#autism communication gifts for adults

[noisycowboyglitter]

Huggable Baby Bear Plushie - Makes a Heartwarming Gift for New Parents

A baby bear, also known as a cub, is a young bear typically under one year old. These adorable creatures are born small, helpless, and with closed eyes, weighing only about a pound. As they grow, baby bears develop into playful, curious, and sometimes mischievous animals that capture the hearts of many.

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Cubs are dependent on their mothers for the first year of life, learning essential survival skills such as foraging, hunting, and navigating their environment. They often have soft, fluffy fur that provides insulation and camouflage in their natural habitats.

Baby bears are known for their endearing behaviors, including wrestling with siblings, climbing trees, and exploring their surroundings with boundless energy. Their appearance in children's literature, such as "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," has cemented their place in popular culture as symbols of innocence and wonder.

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While undeniably cute, it's important to remember that baby bears are wild animals. In nature, they face numerous challenges, including predators and environmental hazards, as they grow into adult bears capable of surviving independently in their ecosystems.

Autism Awareness promotes understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It aims to educate the public about the diverse experiences of autistic individuals, their strengths, and challenges. The movement emphasizes early diagnosis, appropriate support, and inclusion in society. It encourages recognition of neurodiversity and advocates for accommodations in education, employment, and community settings. Autism Awareness also focuses on dispelling myths, reducing stigma, and promoting research into causes and interventions. Ultimately, it seeks to create a more inclusive world where autistic individuals can thrive and reach their full potential.

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Choosing presents for adults with autism requires thoughtful consideration of their individual preferences and needs. Sensory-friendly items like weighted blankets, noise-cancelling headphones, or textured fidget toys can provide comfort. Gifts related to special interests, such as books, art supplies, or collectibles, are often well-received. Tech gadgets that assist with organization and communication may be appreciated. Consider practical items that promote independence, like cooking tools or personal care kits. Comfortable clothing or accessories can also make great gifts. Always prioritize the individual's specific interests and sensory preferences when selecting a present.

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[cripplecharacters]

Hi! So I’m writing a non-verbal autistic toddler. I wanted to ask about large stereotypes I should avoid? Part of my writing him is making him have some of my experiences (such as the “gifted kid”) but also some of the experiences of other autistic individuals such as being put into therapy as children and being raised by parents who were given terrible coping skills or just adults with terrible coping mechanisms for the child )such as restraining them when they have a meltdown). I’m not sure if there’s anything I should be avoiding but I don’t want to make a mistake and end up never writing an autistic or disabled child in general

Hi asker,

I want to start off with a note about stereotypes about autism, specifically. Some people will tell you to avoid 'stereotypical' portrayals of autism, like intellectually disabled autistic people, or ones who can't have jobs, or ones who stand 'weird,' or ones who are very obviously visibly disabled, or ones who need caregivers, or ones with no empathy. What I want to say about this is that there are autistic people who are these things, maybe all of them even. And that's fine. It's one thing to say "don't write every autistic character this way, which is true – the experiences of people with autism are very, very varied, and not a monolith. But it is another to say "Never write an autistic character who [insert common characteristic of autism here]," because that's harmful and disingenuous, and often just done as a way to distance oneself from those more affected by their disability.

Now that I'm off my soapbox, onto your actual question.

One stereotype I would urge you to avoid is "Everyone around them sees their autism as negative and no one supports this kid how they are." Does this happen in real life? Unfortunately, yes. Do we already have enough of this in stories? Also yes. The kid's parents can have bad coping skills. They can put them into various therapies to try and help or maybe even to try and make them more typical, not just to help them gain skills and get support, because that happens. But I would urge you to include at least one or two aspects of their autism that their parents appreciate and support. Maybe they stim with the kid, or maybe they really truly find it endearing how much their kid likes lining things up, or maybe they're really determined to get their kid an AAC device because they're okay with their kid being nonverbal and just want them to be able to communicate in the best way possible.

Another thing I would ask you to consider is: when it comes to referencing terrible coping mechanisms that are actually harmful, like dangerous modes of restraints, it's important that if you are going to be depicting them in the first place, you make sure it's not posed as a good idea – this is the kind of thing that can kill people. When Sia's Music came out, the character gets put in a dangerous restraint and within the movie it's posed as the right thing to do when it is actually potentially deadly. No one in the making of the movie condemned it outside of the movie's canon, either. That's dangerous.

Also, how old is your toddler character? Were they diagnosed recently, or is it more like the character is almost 5 and they were diagnosed at 18 months? Parents will deal with a diagnosis a little differently when they just get it as opposed to when they have had a little more experience with it, and have gotten to know more about why their kid does what they do.

Lastly, something I'd ask you to avoid as well is for the autistic character to be nothing more than a plot device to make others look good (or bad). Now of course I don't know your story, but even if the toddler character is a minor character, they should have a little to do in the story that isn't just be there for others to look like better or worse people. They can have scenes with other characters that help progress the story forward, even if it's just a scene or two. This really depends on your story and plot, though, so you have a lot of leeway.

Hope this helps!

– mod sparrow

[anonymouspuzzler]

you know what? fuck you (heartbreak gulch's my own guys)

(@heartbreakgulch courtesy of the inimitable @strangegutz & collaborators, also miscellaneous Thoughts under the cut bc it's my blog no one can stop me the doors have closed behind you)

HEARTBREAKER BULKHEAD:

Probably does not have superpowers anymore but still came from a family of considerable influence and was under pressure to inherit, pressure which he very much Broke Under.

Turned to a life of crime, definitely got in over his head with it, and essentially got rescued by Eddie, who he is Utterly Obsessed With And Heartsick For.

Has spent literal years as one of Eddie's attack dogs and generally jumping through hoops for him for Whatever Scraps Of Affection He Can Get, though he's still kind of squeamish around Literal Murder and thus tends to be assigned to supply runs and such most of the time.

Amateur mechanic and car enthusiast. Probably did a lot of McGyver-ass fixes around the Gulch-slash-generally assisted Ami til Davey was recruited.

Speaking of, was still the guy who recruited-slash-rescued Davey. They fell for each other hard and are in a committed relationship now, which has helped Buck take a little bit of a healthier step back with whatever the hell he and Eddie have going on (and helped him be a little less jealous and curmudgeonly about the Hot Young Things In Town, ie Zeki and Felix).

Absolutely not prepared to be a guardian to Minnie which has led his and Eddie's whole Relationship to enter a fun new stage of "hey man can I ask you for parenting advice nothing weird"

HEARTBREAKER DYNAMO:

Pretty similar backstory to the Villain-Coded version. Civilian turned criminal, lost his arm when he got in over his head on a job and Buck rescued him.

Has a bunch of different prosthetics he swaps out for different purposes, ie. one for combat, one to use for mechanic work, a kinda general use/everyday one, etc. That said, he goes without a lot to make sure he's prepared for a situation where he doesn't have access/one breaks or fails on a job/etc.

An alarmingly good recruit; I feel like originally Eddie kind of let him stick around as a kind of "gift" to Buck, but now that he's actually got him on jobs he's become a real rising star. Real good in a scrap and is a little more flexible with his moral lines in the sand compared to Buck. Outside of that he works with Ami a lot doing mechanics and repairs - probably interested in learning CompanDroid maintenance/repair but figures it'd be skeevy for him to push that point too much.

He and Eddie have a complicated relationship I think. They'd be kinda suspicious/distrusting of each other but also have a LOT of similarities and work really well together. To say nothing of their respective relationships with Buck.

I don't think he's Trying to Uncle the younger recruits in the Gulch but he definitely Does. He likes White a lot. He and Ami would also definitely get along really well. He is being The Bigger Man and Mature Adult and not giving Felix a wedgie no matter how badly he wants to

HEARTBREAKER(?) MINNIE:

From the same family of prominence as Buck and is currently very much on the run after a failed attempt to kill her own dad.

Extremely a city kid and is Not necessarily adapting well to Middle Of Nowhere Self Sustained Living.

Knew Of Buck but never met him before this so his whole Life and Little Criminal Commune featuring Multiple Guys He's Got SOMETHING Going On With is. it's a lot

Would like to do some crime actually but is A) still a little traumatized and adjusting to the whole Situation and B) 13 Whole Real Human Years Old.

Fascinated by Zeki's whole deal and his work but I think they would absolutely bring out the worst in each other they would fight so much. Autism to autism hostility

Having a very complicated response to White and Ami wherein she thinks they're SO cool but interacting with them at any length would make her realize Things About Herself that she's not consciously ready to confront so just like. Imagine being White and looking over your shoulder and that 13 year old is just Intensely Staring At You Unblinking from around a corner and as soon as she realizes you've seen her she turns around and runs off as fast as she can directly into a wall

Zarita absolutely hitting that Cool Just Slightly Older Kid niche for her.

[confessions-official]

I hate how people act like autism is just being a little quirky or silly. I’m not the gifted child autistic. I have fucking dyscalculia which means I will never be able to work because every job that isn’t flipping burgers at McFuckass requires you to be able to do advanced mathematics. It means I can’t go to even community college no matter my major and will be stuck fully dependent on my mother for life and never be allowed to handle money or be treated like an adult.

I can’t date or make friends because my stupidity is the butt of every joke and my own boyfriend said he felt responsible for me so I broke up with him so he could be with someone who isn’t a brain dead manchild with no future.

I wanted to make something of myself but at the end of the day all I’ll ever be is a dumb broke manchild who burdens everyone around him and can’t do anything. I wanted so much more from life than just rotting away in my mother’s house in isolation.

I hope I die soon because I don’t know how to be happy living like this.

 

[my-autism-adhd-blog]

Hello lovely,

What are the pros and cons of pursuing a diagnosis?

I think I have autism (32 on the AQ, 139 on the CAT-Q, 157 on the RAADS-R, and 133 on the Aspie Quiz v5) but I'm a very high-masking gifted/honors/AP girl and I worry it will have more cons bc of poor societal acceptance then it will have pros : (

I mentioned my concerns to my primary care doctor and she really quickly dismissed them (I didn't mention the tests I did, just that I had a lot of traits/issues typical of autism) and I'm worried that trying to get help or anything will be a long hard uphill battle. Fortunately I am getting seen for sleep issues soon which are my worst problem but yeah

Thanks for your counsel

- 💙🌹

Hi there,

There are many pros and cons when it comes to getting an autism diagnosis. Here’s some from helpfulminds.co.uk

Advantages of Adult Autism Diagnosis:

1. Self-understanding and identity: Receiving an autism diagnosis as an adult can provide a profound sense of self-understanding. It validates personal experiences and challenges, helping individuals make sense of their differences. It offers a framework through which they can explore their unique strengths, interests, and areas of difficulty, leading to greater self-acceptance and personal growth.

2. Access to appropriate support and accommodations: An adult autism diagnosis opens doors to various resources and support services. It enables individuals to access specialised therapies, counselling, and tailored interventions. It may also qualify them for workplace accommodations, such as flexible schedules, task modifications, or a supportive work environment. These support systems can enhance well-being, foster independence, and improve overall quality of life.

3. Connection and community: Obtaining an autism diagnosis can provide a pathway to connecting with others who share similar experiences. Joining support groups, online communities or participating in autism advocacy networks can foster a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation. These connections often offer invaluable emotional support, shared experiences, and practical advice.

4. Enhanced relationships and communication: Understanding one’s autistic traits can lead to improved personal and professional relationships. It helps individuals communicate their needs and preferences effectively, reducing misunderstandings and promoting better understanding among friends, family members, and colleagues. With increased self-awareness, individuals can build stronger connections and cultivate healthier interactions.

Disadvantages of Adult Autism Diagnosis:

1. Emotional impact: Receiving an autism diagnosis as an adult can trigger a range of emotions, including relief, validation, but also grief or regret. Some individuals may experience a sense of loss for the opportunities they feel they missed or the difficulties they faced due to a lack of understanding. The process can be emotionally challenging and require support to navigate.

2. Stigma and societal perceptions: Unfortunately, despite growing awareness, Autism is still surrounded by stigma and misconceptions. Disclosure of an adult autism diagnosis can lead to potential discrimination, prejudice, or social exclusion. Society’s limited understanding of Autism may hinder employment, education, or social integration opportunities. This lack of acceptance emphasises the need for broader awareness and education.

3. Limited diagnostic resources and accessibility: Obtaining an autism diagnosis as an adult can be challenging due to limited diagnostic resources and professionals specialising in adult assessments. Waiting times and financial constraints may present significant barriers for those seeking a diagnosis. This lack of accessibility may lead to delayed self-understanding and hinder access to vital support services.

Seeking an autism diagnosis as an adult has advantages and disadvantages. While the diagnosis can offer self-understanding, access to support, and a sense of community, it may also evoke complex emotions and expose individuals to societal stigma. It is important to weigh these factors and consider personal circumstances before pursuing a diagnosis. Regardless of whether one receives an official diagnosis, fostering acceptance and embracing neurodiversity can contribute to a more inclusive and understanding society.

The full article will be below. There are even more pros and cons, so those are just examples. I recommend researching for more to make up your mind.

I hope this helps. Thank you for the inbox. I hope you have a wonderful day/night. ♥️

[kabillieu]

When my big kid was first diagnosed, one thing that upset me was that I thought in order to properly advocate for him I had to turn into a mama bear adversarial type of person with an encyclopedic knowledge of his diagnoses. I thought I would have to become a completely different person who rearranged my life around his therapies and doctors appointments and education. I did not want to be this person. I still don't. But that was the only model I could find for an "autism parent." If I did anything differently or if I was less intense about interventions, I felt like I would fail him.

Well, for better or worse, I could not be that person even if I wanted to. I am better at communicating with teachers and administrators now, but I am not a "mama bear" about it. While he did do speech and physical therapy for a while, we chose not to do ABA (which is the standard intensive autism therapy) because it never made sense with regards to how he is personally affected by autism. And then it turns out, among actually autistic adults, there is a lot of skepticism about how helpful ABA is. A lot of people find it abusive, in fact.

The only way I have changed because of my son's autism diagnosis is that I am a much more empathetic person now, with an expansive view of human social behavior. I see neurodiversity everywhere, and I think it is a wonderful thing that we are all so different and quirky as human beings, that we all bring different talents and gifts to the table of humanity. I believe in adaptive devices and supports. I believe in giving others the benefit of the doubt when they express truths about themselves. I believe that the way people experience the world is varied and complex, and that not only is that okay, it's natural and good.

I have a lot more empathy for myself. I used to think I had a lot of faults: a poor memory, poor spacial perception, an inability to articulate my thoughts when under stress, shyness, anxiety, etc. Now I see those traits through a lens of neurodiversity. My brain works differently than other people's, and that's okay because--while I don't have great recall for facts or statistics--I am a deep and curious thinker who is often perceptive and able to make thoughtful connections across various subject matter. I can write very beautiful poetry. I can be a kind person. I am emotionally intelligent.

Anyway, I tell myself mean things sometimes, I can't help it. But being the mother of a neurodivergent child has deepened my understanding of the world instead of hardened me to it, and for that I'm grateful.

[monsterfucker-lisa-swallows]

i need your buffy autism essay PLEASE 🙏🙏🙏🙏

okay prefacing this by saying this isn't my exhaustive thought on the matter but i just got home from work and watched 3x01 and 3x02 for the millionth time but that gave me many thoughts

so imo reading buffy herself as autistic is probably the least interesting take to me, though arguments FOR SURE can be made for her and cordelia taking the common autism girlie route of getting super into hair and makeup to make masking easier (also cordelia is very blunt and no one in buffy talks like an nt)

so buffy as an autism metaphor functions very similar to the intended queer metaphor but works on additional layers. buffy is alienated by this big secret that she keeps, one that sets her apart from other people and gives her an additional burden. buffy's "gift" is both something that actively keeps her from functioning in normal life (leading to social impairments) and gives her additional skills and responsibilities. when buffy steps out of line or experiences adverse emotions due to her traumas, everyone steps up to tell her that she's gifted and should act her age and be responsible. she is not allowed to just be a kid, but will not gain the sort of skills required to be a functional adult. her school career suffers because she can't keep up with classes, even though she's very bright there is always some function of her slayerness that keeps her out of classes (this was, indeed, my school experience as well).

her parents cannot understand her. joyce tries, but her attempts to parent buffy as if she's a normal child with normal problems always backfires. hank summers doesn't do much of anything at all. as a child with a clueless mother and an absent father, i related extremely to the little glimpse we got of buffy's parents arguing about her before their divorce. "you just can't discipline her" is a thing i'm sure many autistic kids grow up hearing their unsupportive parent say many times before eventual abandonment. parental disappointment is common, and parental abandonment is unfortunately extremely normalized by nts because they sympathize with parents who want nothing to do with our "challenging behavior". my stepfather was very like ted and i know many in our community had to deal with abuse very young while having everyone around them disbelieve.

buffy constantly asserts how normal she is. it's this tenuous mask that she holds onto, wanting to be like other girls and fit in. she feels this enormous pressure to fit a mold that she's not terribly good at fitting into, yet when these abilities are stripped from her in "helpless", she can't help but feel useless. robbed of not just her identity, but that which makes her useless to the people around her. this mimics autistic burnout in a very real way.

buffy struggled significantly in her relationships, drawn to men who were older and often treated her poorly. this is also an unfortunate pattern we have to deal with as a community.

buffy's struggles with school extend til she becomes a college drop out just as i did. even when she tries to reenter that environment, she finds herself out of her depth. (the whole time speeding up fiasco has happened to me before.)

idk if this is more of an autism experience or an older sister experience but being given a lot of expectations very young and then having to watch your younger sibling being babied is very relatable. so frustrating.

and let's not even talk about her career. everyone talks about buffy's potential, but no one talks about how her slayer traits keep her from achieving that potential. social impairment, isolation, trauma, as well as not exactly being on a normal circadian rhythm. her calling leaves her with less time in the day to make money, and when you mix this all together you get a recipe from shitty minimum wage jobs, like the one i have. she's not valued for the skills she has (the council didn't pay her after all), so she's forced to subsist on crumbs. the bills pile up and her depression just gets worse as she feels buried underneath all these responsibilities that she can't keep up with. it often feels like no one is helping, and when people get frustrated with her for being overwhelmed they end up leaving in order to "help" her. (also retail time loop is real i've experienced it many times even at my current job.)

many characters in btvs read as neurodivergent to me. willow and xander are adhd. fred, tara, anya, and my beloved oz are definitely autistic. like i said i'll take arguments for why or why not people feel buffy and cordelia are autistic, because i feel that's way more up for interpretation. but i find it interesting how many unique neurodivergence metaphors can be found in this work. willow has definite rejection dysphoria and her magic addiction can be likened to an adderall addiction that started as self medicating for enhanced performance (very similar to buffy's feelings of being useless without her slayer powers). fred was trapped in a hell dimension and when she came out she drew on the walls and stayed in the house and seemed a little childlike for a while until she figured things out. tara grew up under adverse circumstances while being punished for her unique traits, then slowly grew into her own once she embraced that part of herself. anya has been alive for thousands of years yet never learned how to successfully socialize in fluent human. oz is very protective of his friends but finds it hard to verbalize how he feels. he often feels like what he has to protect people from is a manifestation of himself.

(i can also go into buffybot and april but we all know how robot metaphors work by now. also this analysis brought to you by my meta about how illyria is a depression metaphor.)

i could go on and on. and it's after midnight, which means i have to go on patrol. but i feel like i gave you a picture of why i've felt like i doubly relate to this character as a queer autistic. it's this sort of feeling like i never fit in and was burdened with expectations i never asked for and always felt scapegoated when anything would go wrong. my biggest frustration with the show was that everyone turns everything into buffy's fault all the time when many times it's the other characters who caused buffy to react that way ("if you leave the house don't even think about coming back", or the Riley Situation). sometimes there was equal blame to be had, but people really always made it buffy's fault for everything. it just always felt so personal.

anyway she and peter parker should date

[liminevator]

#0808 - TraumaDear Empathetum

?? - Unlabeled and Sexless (It/They/He) - Monster - Phonian

Home Floor - Floor 108 "White Gardens"

TraumaDear is a very enigmatic denizen that none of us really know much about, it's mute and only communicates through writing or manipulating audio sources such as radios, speak-n-spells, or the elevator itself. They always speak of themselves in third person and any communication may be seen as a bit juvenile to some, as they seem to struggle forming complex sentences or communicating any of their own emotions easily. A psych evaluation was performed to try and gauge the possible source of this and did diagnose TraumaDear with autism spectrum disorder. There's nothing special requested by TraumaDear for people to do to accommodate him aside from just patience and kindness, stating he is an adult who can handle himself, but just needs a little help sometimes. It has been noted though that bright and/or flashing lights, plus loud and/or high pitched noises do cause TraumaDear noticeable distress, please be mindful of this and treat him with care if something happens.

Speaking of care, TraumaDear is known to be incredibly sweet and kind to others at every possible opportunity, even if they don't offer it the same in return, to an extent that it could even be considered stubborn sometimes. It seems to sense how people feel by reading their minds, and is drawn especially to people who are experiencing exceptional levels of distress or despair, doing whatever is in its power to help them feel better even if its only for a few moments, its favorite way to do this is by giving away flowers it picked from its home floor. Their favorite phrase to say to anybody whenever able to communicate it is "TraumaDear loves you."

Overall, TraumaDear is a genuine delight to have around on the elevator, be sure to always keep a little something with you as a gift for them just in case, I'm sure it would make his day.

-- -- --

Excess info:

D.O.B. - 03/21

Height - 8'8’‘ft / 264.16 cm

Weight - 173lbs / 78.5kg

Hair/Fur - N/A

Eye Color - Black

Distinct Marks - Has a dark black crack under his right eye, right eye does not move in sync with the left and seems to be almost blind on that side

Notable Abilities - Manipulation of any audio transmitting devices, psychic abilities with an unknown extent (is currently known to be capable of mind reading and some telekinesis.)

Soul - White (Love)

[noisycowboyglitter]

Holistic Speech Pathology Therapy for Optimal Communication

Speech Pathology Therapy, also known as Speech and Language Therapy, is a specialized field focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing communication and swallowing disorders in people of all ages. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work with a diverse range of clients, from children with developmental delays to adults recovering from stroke or brain injury.

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This therapy addresses various issues, including articulation problems, fluency disorders like stuttering, voice disorders, and language disorders affecting comprehension or expression. SLPs also work with individuals who have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or those using alternative communication methods.

Treatment approaches are tailored to each client's needs and may involve exercises to strengthen oral muscles, language intervention activities, articulation therapy, and the use of technology-based tools. For children, therapy often incorporates play-based activities to make sessions engaging and effective.

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Speech pathology therapy not only improves communication skills but can also enhance quality of life, self-esteem, and social interactions. It plays a crucial role in educational settings, healthcare facilities, and private practices, supporting individuals in achieving their communication goals and overcoming challenges related to speech, language, and swallowing.

Autism Awareness Month, observed annually in April, is a dedicated time to increase understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This month-long observance aims to educate the public about the challenges faced by individuals with autism and their families, while also celebrating their unique strengths and contributions.

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During this time, organizations, schools, and communities host events, workshops, and campaigns to raise awareness. These activities often focus on promoting inclusion, addressing misconceptions, and highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and intervention.

Autism Awareness Month also serves as a platform for self-advocates to share their experiences and perspectives. It emphasizes the need for support services, research funding, and policies that improve the lives of those affected by autism.

The puzzle piece ribbon and the color blue are often used as symbols during this month to represent autism awareness.

Gifts for people with autism should be thoughtfully chosen to match their individual preferences and needs. Sensory items like weighted blankets, fidget toys, or noise-canceling headphones can provide comfort and stress relief. For those with special interests, books,

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collectibles, or experiences related to their favorite subjects are often appreciated. Practical gifts that support independence, such as organizational tools or adaptive gadgets, can be helpful. Tech devices with autism-specific apps or features may enhance communication and daily living skills. Always consider the person's sensory sensitivities and unique interests when selecting a gift to ensure it's both enjoyable and beneficial.

[hiiragi7]

A lot of you have such a black-and-white worldview that you take anyone else's experiences as a direct attack on your own.

No, a DID diagnosis is not inherently a death sentence - But to say that a DID diagnosis cannot ever affect your ability to adopt, get accepted for a job, or anything else is false.

Yes, even if it's illegal to discriminate against someone on the basis of a disability. It happens anyway.

I have been seeing a lot of people saying "I just don't tell them I have DID and it's fine" - Have you ever considered not all of us are functional enough to have the choice to hide it like that?

I do not have direct personal experience with DID specifically affecting my ability to get work or adopt or get into a good school, because I was diagnosed as an adult and have never been employed or interested in adoption - I am too sick to even leave my bed most days.

I do, however, have direct experience with systemic discrimination on the basis of having an autism diagnosis since the age of 6.

Certain schools would not accept us or would make us move schools because they saw autism and did not want to deal with "a kid like that". Our very first school kept suspending us and sending us home and punishing us and refusing to follow our learning plan and eventually just told our parents to move us elsewhere. This was first grade.

Growing up, our autism diagnosis was what justified abuse, which they called "treatment".

It was also used as a tool to question our ability to do things, communicate, and know what we want.

Our autism diagnosis generally either meant we could not possibly make our own decisions or it was played up for the entertainment and feel-good of neurotypicals.

We ended up in news articles and events occasionally as a little kid. They all focused on our autism. Do you know what a big deal it is to neurotypicals when a kid "like that" can deliver a speech to hundreds of people? You end up being the talk of everyone, you're an inspiring story for "overcoming" this "disease" they called autism.

And yet they still will be cautious accepting you into whatever school you wanted to go to because they doubt your abilities and believe your parents must have faked your writing to sound as cohesive and well-written as it did when you applied. We were gifted in english. But we were autistic.

And then they turn around again and use you as good PR.

Your first introduction anywhere you go is "This is X, they have autism!"

"Look at what good people we are for accepting such a child into our program!"

And then they turn around again and mistreat you for that very thing they will publicly brag about.

They will also see your diagnosis and want to use you for free or reduced labor cost. I do not remember anything about this relating to us, but kmow for a fact this did happen to many of our fellow SPED kids in highschool - They'd have programs to employ autistic youth where they paid you solely in "work experience" and "social skills".

You do not get paid - You get "to learn life skills".

I also know of many programs where, while they technically pay you, they make use of disability laws that allow them to pay disabled people less than minimum wage. "They're all living with their parents anyway because they can't live on their own, so it's basically just like an allowance."

Even moving away from us for a moment, we have known people personally who had their ability to parent their child questioned in court because they had one or more mental health diagnoses on their papers.

Do you see what I'm getting at yet?

No, a DID diagnosis does not automatically mean you will be discriminated against on a systemic level and outcast from society - But to say it is not possible at all is to ignore a very massive and glaring ableism issue that is a very real lived reality for many, many people with DID and other disabilities.

It is not "misinformation", it is often not even "fear-mongering" to point this out.

We live in a shitty world - To tell someone with worries of getting a DID diagnosis that "That won't happen, don't worry!" in regards to discrimination is incredibly misleading.

No, do not say that an official DID diagnosis is some kind of monster that forever seals your fate as to how you'll be treated within society and that nobody should ever get diagnosed unless they plan to stay in an institution for the rest of their life or whatever. That's stupid.

But for the love of god please stop telling people that they will not be discriminated against just because you haven't been. You are brushing the experiences of the rest of us under the rug in doing this.

[d1rlin]

Time to discuss on my main/side page, what the hell is a special interest?

Did I make this because I'm petty and hate people fake claiming others because of the term special interest? Yes.

So let's talk about it,

So what is autism in a brief summary?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition involving persistent challenges with social communication, restricted interests and repetitive behavior. While autism is considered a lifelong disorder, the degree of impairment in functioning because of these challenges varies between individuals with autism.

Ethnicities such as a person of color, Asian, or other ethnicities may not present how a caucasian person would. A reason may be some non Caucasian's (a bodily white person) was taught it's okay to punish their children with physical punishments. And because of that some traits of autism such as autistic meltdowns may present in a different way and not in a way that you'd normally see it. Source and source

THIS DOSENT MEAN CAUCASIANS DO NOT GET PHYSICALLY PUNISHED. SOME DO. IT DEPENDS ON THE HOUSEHOLD AND WHAT THE PARENTS WERE TAUGHT

Brief description of types of interests. Source

Circumscribed Interest - an intense and restricted interest in objects or topics that often results in functional impairment.

Unusual Preoccupation — an intense interest in an object or topic that is unexpected for the child's age or development.

Atypical Attachment - an intense attachment to specific or unusual objects.

Moving on to the topic of discussion,

When we talk about special interests what do you think of? Trains, animals, maybe even math. And yes that is some others may have, but it's not limited to just those. Some people with autistic (not always the case but is pretty common) have those as a special interest. I know as a child I had a special interest of an owl. This would have me draw owls where ever and whenever, it was a favorite topic of mine. Much like how someone may enjoy rambling about certain shows, certain topics. These topics is to soothe the person in question, or to use as an award for good behavior. Think of it as you were gifted a golden sticker because you did well in class despite feeling overwhelmed and anxious, the sticker can provide an extra layer of praise and comfortability for the person.

When in school I know we had severely bad anger issues, which lead into fights, being explled and kicked out of school. However during that time a former in school the counselor gave me a stress toy that I took everywhere and had time where I needed time for myself. It was a way to cope with the stress that comes with my disorders including autism. Since I don't speak about having autism a ton, nor speak to a lot of people this may seem derange towards a normal person. But enough about me, let's go back to the academic sources rather than my rambling.

Neurotypical individuals also develop special interests, often in the form of hobbies. Although past research has focused on special interests held by children with autism spectrum disorder, little is known about their role in adulthood. The current study investigated differences in the content, number, and specificity of the special interests held by adult individuals with autism spectrum disorder and neurotypical individuals, using Internet discussion forums as a data source. Quantitative analysis of forum posts revealed significant differences between the diagnostic groups. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder reported having more interests in systemizing domains, more specific interests, and a greater number of interests overall than neurotypical individuals. Understanding special interests can lead to the development of educational and therapeutic programs that facilitate the acquirement of other important social and communication skills. Source

special interests are wrongly assumed to be obsessive. Even though persons with autism nay experience special interest as an 'addiction', they do not feel that they are unwanted or distressful (Baron-Cohen, 1989), as is the case in obsessive-compulsive conditions. Rather, they are a source of pleasure.

This poor understanding of the defining features of special interest is reflected by the fact that scholars use over 70 different term variants to describe such interests. By analysing the salience of these terms in 80 academic papers focussing on the subject, the author has found that 'special interests' is the most salient term, rather than 'circumscribed' and 'restricted' interests, or'obsessions'. The value of special interests to higher education becomes more clear when it is recognized that their defining features is an intrinsically motivation to know all there is to know about a subject without regard for the social or practical contexts in which it is embedded. In a rare study focussing on special interests in so-called 'high-functioning' adults, Aday (2011, p. 112) found that 85% of a sample of 150 reported one or more special interests; of this group, 90% pursued their interests) daily, and 35% for six hours a day. A larger and more recent study found that 65% of a sample of 687 adults with autism reported at least one special interest; 56% of the sample pursued their special interest(s) every day, for 0-2 hours by 31% and for 2-4 hours by 37% (Grove et. al., 2018, p. 4). Source

Some important information especially when it comes to mental health diagnosis'

Some people may opt to be self diagnosed because they were withheld of the acknowledgment they were diagnosed especially as an infant or child.

Does a parent have a right to receive a copy of psychotherapy notes about a child's mental health treatment?

No. The Privacy Rule distinguishes between mental health information in a mental health professional's private notes and that contained in the medical record. It does not provide a right of access to psychotherapy notes, which the Privacy Rule defines as notes recorded by a health care provider who is a mental health professional documenting or analyzing the contents of a conversation during a private counseling session or a group, joint, or family counseling session and that are separate from the rest of the patient's medical record. See 45 CFR

164.501. Psychotherapy notes are primarily for personal use by the treating professional and generally are not disclosed for other purposes. Thus, the Privacy Rule includes an exception to an individual's (or personal representative's) right of access for psychotherapy notes. See 45 CFR 164.524(a)(1)(i).

However, parents generally are the personal representatives of their minor child and, as such, are able to receive a copy of their child's mental health information contained in the medical record, including information about diagnosis, symptoms, treatment plans, etc.

Further, although the Privacy Rule does not provide a right

for a patient or personal representative to access psychotherapy notes regarding the patient, HIPAA generally gives providers discretion to disclose the individual's own protected health information (including psychotherapy notes) directly to the individual or the individual's personal representative. As any such disclosure is purely permissive under the Privacy Rule, mental health providers should consult applicable State law for any prohibitions or conditions before making such disclosures.

https://depts.washington.edu/bhdept/ethics-medicine/bioethics-topics/detail/82#:~:text=If%20the%20physician%20has%20some,justified%20to%20withhold%20truthful%20information.

Other recourses for autism and special interests

[stories-me]

Potential Character for Mrs. Kelsey and Tumblr 5/7/2024:

Adrian Monk, OCD Police Consultant:

Premise:

A genius police detective whose mental health issues were exacerbated by the death of his wife.

What he’s from: Monk.

Personality:

Monk is described as being “a modern day Sherlock Holmes”, only “nuts”. In the introductory scene of the episode, he is examining the scene of Nicole Vasques’ murder, and picks up several important clues, but frequently interrupts himself to wonder aloud whether he left his stove on when he left the house that morning. Monk has mentioned that he has 312 phobias. The strongest of these phobias are: germs, dentists, sharp or pointed objects, vomiting, death and dead things, snakes, crowds, heights, fear, mushrooms, soccer riots and small spaces. In addition, new phobias develop at seemingly random intervals, such as a temporary fear of blankets. Though it is impossible to determine his strongest phobia, there does appear to be some form of hierarchy between them: It has been made clear that his fear of vomiting is greater than his fear of death. He has also stated, “Snakes trump heights!”.

Monk’s phobias and anxiety disorders make him depend on personal assistants, who drive him around, do his shopping, and always carry a supply of wipes for his use. They also take active roles in organizing his consultancy work, and sometimes investigate cases themselves. 

He strongly prefers familiarity and rigorous structure in his activities. While his obsessive attention to minute detail cripples him socially, it makes him a gifted detective and profiler. He has a photographic memory, and can reconstruct entire crime scenes based on little more than scraps of detail that seem unimportant to his colleagues. His trademark method of examining a crime scene that helps him solve cases involves him wandering around seemingly aimlessly gathering information and putting things together in a way that people don't get.

Monk’s delicate mental condition means that his ability to function can be severely impaired by a variety of factors.

Over the course of the show, Monk overcomes many of his phobias and some aspects of his OCD. Though he has not been cured of many of them, if any at all, he has been able to put them in the back of his mind when involved in casework.

How he is like me:

We both have a good support group. We also are learning and growing in a world that’s hard to understand for us. Full of things that are hard to understand, sometimes. Things like why are some people are so frustrating to be around? Why is the world so frustrating, sometimes? Why do some people at Inspire grate on my brain?

Kelsey Notes:

For some adults, independence means moving away from family and supporting yourself financially

For individuals with autism this isn’t always the case and having a support system to help you navigate the community and life situations are always needed for you to maintain a level of independence and that’s ok

Sometimes your support systems is important because they remind you that your frustrations and anxieties are more fixations that your brain has more difficulty moving away from

Monk is a great example of how support systems are necessary to help you be independent even tho the idea of having someone by your side doesn’t “look like” independence in someone else’s eyes

Monk’s brain differences makes him a great detective because he is able to see things and details that other people might dismiss as unimportant

Monk is able to improve throughout the series because he contributes to the team at his job, his input is valued

Being valued and having a job that gives him a sense of purpose is what helps Monk overcome some of his challenges

[higheverweave]

Open Autistic cultural spaces to join

{Hi friends I am an early dxed autistic (2005ish)

Ive grown up here and I am opening spaces on discord to try to provide support and adult autism spaces from early dxers To those who are self diagnosed ,recently diagnosed ,later diagnosed etc (Autdhders also welcome.)

Im am going to be posting worksheets to help you identify some of the things that are harder to sort through

Sensory ,regulation things ,special interests and autistic specific life hacks etc..

Also posting some spaces for 2E and twice exceptional folks

2E meaning having a disability that effects your learning and being assigned gifted intelligence labels from those outside disabled spaces. (Self identification welcome here too!)

[neurodiversityisamazing]

Autism and ADHD Coaching

Hello,

I wanted to reach out to the Tumblr ADHD and/or Autism community to let you know I am offering Neurodiversity coaching for adults. I am offering virtual meetings, with short initial meetings to see if we are a good fit and if you think continuing the sessions would be interesting or helpful for you.

First session = 30min session for $15

The $15 will be asked at the end of the consultation, contingent on your satisfaction.

If you wish to continue to more sessions we can discuss timing that you feel fit your specific needs. In general, my rate will be $30 for 1 hour sessions.

So, if you are interested in:

getting guidance on whether you might have ADHD or Autism, and if you are interested in pursuing an official diagnosis, what that can mean and how to go about it through official channels

learning ways to work WITH your brain instead of against it

just want someone to listen who understands what it's like to be neurodivergent in a neurotypical world

show you new ways of looking at mental health

help you identify your gifts and talents

Please text me at 215-450-5814 if you have additional questions or to set up a session time!

Or please visit my website at brainhacking.org

Things of note:

I am not an official doctor or a liscense, I CAN NOT give you any official diagnosis or access to medication

I am neurodiverse myself (both Autism and ADHD) and while I was assigned female at birth I consider myself agender

I am a scientist and have a degree in Neuroscience with specialties in Neurodevelopment and Psychiatry

I believe strongly in improving quality of life and not cure research

I am an expert in neurodiversity and do a lot of neuroadvocacy work to the point I am considering achieving the degrees needed to make this kind of coaching official

I am currently working on creation of new scales that address ACTUAL symptoms of ADHD/ASD/C-PTSD instead of the white male child in a classroom focus they have in the DSM. I excel in AFAB symptoms or atypical male symptom presentation.

Something of additional note.... I have 2 friendly cats, one of which is a 4-month old kitten and both are likely to cameo during calls.

Mentioning this for no particular reason ;)

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

🦇 Tilly in Technicolor Book Review 🦇

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

❝ "Like a crystal prism. You absorb the world around you but somehow release this brilliant spectrum of colors through your words that people see themselves in. It's a gift." ❞

❓ #QOTD What would you name your signature nail polish color? (Shatter the Stars purple or The Blood of My Enemies red for me)❓ 🦇 Tilly Twomley is a chaotic rainbow, while Oliver Clark is a constant midnight sky. When they're seated beside one another on a flight to London, even the smallest interactions--from taking their seats to ketchup explosions--seem to end in disaster. They have no clue they'll be working together all summer, interning for Tilly's sister's nail polish start-up. Between Tilly's ADHD and Oliver's autism, their different ways of communicating and seeing the world tend to clash...while bringing them together, too.

💜 The books that take me by surprise are always the most difficult to review. Mazey Eddings' YA debut is a stunning exploration of two neurodivergent minds; a story only Eddings could have written, as she was diagnosed with both ADHD and autism herself. It's evident in the internal dialogue, which grants readers vivid insight into both beautifully unique minds. Tilly is a relatable young adult with no idea how she fits in the world with her mind's unique wiring, while Ollie is eager to design a future for himself, despite his inability to process situations at times. Tilly's boundless energy and mood swings clash with Ollie's preference for familiarity and control. Their differences create the perfect opposites attract romance with beautiful neurodivergent representation from someone who understands both mindsets personally. The chapter titles are fun, the character growth is natural, and the supporting cast brings depth to both Tilly and Ollie's worlds. Tilly in Technicolor is hopeful, charming, and heartwarming all at once; a full spectrum of emotion we don't get often enough.

🦇 I could praise this book for ages, but it does have an unsteady start. Despite the delicious slow burn, the transition from coworkers to friends to lovers wasn't as smooth as I would have liked. I also think the tense relationship between Tilly and her mother was resolved too easily. As someone with parents who "want what's best" but can't empathize with certain conditions (in my case, depression and anxiety), Tilly's mother's sudden acceptance felt too abrupt. The ending felt abrupt as well; this was one of the few times I would have appreciated an epilogue.

🦇 Recommended to any YA lovers looking for a beautiful, unique coming-of-age story. Though it certainly has its fluffy moments, the story is also real and raw; a must-read. (I do think we should categorize this as New Adult, though.)

✨ The Vibes ✨ ❤️ Neurodiversity Rep (Autism & ADHD) 💜 YA Debut 💙 Meet Cute Disaster 🗼 Traveling Europe 💛 First-Person Dual POV 💚 Slow Burn 🤍 Forced Proximity

❝ "They don't have the right to make you feel uncomfortable to fit their ideas of what's proper." ❞

🦇 Major thanks to the author @mazeyeddings and publisher @stmartinspress / @wednesdaybooks for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley @netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. #TillyinTechnicolor

[talesfrommedinastation]

Let's Talk Neurodivergence and Relationships

(originally posted on Wattpad, but I figured Tumblr could use a version of this as well. I'd like to think this is fairly fandom blind, but if not, let me know)

Hi kids!

First and foremost, I am a cisgendered adult woman on the autism spectrum myself. I am considered very high functioning, as I can manage social situations and keep my stims under control, thanks to a lot of work of medication, caring occupational therapists, and other professionals who have gifted me tips and tricks to better function.  

With that being stated, throughout my life, I have struggled with peer to peer contact, prefer to be alone, have issues with especially loud or bright atmospheres, will info-dump, the works (Of course, Tech from The Bad Batch was going to quickly become my favorite! When it was confirmed that he was ASD, I cheered!).

(above) Tech No-Last-Name, all hail our neurodivergent king of snark and sass. 

With that being stated, in real life, I have been in a steady romantic relationship for over the last dozen years, to a neurotypical man. Half of those years, we have been married, and trust me, our marriage is successful by society's standards. We got the mortgage, the two cars, a few graduate degrees, our busy careers, and most joyfully, our wonderful children. 

It never ceases to amaze me: I am on the autism spectrum, and I have a stable, romantic partnership with a neurotypical individual who loves me for who I AM. 

Over the last few years, I've served on panels for ND individuals regarding relationships, dating, and starting families, so I feel as if I am especially qualified to discuss this subject, especially as a significant portion of my crossover piece between Star Wars and The Expanse, Far Past The Ring, does deal with intimate subjects. Be warned*.

(above) Dr. Sjael Drummer, who somehow can rock a fierce matte lip stain in the field? Art commissioned by the incredible @matthewyeetz. The character is mine.

While not the main part of the story, the intimate parts between Tech and Dr. Drummer are the match that's tossed on the proverbial dumpster that's been filled with gasoline and lighter fluid. Once the intimate parts of done, things get very action oriented and the romance is left in the freakin' dust for the most part.

In many ways, this part of 'Far Past the Ring' is a retelling of the love story closest to me, which is that of me and my husband. I should mention that he, in many ways, reminds me so much of Tech, even if I'm the ND individual in the marriage! 

So this is not fantasy, kids. This is, in many ways, the story of how my husband and I met. And how our relationship has worked since we met in graduate school. 

Here are some things that have made my marriage work so well (and that I'd like you to notice as you continue to read this story, even when things get complicated–because they are going to!): 

How to be in a relationship with an ND individual (including someone like Tech): 

Boundaries are your friend: I do not like being touched, grabbed, or suddenly hugged without communicating that I am okay with it. Touch for me can feel incredibly uncomfortable, even though my loved ones adore doing it as a sign of affection. People are unpredictable, and if a person has their hands on me, it fills me with anxiety. It literally makes me flinch, and in later episodes, when Tech is touched without his permission, it is upsetting for me to watch. If you notice, Sjael does not touch Tech unless she asks him permission first. She respects his personal bubble, and does not attempt to pop it unless asked. When she does–and she will, because mistakes happen–she apologizes. Both her and Tech are good at communicating due to their lines of work, and that leads me to...

Infodumping means I like you: Getting me (or many other ND individuals) to blabber on a subject I'm especially passionate about isn't difficult, but I will generally only do it with people I feel comfortable with. Take note that, after a bit, Tech absolutely dumps all sorts of information onto his team mates or others (look how excited he is to talk about droids at a moments' notice on Cid!). This eventually includes Sjael, who, whether it is her own experience in graduate school or coming from a family of eggheads, enjoys it. She never rolls her eyes or interrupts him--she genuinely likes what he has to say. If you can't handle an ND individual's verbal and intellectual passion about a subject, you may want to rethink the relationship. Speaking of which...

Communication is key: Tech loves to talk, but, if you've watched the latest season of 'The Bad Batch', you'll remember that intimate eye contact can be scary for him ('The Crossing' is the most glaring example), as it is for me and other individuals on the spectrum. Sjael, being a Belter from 'The Expanse', is used to talking from behind a mask or a helmet, so using hand gestures and signals, rather than direct eye contact, is not a big jump for her. Additionally, because of Belter culture, Sjael grew up being blunt, direct, and very expressive when need be, as life on the Belt is harsh and fast, and subtly is a luxury few can afford. This works well with Tech's neurodiversity, as Sjael's very emotive face and hands makes it easy for him to gather social cues when he's too exhausted otherwise. Take note of how often he stares at her eyebrows or mouth during the story, it's quite helpful for him. Being able to communicate--easy for a talker like Tech--is so important, as social cues might  be missed. 

Respect (it's not just a song): ND individuals may seem quirky, but have the same breadth, experience, and agency as anyone else. One of the first things Tech learns about Sjael is that she is a scientist and engineer, with a Ph.D in chemical engineering. He recognizes that she's someone who might be able to get toe-to-toe with him, without being belittling or mean. Sjael, meanwhile, learns that Tech is a soldier with multiple skills that outrank her own, especially in programming and mechanics. While he has quirks, she quickly sees his strength and intellect, making her see him as a peer (and a threat, but that's neither here nor there). There isn't just mutual attraction, but respect as well. Both are intellectual equals (Tech will not admit that, but it is true!), and genuinely are interested in not only learning with each other, but learning together. Sjael does not patronize him, instead viewing him as a person with different experiences and abilities. 

I hope this was helpful for understanding how these relationships can work.

One of the biggest issues I have seen with neurodiverse individuals is the concept of infantilizing them or subjecting them to romantic interests as a way to 'fix' them. Or by pushing boundaries, even when someone is uncomfortable. 

ND folks do not need to be fixed, they need to be loved and accepted for who they are, quirks and all. 

*= If you're a TechxPhee stan, props! I started writing this crossover back in February, before they became canon. And before other, well, more tragic things in March became canon as well :(.

But it's fairly obvious that Clone Force 99 wasn't going to run into the world of 'The Expanse' any time soon on the show, so consider this a branch of a lovely river that's going in a different direction :).