little about each condition I have been diagnosed with:

Autism

Autism is a spectrum condition which effects people in different ways. It effects our social interaction and communication skills, can inflict repetitive and restrictive behaviours, cause over OR under sensitivity to light, sound, taste or touch, can cause extreme anxiety, melt downs and shutdowns and also highly focused interests and hobbies.

ADHD

ADHD is a disorder which affects peoples behaviour. People with ADHD have issues with executive functioning, concentration & focus, and also impulse control. There is ALOT more to it and I intend to go into more detail in future blogs.

EUPD

EUPD – Emotionally unstable personality disorder (formerly known as Borderline personality disorder) is a mental health condition that affects how you think, feel and interact with others. One major symptom the sufferer experiences is being emotionally unstable. Intense emotions, ranging from highs to lows, which can change rapidly throughout a single day.

FIBROMYALGIA

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) – Fibromyalgia is a chronic (long term) condition that causes pain all over the body. As well as the widespread pain it also causes increased sensitivity to touch and pain, muscle stiffness, insomnia & Fatigue, issues with mental processing and concentration (fibro fog), irritable bowel syndrome, headaches and depression.

JOINT HYPERMOBILITY

Joint hypermobility syndrome – JHS is where your joints are extra flexible and move beyond the range that they are suppose to. This causes pain, stiffness and unstable joints. The joints and the tissue within in them are loose because they are weak. This also means increased danger of seriously injuring, spraining or dislocating your joints.

And there you have it, my wonderful array of chronic conditions and disabilities 😃

Now I do intend to go into a lot more detail in future posts and blogs, so look out for those if you want to learn more about each condition, purely for educational purposes or wether you may think you have one of them yourself.

For my fellow Spectrum family and Fibro Family, you may know an awful lot about these conditions already, so I definitely will have posts coming that I’m sure you will be able to relate to.

If you made this far then I greatly appreciate you…..also heres little embarrassing golden nugget of information for you, I was finishing this post off on the toilet, however my lower legs went numb and as I went to stand up I nearly face planted the door because I couldn’t feel my legs. I then had to grab my toilet frame (mobility aid) and drop myself back onto the toilet seat and wait here for a good 5 minutes until the feeling came back to my legs and feet 😩😂 Oh what a life eh! At least you weren’t all here to see it, that I am greatful for haha!

Anyways, got to love you and leave you (anyone else’s aunties use to say this every time they left your house?) and until next time, keep my legs in your prayers.

Air kisses

Your Spectrum Sister 🪩

[linus-wickworth]

July 2022 Reading Wrap-Up!

1. Autoboyography by Christina Lauren. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

High school senior Tanner Scott has hidden his bisexuality since his family moved to Utah, but he falls hard for Sebastian, a Mormon mentoring students in a writing seminar Tanner's best friend convinced him to take.

2. History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

When Griffin's first love and ex-boyfriend, Theo, dies in a drowning accident, his universe implodes. Though Theo had moved to California for college and started seeing Jackson, Griffin never doubted Theo would come back to him. To make things worse, the only person who truly understands is Jackson.

3. Nick and Charlie by Alice Oseman. ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2

Everyone knows that Nick and Charlie are the perfect couple - that they're inseparable. But now Nick is leaving for university, and Charlie will be left behind at Sixth Form. Everyone's asking if they're staying together, which is a stupid question - they're 'Nick and Charlie' for God's sake! But as the time to say goodbye gets inevitably closer, both Nick and Charlie question whether their love is strong enough to survive being apart. Or are they delaying the inevitable? Because everyone knows that first loves are last forever...

4. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ponyboy can count on his brothers. And on his friends. But no on much else besides trouble with the Socs, a vicious gang of rich kids whose idea of a good time is beating up "greasers" like Ponyboy. At least he knows what to expect - until the night someone takes things too far.

5. When You Call My Name by Tucker Shaw. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

It's 1990 in New York City. Adam is falling in love for the first time. Ben is leaving home for the last. Drawn by the city's irresistible energy, the boys are swept up into the queer scene, where the potential for life and love seems limitless. But as the shadows of prejudice gather, Ben and Adam discover how their newfound community is facing the looming threat of AIDS, which will touch their lives more closely than they ever could have imagined.

6. Trapped by Michael Northrop. ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2

Seven high school students are stranded at their New England high school during a week-long blizzard that shuts down the power and heat, freezes the pipes, and leaves them wondering if they will survive.

7. Short Stories (The New York Times at Special Bargain Rates, Harvey's Dream, The Cat from Hell, Mute, Willa) by Stephen King. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A collection of short stories written by King, compiled into Just After Sunset.

8. You'll Be The Death Of Me by Karen McManus. ⭐⭐⭐

Estranged friends Ivy, Mateo, and Cal witness a murder while skipping school, and the only way they can solve it is by revealing what they have been hiding from one another--and themselves.

9. A Night Twice As Long by Andrew Simonet. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Three weeks into the blackout, sixteen-year-old Alex and her best friend Anthony trek to the next town looking for answers, but end up breaking Alex's autistic brother out of the school he was placed in by Child Protective Services.

10. Bang by Barry Lyga. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sebastian did something horrible, something no one—not even Sebastian himself—can forgive. At the age of four, he accidentally shot and killed his infant sister with his father’s gun. Now, ten years later, Sebastian has lived with the guilt and horror for his entire life. With his best friend away for the summer, Sebastian has only a new friend--Aneesa--to distract him from his darkest thoughts. But even this relationship cannot blunt the pain of his past. Because Sebastian knows exactly how to rectify his childhood crime and sanctify his past.It took a gun to get him into this. Now he needs a gun to get out.

11. Rumble Fish by S.E. Hinton. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rusty-James wants to be as tough a teen as his older brother, Motorcycle Boy, who has always helped him out of tough spots. But one day, when Rusty-James faces danger, Motorcycle Boy is not around.

12. More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In the months following his father's suicide, sixteen-year-old Aaron can’t seem to find happiness again, despite the support of his girlfriend, Genevieve, and his overworked mom. Grief and the smile-shaped scar on his wrist won’t let him forget the pain. But when Aaron meets Thomas, a new kid in the neighborhood, something starts to shift inside him. Aaron can't deny his unexpected feelings for Thomas despite the tensions their friendship has created with Genevieve and his tight-knit crew. Since Aaron can't stay away from Thomas or turn off his newfound happiness, he considers taking drastic actions. The Leteo Institute’s revolutionary memory-altering procedure will straighten him out, even if it means forgetting who he truly is.

13. The Past and Other Things That Should Stay Buried by Shaun David Hutchinson. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dino doesn’t mind spending time with the dead. His parents own a funeral home, and death is literally the family business. He’s just not used to them talking back. Until Dino’s ex-best friend July dies suddenly—and then comes back to life. Except not exactly. Somehow July is not quite alive, and not quite dead.

14. Little & Lion by Brandy Colbert. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Suzette returns home to Los Angeles from boarding school and grapples with her bisexual identity when she and her brother Lionel fall in love with the same girl, pushing Lionel's bipolar disorder to spin out of control and forcing Suzette to confront her own demons.

15. Lies by Michael Grant. ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2

As conditions worsen in the FAYZ, where supernatural forces have trapped children under the age of fifteen and resources are running out, it becomes tempting to heed the words of a prophet who says that only death will set them free.

16. Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender. ⭐⭐1/2

Felix Love, a transgender seventeen-year-old, attempts to get revenge by catfishing his anonymous bully, but lands in a quasi-love triangle with his former enemy and his best friend.

17. Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The adventures of Peter Pan, the boy who would not grow up. Peter Pan teaches Wendy and her brothers to fly to Never-Never Land, where they share some exciting adventures with Indians and pirates.

18. Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

When Paul falls hard for Noah, he thinks he has found his one true love, but when Noah walks out of his life, Paul has to find a way to get him back and make everything right once more.

[drakkensystem]

While these are all excellent points, I would like to point out that part of the "as teens boomers were anti authority but now they're pro authority" is survivor bias

Basically an entire generation of queer people that age died in the aids crisis. A lot of activists were killed, either directly through police violence or indirectly through things like economic hardship.

Most of the boomers who are both still alive and politically active are able to do so because they were born into the upper-middle class or higher and/or have always had conservative views.

How many homeless boomers are actually progressive, but because they have little voice, no one knows? How many gay boomers would be allies to the trans community if they had survived?

I say all of this to remind us all: it's not a generational conflict, it's a class war

And yes, it is important to create intergenerational relationships. I say this as someone in my early 30s who has befriended people 10+ years younger than me, so I know first hand how valuable it is. They have no concept of a world where the Internet isn't always at your fingertips, just as I have no concept of a world where active shooter drills at schools are the norm, or one where every student gets a chromebook for school for every academic class. Without my friendship with people significantly younger than me, I would be losing all perspective on how teenagers/young adults see and experience the world.

And, maybe it's bc we're all autistic and bonded over a shared hyperfixation, but it wasn't even that hard. When I first met my online friends, I had no idea how old any of them were so kinda assumed most of them were close to my age, and just. Treated them like people. Over time I learned they were significantly younger than me, but by that point we were already friends.

Kinda got off topic but anyway.

Tldr: intergenerational friendships are important, but don't let survivor bias fool you into thinking this is a generational conflict; it's a class war.

the whole “i used to be a teen who hated authority only to grow up to become the authority that hates teens” is a bad bad thing that practically every other generation has fallen into and we all need to make an extremely conscious effort not to repeat the fucking pattern

[nadir-writes]

I'm Skykid Nadir (nay-deer), but I also go by Siliv Lexington on Pinterest! I'm Autistic and LGBT+. My pronouns are she/they. I am currently studying anthropology/archaeology, but also enjoy creative writing! This is my side blog for creative writing. For Sky fandom content, see skykid-nadir. For my other fandoms see fangirl-nadir! Likes and follows will come from my main account, Skykid Nadir.

My Carrd: https://skykidnadir.carrd.co/

I might be open for some light roleplaying or character asks!

For a list of my works and OCs, see below the cut (WIP):

Original Novels

Godborn Trilogy: YA fantasy series about a group of teens caught up in a war between the Gods of their world.

Steampunk Novel: Follows the crew of an airship as they navigate a magical world with the aid of a precious relic.

Wolfkin: A princess, her Wolfkin guard, and their Healer friend rally an army to oust a rival kingdom from their land.

Wolfbane: A prequel to Wolfkin, establishes the kingdom's history and tells the story of the first Healer.

Untitled Fantasy Series: The plot of this one is pretty loose; there's a magical school portion and a portion following the nation's army.

Talent: A reluctant mage's apprentice accidentally unleashes a demon army and must atone for his mistakes.

Princess Tara: A rebellious princess discovers that her home isn't the paradise she thought.

Myna: A witch struggles with the murder of her family and must learn how to forgive.

My NaNoWriMo Project: After discovering that he is adopted, a young boy accompanies a talking cat to find his birth parents and figure out why they gave him up.

Marian of Sherwood: An LGBT+ Robin Hood retelling from the perspective of Maid Marian.

Three Kingdoms: When an ethereal enemy threatens the world, three rival kingdoms must unite to save humanity.

Elaxi: The story of an assassin questioning her cause.

Still in Development

King Arthur retelling: Set in the same world as Marian of Sherwood, this is a retelling of the King Arthur myths.

War: A genetically enhanced soldier learns how to be a human.

Mage: A man and his adoptive son must mend their damaged bond when a sorcerer threatens their home.

D&D Adventure: A crew of misfits meet in a bar.

Superhero: Fairly standard super hero fare.

Ghibli Aesthetic: Follows two brothers and their robot as they travel across a vast, magical world.

Forbidden: The son of a billionaire falls in love with a rock star.

Dracoventh Chronicles: A world where dragons are bonded with a Drakoventh and use them to communicate with mortals.

Industrial Fantasy: A farmer falls in love with a deaf boy who turns out to be a witch.

Fan Fiction

Sky COTL: Follows the misadventures of my three OCs; Apocrypha, Nadir, and Tahti.

Warrior Cats: Tells of the conflicts between Emberclan, Stormclan, and Ironclan.

RWBY: The adventures of the rag-tag Team EBNI(S)!

Journey: A jaded wayfarer is tasked with guarding her tribe's Elder on a pilgrimage across the desert.

Hollow Knight: My own take on the game's story.

Moomin: The same lovable characters but slightly older!

Skyrim: What if the Dragonborn was a child?

Short Stories/Novellas

King's Staff:

Warring Kingdoms:

Talent Short Stories:

Fire and Ice:

Nim:

Crown:

Traitor:

Cosmere Knockoff:

Selkie:

Selkie Sequel:

Chosen One:

Lost Prince:

Beacon Nine:

Home:

Return:

Dragon Princess:

I have OCs for

Sky: COTL

Journey

Warriors

Hollow Knight

RWBY

The Arcana

Star Wars

Stormlight Archives

Harry Potter

Misc

[noisycowboyglitter]

Exploring the Fascinating World of Different Horse Breeds

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Coat colors and patterns contribute significantly to equine diversity. From solid colors like bay, chestnut, and black to more complex patterns such as pinto, appaloosa, and dun, the variations are nearly endless. Some rare colors, like the metallic-looking silver dapple, add to the fascination of horse enthusiasts.

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Each breed's history reflects human culture and needs, from the war horses of medieval Europe to the nimble cow ponies of the American West. Today, horses continue to serve various roles, from competitive sports and therapy animals to beloved companions.

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Autism gifts for teens are thoughtfully chosen items designed to support and engage adolescents on the autism spectrum. These gifts often cater to sensory needs, special interests, and skills development. Popular options include noise-cancelling headphones for auditory sensitivity, weighted blankets for comfort, and fidget toys for stress relief. Tech-savvy teens might appreciate tablets or smartwatches with organizational apps. Special interest-related gifts, such as books, collectibles, or hobby kits, can be particularly meaningful. Social skills games or interactive video games can promote social engagement. Sensory-friendly clothing or accessories may provide comfort. Educational tools that align with their interests can be both fun and beneficial. When selecting gifts, it's crucial to consider the individual teen's preferences, sensitivities, and unique needs, as autism presents differently in each person.

[madpunk-crip]

a pet peeve of mine is able bodied neurodivergent ppl disparaging the term "invisibly disabled" bc it doesn't describe their experiences. and like. invisibly disabled is meant to refer to physically disabled people! people with chronic pain or fatigue or illness or whatever who have physical limitations but who don't use visible aids. so yeah, of course it's not a term that applies to mental disabilities! it was never meant to!