#the autism ad felt appropriate to keep in

[potsnpansies]

I have not read this series. @drivebypainter @ ed so might as well. Who is this man? Why do i want to push him into water?

I made a super short uquiz. find out what mxtx main character you are today

[fanficshiddles]

Irresistible, One Shot

This was a tough one! I hope you like it and hope I did it justice. mrslaufeyson002 submitted: If you are still accepting requests I was wondering about Loki and the characters name be Kiara but Kiara is autistic (idk if it’s appropriate to involve high functioning…idk it’s very difficult to describe since they classify all types of autism as just autism nowadays…even as an autistic person I have difficulty explaining it all). What I want though for the story is like it’s Kiara’s first time and Loki’s very considerate about her feelings and the fact that she’s autistic. If you want to add any kinks that can be your choice since I’m sure I’m already making it difficult adding autism into the character lol. I really love your work and if you have any questions pm me. Also one last request for Kiara is she be small like five foot lmao.

-

Loki smiled softly at Kiara as she shyly walked into the bedroom in the new sexy lingerie she had bought especially for this night.

Loki was sitting on the end of the bed in just his leather trousers, he reached a hand out towards her and she took it without hesitation. She trusted him so much, but she was still nervous about tonight.

They’d talked about it a lot during their time together as a couple. Loki knew how much she wanted it, but with her autism it had made her hesitant for multiple reasons. But Loki was in no rush and made it clear to her that he wasn’t, which had helped hugely.

Loki pulled her over between his legs and she draped her arms around his neck, she was smiling shyly and blushing as he slid his hands down her sides and gripped her hips.

‘Remember, if you feel you can’t use your words, tap me. Ok?’ Loki reached up and cupped her cheek with a warm, large palm.

Kiara nodded in response.

‘I’ve got a towel laid down for us, condom at the ready too.’ Loki grinned.

‘You’ve thought of everything.’ She said quietly with a giggle.

‘Of course. I know you don’t like mess, so we will keep it to a minimum.’ The God chuckled and pressed his forehead against hers, helping to calm her down.

Kiara loved skin on skin contact, she craved it. Especially from Loki, it always calmed her. If she was feeling anxious, she would reach for him every time. Just feeling his hands on her in some way.

But they had discovered in their time together that while she liked kissing him on the lips, she didn’t enjoy open mouth kissing. It freaked her out, the sharing of saliva and tongues touching like that, she just couldn’t cope with it. She had been upset and worried about not being able to do that for Loki, but he’d assured her it wasn’t an issue at all.

He had a feeling that bodily fluids leaking everywhere might make her uncomfortable too, hence why he planned for the towel underneath them. And use of a condom to try and keep as tidy as possible for her.

Loki slid his hands firmly up her back, making her skin break out in goosebumps from his touch. He pressed his lips against hers, keeping them there for a moment as he began taking off her lingerie.

‘So beautiful.’ He hummed as he tugged her knickers down her legs and he kissed the tip of her nose, then her forehead, making her giggle. She stepped out of her knickers and tried not to crumble to dust with how shy she felt. But Loki carefully lifted her up as he stood and he turned them around so he could lay her down on the bed and lean over the top of her.

Loki gently kissed her neck as he slipped his hand down between her legs. ‘Remember, if you feel uncomfortable about anything at any time, just let me know.’

‘I will.’ Kiara squeaked with a nod.

He smirked against her neck when he smoothed his fingers through her folds and found her starting to get aroused already.

‘Oh, petal. You’re already getting wet for me. Am I really that irresistible?’ He teased.

Kiara giggled and put her arms around his neck. ‘You know you are.’ She then let out a whimper as he took his time circling over her clit.

‘I’m looking forward to hearing more noises like that.’ He growled and his thumb took over teasing her clit so he could carefully test pushing a finger into her. And it went surprisingly smoothly.

His heart felt like it was going to burst, knowing she felt so relaxed and comfortable with him. That she trusted him so much.

Loki took his time fingering her, he couldn’t resist teasing her too. Working her up nicely and then when she was close to cumming, he backed off. Making her whine and squirm in need.

He chuckled and nuzzled her cheek. ‘Patience, love.’

‘You know I don’t have any patience!’ Kiara whined and slid her hands around him to stroke his muscular back.

‘That’s what makes this fun.’ He teased and growled against her neck as he stroked over her clit for a little longer, but not too fast or firmly so she couldn’t reach orgasm.

Kiara tried to get him back as she reached one hand down between them and started palming at his cock, making him groan and harden in his trousers.

‘Are you… Are you going to take off your trousers?’ She asked shyly after a whimper with the way he dipped his head down to suck at her nipples, surprising her a bit with how much she liked the feeling.

‘Do you want me to?’

‘Well, can’t really have sex with them on. Can we?’ She teased.

Loki chuckled and cupped her chin as he kissed her on the lips. ‘Touche.’

He reluctantly pulled away from her and stood up, but still on the bed just over her. He began humming a silly tune and attempted to do a strip tease for her, even crouching down to thrust his bulge at her face, making her laugh hysterically. He wanted to keep things light and goofy for her.

When he pulled his trousers off, he spun them around a bit and tossed them across the room, they landed on the dresser. She continued giggling as Loki lay down over the top of her again, she could feel his hard cock pressing against her abdomen.

Loki cupped her cheek and kissed her on the lips gently as he shifted himself between her legs and positioned himself at her entrance. He rubbed the tip up and down, making her gasp when he stroked over her clit.

‘Are you ready, sweetheart?’ Loki asked softly, nuzzling against her neck.

Kiara nodded, her heart was pounding in excitement and a little nerves too, she hoped she didn’t do anything wrong.

‘Are you sure?’ Loki asked as he ran his thumb along her lower lip.

‘I am.’ She nodded again.

Loki took great care with her, he took his time and slowly pushed into her while rubbing her clit, to keep everything as wet and easy as possible for her. He had to take deep breaths himself as she was so tight, slowly enveloping his cock, squeezing hard. It was difficult for him to keep slow and gentle.

She began a series of little pleasurable whimpers and moans, that was like music to his ears. He kept checking her face for any sign of discomfort or pain, but all he saw was pleasure.

‘Please… go faster.’ She whined once she had adjusted well to him. But she felt like she needed more.

‘Needy little thing, aren’t you?’ He teased and flicked her nipples, sending pleasure right through her body.

The way her body clenched around him, let Loki know that she enjoyed it when he talked like that. So he started whispering dirty words to her while he rocked into her, getting a little faster and harder like she wanted.

‘Loki… I… I… need to…’

‘Go on, let yourself go. Cum for me.’ He growled.

And cum she did. Loki was close too, but that’s when he realised he’d forgotten to put on the condom. So caught up in the moment.

‘Ah, fuck.’ He grunted. ‘Forgot condom.’

‘Just… do it inside me.’ Kiara blurted out, panting still from her orgasm. She was super sensitive still, but the way Loki was still rocking into her was dragging it out.

‘Are you sure?’ Loki panted, unable to hold off for much longer. He had thought about pulling out and using the towel, but the thought of staying inside her warmth if she wanted him too was far too appealing.

‘Please.’ She whined. ‘I… I’ve always wanted to feel it from you… Like I’m yours.’ She admitted to him.

He was slightly surprised at her admission, but glad she was being open with him. And using her words too, which he knew she would’ve found difficult. But being wrapped up in the moment had helped her to admit one of her kinks, as her body was singing high in pleasure.

‘You’ve always been mine, petal. And you always will be.’ He growled possessively and kissed her neck as he came deep into her.

[sevikasangel]

Hey! my name is Andy! i’m 19, sapphic, and love writing!!

physical,

i’m 6ft!

green hair >:)

masculine passing, but i wear a lot of skirts and dresses!

I am curvy, but also lanky, and i have very bold eyes!

psychological:

I am very much a nerd! I’m a tech geek, and i love puzzles!

I love academics but especially English and History!!

I speak asl :)

I’m a Gemini, ENFP, Type 4!

i’m very much an extrovert, and have a lot of friends!

in relationships i value physical connection, not inherently sexual, but i also need someone that i’m able to laugh with

I’m a writer, I draw, and I play a little bit of piano

I love to rocmantasize appropriate situations, and dig into the beauty of the mundane, i love the little domestic things more than anything else

mental health,

I am autistic, have adhd, ptsd, and a pending personality disorder

My triggers aren’t too bad, mostly loud noises and super specific things, but i would prefer a partner that likes hugs, and is open and honest with external emotional support.

ty so much!

I ship you with...grayson!! *claps and squeals*

🍓 you may be tall, however, enforcer grayson is taller than you. she is a strong woman with all the military training she's been through, and adding to the fact that she is a big cuddle teddy bear...expect to be picked up and swirled around like you are a little princess. because you, my dear, are her princess. she would absolutely cherish your physical features and say how it makes you look like an outstanding woman. she would proudly stroll around piltover with her arm linked with yours. so you like skirts and dresses? she will buy the cutest for you. she would contently feel herself lost in your eyes, they were the most attractive feature in you, they drew her to you when you first met.

🍰 romanticism is grayson's brand mark. she would court you into intimate dates like dinners and cinema to spend some quality time with you. however, she would also adore being home alone with you, just baking something together while listening to music and dancing through the kitchen. all small moments you shared home with grayson would hold a special place in her heart. she would absolutely adore to read everything you wrote, it'd make her heart skip a beat as she felt closer to you. play the piano for her and she will melt in a puddle of undying love. she is a hopeless romantic. expect a lot of hugs, gentle touches, loving kisses and some light pda from her.

🍭 grayson would be very educated about your autism and adhd. she would learn everything as soon as you opened up to her as she wanted your life to be as comfortable as possible by her side. she would encourage you to seek professional help and assure you that she'd hold your hand all along. she wouldn't take you to loud places at all and she'd make sure to keep things the most silent around the house. if you required some isolation time, she'd give it to you, but assure you that she was going to be there the moment you needed her attention and affection again. a sweetheart. 10/10.

[hollywoodx4]

hiiii i saved your "alone zone" post for reference, but also i was wondering if you could breakdown the setup? ive got an almost 2yo who's definitely starting to get feelings that are too big for him. he's a bit delayed in his speech right now, though, and obviously can't read, so i know ill have to make some adjustments

Okay, I spent a good chunk of the morning on this because I am very passionate about social-emotional learning at a young age, but I feel as though I need a disclaimer:

I am young, but I have been a teacher for nine years going on ten. I speak from my own personal experience. I am by no means the only source of information, but I do speak informatively and with research as well. I have worked with many types of kids from all walks of life and ability, and I do feel my information is accurate to my own experience. I am not, however, certified in special education and I am always learning. Take this as it is-my advice from experience, trial-and-error, and a passion to continue learning new things.

The most important thing I’ve found with an Alone Zone is to introduce it slowly, and by example. It’s going to take a little while to actually have the child be able to use the Alone Zone by themselves, but with practice and patience it can and will happen! I think too that a lot of observation is helpful-if you see things in the Alone Zone that your child isn’t using, or doesn’t gravitate to as much, I’d take them out and try a different tool. So a background: I’m in a classroom, I’ve been teaching for 9 years, and I’ve been observing and putting things in and taking them out depending on the group of children I have. The first year, we did not use the alone zone frequently. Last year, my Alone Zone was full almost all day. This year, I have one or two students that use it regularly, and some that use it as needed.  Also, I’ve worked with twos and threes, and although I’ve been with threes for five or six years now, I did spend a good chunk of time with the twos. I also did have an inclusive classroom last year, where this Alone Zone actually ended up being one of my best tools.So, thanks for your patience with the rambling, here’s a break-down.

First off, I really recommend this be set up in a place where your child knows they won’t be disturbed-where they can go and have their moment of privacy. Of course, you’ll be there to help them learn how to use the area and all of its tools properly, and you’ll still have an eye on them, but it’s important that your child feels safe in this space, and that they know they can come to it and have a moment to sort things out for themselves. It’s also important to never use this area as a form of punishment or discipline. It’s important to frame your words so that they know that the space is a way of coping and not a way of “time out.” I always use the term “let’s take a break” when having children step away, and if I’m directing a child to the alone zone, I’ll tell them “we’re going to come here and let our bodies take a break. We can use these things to help ourselves calm down. When you’re ready to talk about it, I’ll be here.”

I also think it’s important to let the child come to you when they’re ready. There are very few times I have set a timer and gotten that specific-it’s a case-to-case scenario…sometimes a child will need a timer so that they’re able to give themselves time to calm their bodies, and other children will be intuitive and know how long they need. Sand timers are a good investment because then the child can see how long they have left, and it’s in a framework that makes sense to them. Digital timers are not recommended because the concept of numerical time is not developmentally appropriate for young children to understand, but a sand timer gives them something they can see. They also come in packs of one minute, three minute, and five minute intervals from what I’ve seen, so if you feel your child would benefit from having a set amount of time in the Alone Zone I’d recommend that!

Second, there’s the emotional learning: I like to use the characters from Inside Out to help my children discuss their feelings. They’re relatable, and they cover the base emotions. I use all except disgust, because I don’t feel that disgust has a place in this zone; but I do use Joy, Anger, Sadness, and Fear (which I typically label using the words nervous or upset, because I have had a lot of experience with children facing anxiety). I suggest finding an emotion chart to start the area off-this helps the child express themselves, and especially with a child who is speech delayed, these charts can help with self-expression and bridge that gap, because speech delays cause a lot of heartache in children who are just trying to express themselves, and feel frustrated when not understood. Here’s some I really like!https://www.totschooling.net/2017/03/emotions-printable-activity.html

https://childhood101.com/helping-children-manage-big-emotions-printable-emotions-cards/

https://innovativeresources.org/resources/card-sets/bears-cards/

(as your child is two, I recommend sorting through the cards and keeping the emotions as simple as possible-happy, sad, angry, upset- as the more complex, compound emotions will begin later on in their development.) This will also help your child learn and understand the language; they may not be able to communicate to you using words, but they will pick up on the vocabulary as they’re using something like a clothespin to pin their feeling, a finger to point, or Velcro to stick their feeling onto a board…this is so important to developmentally delayed child, as I’m sure you’ll see improvement as you’re giving them a way to communicate.

Third: Tools.

*Now, I’m a simple person. I really really love something like a sensory bottle. They’re super easy, and can be made at home and tailored to your child’s interests. Do they love dinosaurs? Stick in some teeny tiny dinosaurs in that bottle. Princesses? Princess confetti, crowns, etc. Tailor it to their interests and it’ll just help them gain more interest in using the tools! Here’s a good base recipe to get you started

http://www.acraftyliving.com/diy-baby-and-toddler-discovery-bottles/

I also recommend some stress toys, if you can in varying textures and density. Sometimes it’s just about a sensory craving; they need something for their sensory output, and squeezing a stress ball can help them get their negative energies out without hurting themselves or others. I keep Silly Putty on hand but not in the zone (because of the hazard) and that is one of the top things my students will ask for.

I also keep a set of yoga cards in there as well-my children love yoga, and we work daily on poses. There are a few of my students who choose to go into our Alone Zone when they’re feeling anxious and just do a little bit of yoga. I have a box of cards I bought as we got more into yoga, (https://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Littles-Lana-Katsaros/dp/1683642392) but these printable ones are awesome as well https://pinsviews.com/pin/492229434266737881

I keep a pair of headphones in my alone zone as well; last year, I had a student who faced a lot of social anxiety as well as transitional difficulties and difficulties with anger management. The tool he loved most was the headphones. He’d come to the alone zone angry or upset, ask for the headphones, and sit with his eyes closed listening to classical music or ocean sounds. This was his escape; upon observation I began to notice that this is where he felt safe; he’d often come to Alone Zone after an argument, or after a friend told him they didn’t want to play, and just sit with his thoughts.

I also recommend trying a weighted lap pad, depending on your child’s sensory needs. Some children do not like the added weight, and others crave it. There’s versions with sewing, but this is a no-sew, relatively easy option. https://diyprojects.com/weighted-blankets-diy/

One thing I added last year is just a pair of cut out handprints on the wall. This was a surprisingly largely used thing; I took a class in guided discipline, and discovered this tool from discussion with other teachers who had students with sensory integration difficulties. It’s simple; the pair of handprints on the wall is something you can direct your child to push, and push as hard as they can. This is something I use often with children who have a hard time keeping their hands to themselves-I direct them to the handprints (or, if we’re outside, to the fence) and instruct them to push the hands as hard as they can to “move the wall.” This works to help their sensory output in a way that is not hurting others, and they feel magical when you tell them that they’re working hard to push that wall.

 On -the-go tip: Sensory bags.

Sensory bags can be a life saver. Especially because they’re so portable, and are so easily tailored to the child’s interest. I tend to take these out in moments of transition-when one child is done their snack and the rest are not-it’s a good tool to use when you need a few minutes, or your child seems like they might be teetering on the edge of a meltdown. Here’s a pretty good resource with some easy DIY ideas

https://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2012/07/fun-with-sensory-bags.html

One last tip: Daily routine cards

Because you mentioned that your child is non-verbal, I highly recommend a Daily Routine chart of some sort; either something you hang on your wall, or take with you (using Velcro and a small clipboard, a file folder, a Ziploc bag, a soft pencil case….) Last year, I used a daily routine chart with pictures to outline our whole day from start to finish; one of my boys with autism would go to the chart and take down whatever task we just accomplished, and look at the next. He was then able to anticipate what was to come, and accomplish the tasks knowing that he could remove them from the wall as the day went on. A longer, daily chart also helps children with anxiety to be able to see what’s to come, and help that ease-of-transition.

The benefit of a first, then chart is learning the sequence, and helping them to put a picture to a task instead of just a word. This is an opportunity too to practice speech with simple words!

Here’s some printable daily routine pictures

http://www.littlelifelonglearners.com/product/daily-routine-cards/

and here’s a chart I’ve used in the past, and the toddler teachers I work cooperatively with use currently with some of their verbally delayed students. A First, then chart teaches the child to anticipate what’s next, and often helps us to get through the daily routine. We often use it to say things like “Potty first, then you can play.” Or “snack first, then outside.” Communication with transitional words, and not as many words, helps tremendously.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/99/00/f5/9900f508314bbeaef6ffb00bc57e0a49.png

http://theadventuresofroom83.blogspot.com/2013/11/integrating-pecs-outside-of-pecs-book.html

[emo-batboy]

100% agree, and I have THOUGHTS (This is based on a true story. Skip the next three paragraphs if you so please, but it helps paint the picture.)

So like 20 years ago, my aunt married rich and had a son who they realized was autistic at a very early age. Having the resources to do so, she became a stay-at-home mother who dedicated the next decade to taking care of him, making sure his needs were met, and giving him the proper education based on what she learned from other parents.

He grew up pretty well-adjusted to society. They never tried to stop him from stimming. They gave him the opportunity to decompress whenever he felt overstimulated. They helped him develop habits that would make communicating easier. Because he grew up in such a supportive environment, he never felt pressured to mask, so it was still obvious to everyone around him? But the whole family was kind and accommodating so it seemed fine.

The thing is, though: they kind of just…never told him he was autistic. I guess they made the mistake of believing that if he knew, he would feel alienated. Or they figured it wasn’t important. Or they just forgot. (Do not do this.) My dad told me my cousin was autistic years before my cousin knew. Then someone just mentioned it to him off-handedly one day when he was 17, and he was like WHAT???!!

SO LET’S IMAGINE Bruce was screened for autism at a very young age, and after getting the results, Thomas and Martha (the loving, caring parents they are) immediately took the liberty of raising him right. They were as hands-on and attentive as possible.

He was homeschooled by a team of special ed tutors. They took him to the best pediatric doctors that money could buy. They made sure his shirts were the softest silk or cotton. They hired a top designer to install several sensory rooms around the house. Their attention was ALWAYS on Bruce whenever he was in the room.

He doesn’t like the noise at the gala? They leave early. The texture of his food causes a sensory meltdown? No more steamed vegetables. Bruce can’t stand the smell of the artificially scented soap in his bathroom? They replace everything in the house with exotic natural stuff.

But telling Bruce he’s autistic just never really came up in conversation. He’s eight. It’s all he knows. They know they need to explain why he grew up like this at some point, but they figure it’s not a priority until they enroll him in private school, but that’s not until next year.

Then, of course, the tragic death of his parents happens. Bruce is isolated by grief. Alfred is suddenly his only caretaker, and telling Bruce he’s autistic isn’t exactly the priority now either. It never really is. Years go by, Bruce becomes reclusive, and the only regular interactions he has with others are with Alfred and the WE exec board who all knew him since he was a baby.

Unaware of his autism diagnosis, Bruce later reflects back on his childhood and comes to the natural conclusion that he was just spoiled. This special treatment was a result of privilege and nothing else. He had a silver spoon in his mouth.

But after the floods, when he starts coming out of his shell again, he notices he’s still falling really behind on social cues. Has it been that long since he’s interacted with others? Why do people find it appropriate to keep cutting each other off in conversation? That’s rude. What is the point of small talk? It is so exhausting. Why does everyone have double meanings behind their words like they’re hiding something? Just say what you think. Why do they keep looking me in the eyes and expecting me to look back?!

Others see him and treat him a bit differently, and it’s much gentler than they treat the other spoiled rich kids-turned-CEO’s at these galas (which are still too loud and overstimulating.) Something’s not adding up, and it is frustrating him to no end. But how does he address something like this? By talking to someone? That would require more small talk and eye contact.

A couple of months later, he is doing some research on mental health resources because he and the mayor are working together to create a new charity. He stumbles upon a lot of autism awareness pages, and finds out a lot more about what an autism diagnosis means. And wouldn’t you know.

Bruce thinks, “Huh. What a coincidence. But I am not autistic. I am simply bad at being a person,” then plays with a fidget toy he’s had since childhood. But then he starts noticing it more…and it’s like textbook definition Autism. “But that’s just me being paranoid. I am simply Faking It,” he thinks.

And yet, even when he tries to be as Normal as possible, everyone else still acts like they know something he doesn't. Has he not perfected the act of Being Normal yet? Is he masking? That can’t be right. Is this some inside joke? What is he not getting here? Are these people catering to his wants and needs because he is rich, because he is a pitiful orphan, or because he is noticeably neurodivergent?

Finally, he asks, “Alfred, have I ever been screened for autism?”

“Yes, why do you ask?”

“Okay, it must all be in my head then.”

“That’s generally where autism is, yes.”

“…Alfred…what does that mean?”

“Ah, I knew there was something I forgot to mention.”

Battinson becoming the face of Autistic Batman is so funny cause everyone in Gotham knows he's Autistic EXCEPT him

[toralyzer]

apparently there was this series of personal writing prompts for autism acceptance month that i missed, but i decided to do them all now cause i like talking about myself. http://doingcollegedisabled.tumblr.com/post/159842938764/30-days-of-autism-acceptance

Day 1.     Make yourself known.

I’m Amanda I’m 19! I was professionally diagnosed at a young age but by the time they told me I already long since knew I was weird.

Day 2.     Talk about passing and/or being out.

I’d be open about it I think but it hasn’t come up many times. I guess I did work really hard growing up to be able to pass as allistic though. Oh... I’m not sure if that’s ever caused burnout!

Day 3.     Talk about relationships, both platonic and romantic. 

Yeah as a kid I had a hard time making friends but now I’m a lot better at being sociable - in the allistic way I guess. But now lots of my friends are proudly autistic anyway!

Day 4.     Talk about your family and support. 

I think my family was fine about it. Unless in fact my trauma comes from them dealing with my autism badly. It’s unknown.

Day 5.     Talk about employment and your career. 

Yeah I gotta get one of those...

Day 6.     Talk about music, art, writing, and other forms of creativity. 

Yeah I do that stuff! I’m really creative. Sometimes I think about autistic themes but I don’t think I know what they would be, I think I have too many bad depictions internalized. Sometime I wanna do something with the changeling comparison though...

Day 7.     Talk about community. 

I guess I’m really not out as autistic anywhere ‘cause I pass well. So idk. And I’m not in any communities of autistic people.

Day 8.     Talk about traditional media. 

I think as a kid, media depictions gave me this horrible sense of condescending superiority toward myself and added to my complexes of not listening to my feelings. It’s like, you get these books that put you outside the autistic kid to laugh at his misunderstanding things, and I think then I felt like any sincere expression of my own feelings and thoughts was an immature misunderstanding and worthy of shame.

Day 9.     Talk about Autism Speaks.

Ya, fuck them.

And/or  Talk about special interests.

Damn I’m not sure if I’ve had a special interest lately? I guess some things I’ve been constantly thinking about lately are, um, Sports Anime RPG and my Zimmy fanfic. Okay so Sports Anime RPG is a roleplaying game I’m making based on sports animes even though I haven’t actually seen many but I thought it was a cool idea. It’s split into two sections, one is for the sports games and you can swap out different rulesets for different sports, and in general it’s focused on strategy and mechanics, similar to traditional RPG battles. The other is more freeform roleplay for the story outside sports matches, with light skill checks that are mostly social-based. And there are friendship mechanics where you can build friendships with other characters and get friendship abilities that you can use in either mode! And then the Zimmy story is this fanfiction idea that I always come back to when I feel really fucked up in my head - the premise is basically to throw together all the most viscerally upsetting surreal gore and horror set pieces I can think of, in the context of Zimmy from Gunnerkrigg Court’s reality warping getting set off bad. I’m a little frustrated because I can’t figure out how to express how much I love Zimmy and want to save her but also address how abusive she is.

Day 10. Talk about a cure. 

It’s a divergence not an illness so it wouldn’t be a cure so much as just mental modification. And no that would be really evil for other people to be able to make us allistic

And/Or  Talk about stimming. 

Yeah I like stim toys sometimes. I have a bracelet of rainbow stars and a thing of rainbow blocks you can put in different shapes and a fidget cube. I think a bigger thing for me though is that if I’m listening to a podcast or so I need to play a video game that uses my hands but not my listening brain. When I do that it can be the most fulfilling and engaging activity ever. Watching video fills my attention too much to do a simultaneous activity but not enough to keep me from being distracted so it’s not as easy for me.

Day 11. Talk about sensory issues. 

When I was a kid I only wore shorts all the time. Now I’m hugely self-conscious about it and I’ll never wear male shorts again. Yeah, I guess there are various sensory things I have a problem with... It’s not too intrusive to my life though.

Day 12. Talk about ableism. 

I don’t think I’ve got any stories here. I’ve never been targeted directly.

Day 13. Talk about something funny. 

“Has anything humorous or ironic ever happened to you because you were autistic?“ Haha probably not anything I’d want to joke about!

Day 14. Talk about role models. 

Uhhhh I’m not sure I know any autistic role models. Sometimes there are tumblr users who are vocally autistic who seem cool. Role models in general? I was saying the other day, I used to have a list of people I wanted to be like, but several of them have since become my enemies, so. Yeah, I think every celebrity disappoints you eventually. The last person about whom I thought “well, at least so far, this person seems really good and kind and a cool artistic inspiration” was... Rebecca Sugar.

Day 15. Talk about identity. 

I was diagnosed with aspergers but later I learned that’s just a subset of autism now. I like autistic better.

Day 16. Talk about treatment. 

I haven’t done any that I can really remember. I should go to therapy though. Like in general.

Day 17. Talk about empathy. 

I guess usually I have more sympathy than empathy for people? But sometimes when my girlfriend does a kind of cutesy sad voice as a joke I get some kind of weird hyper empathy and get really sad.

Day 18. Talk about functioning labels. 

I hear those are bad. I would probably be on the higher functioning side but yeah, those seem like a bad idea because they describe how well society is ready to engage with us as if it was our own success or failure.

Day 19. Talk about your struggles and strengths. 

I don’t really know which of those are because of autism or not and I’m self-conscious about finding out because I spent so long trying to learn to be “normal”. On the other hand sometimes it feels like it’ll turn out that autistic traits just account for my whole personality.

Day 20. Talk about communication. 

I’m verbal, sometimes I like when I can communicate in other ways though, like when I can get something across with quick hand signs.

Day 21. Talk about comorbid conditions.

Well I’m not sure about any of those and I don’t think I’ll speculate here to make sure I don’t appropriate anything.

Day 22. Talk about autism parents. 

Wow fuck them! Yeah I was just reading about #BoycottToSiri. People who abuse their kids because they can’t fathom trying to interact and listen to them to understand what they really need and instead go to great lengths to train them like animals into simulating “normality” should die.

Day 23. Talk about your living situation. 

I have a roommate who I know enjoys being able to stay in their room without ever encountering a single allistic or cis person. ^u^

Day 24. Talk about the stereotypes and misconceptions that neurotypicals and allistics have. 

Luckily I haven’t encountered it much in person but I know people see us as a young boy with a slightly distant expression with a single savant skill but also enough tragic disconnection from the rest of humanity that they can safely feel intellectually superior. Wow now that I think about this it’s actually this really unique way of viewing a person where they feel that the stereotypical expression shows that this child doesn’t really exist outside of his mysterious, unknowable brain and therefore all of his personal space and bodily autonomy is up for grabs. It’s really unsettling how autistic bodies in media are dehumanized into dolls because the portrayer is so obsessed with emphasizing this perceived unbreachable distance between the subject and the human observers.

Day 25. Talk about meltdowns/shutdowns. 

Kinda had one earlier because academic research is so frustrating. I think work pressure like that is the usual cause, other than social overload.

Day 26. Talk about echolalia and scripting. 

Yeah I don’t use really specific scripts for most things now, but when it comes to formal things like phone calls I do really need to work out my full sentence before I start.

Day 27. Talk about eye-contact. 

I think I’m pretty okay with eye contact? I don’t think I give people the wrong signals? This always makes me self-conscious X(

Day 28. Talk about autism as a disability.

It’s not a disability ‘cause it’s just different, right? Or are there aspects that strictly make things harder? I don’t really know...

Day 29. Talk about executive functioning.

IT’S DEFINITELY AN ISSUE.

Day 30. Talk with pride. 

“Are you proud to be autistic?” Yeah definitely!!! “How do you show the world your pride?” Oh. Hm...

[basicallyahedgehog]

Please note this is coming from my (probably limited) knowledge and I’m sure people would know much more. But I’m basing this 1. On my own audhd experience 2. Reading I’ve done for myself (would highly recommend unmasking autism by Dr Devon Price, it’s available as an audiobook on Spotify, free if you have premium, and very easy to listen to - as someone who struggles with audiobooks). 3. My mum is an occupational therapist who has been working with neurodivergent kids for thirty years and 4. I’m also an OT, and while I work in aged care, I did a lot of paeds subjects and placement during uni.

For some autistics their autism comes along with intellectual impairment. Which is basically just an IQ below a cut off point that I can’t remember off the top of my head. This is where you might hear people say “they have the thinking level of a five year old.” Which I’ve come to understand basically just means that that person has difficulty understanding/learning concepts and tasks beyond what is expected of a neurotypical five year old. But that’s also very narrow thinking, and certainly you can have someone who is more “progressed” in one area and less in others.

In “Unmasking Autism” Dr Price talks about how we now know that certain parts of the autistic brain take longer to develop than neurotypicals. Some research has found that by about 30 neurodivergent brains have “caught up” to neurotypical brains in terms of social convention, for example. This is definitely not true for all autistics, but it was an interesting piece of information I hadn’t come across before.

In my own personal experience, I think there’s an element of neurotypical people shedding certain “childish” interests or behaviours due to societal expectation that we as autistics - and other neurodivergents- don’t necessarily adhere to. If I’ve been interested in something since I was five and it still interests me, I’m not going to stop liking it just because I’m not five anymore. While some children progress from dressing up dolls and their dollhouses to an interest in fashion and decorating their room, I just kept playing with my dolls. Sure, I added in new things like collecting miniature furniture and learning to make tiny plates and foods from polymer clay, but it was still all about my dolls.

There’s also something called age regression, which I don’t have personal experience of, but I know it can be common among people with various neurodivergencies. This may be more along the lines of what you were referring to as being in a “childlike state”. I’ve certainly had experience with it professionally - much of my work is with older adults with dementia, and age regression happens a lot. Sometimes to childhood, other times to younger adulthood, maybe as a young adult or a parent. It’s often for one of two reasons - they regress to an age/place where they felt safe (eg they are hungry, mum used to feed them good food, they regress to a childlike state and start looking for mum) or that gave them a defined role. I’ve worked with people who believe they’re back working as Headmaster at a school, or need to pick up their kids.

Having said all the above, sometimes neurotypical people will tell us we are “acting like children” merely because we are doing something that they don’t see as being appropriate for that setting. There seems to be this unspoken rule that with age comes a level of control and dignity, and if someone isn’t demonstrating that “correctly” then they haven’t “grown up”.

As I see it, there’s nothing inherently wrong with acting and/or thinking like a child. These behaviours and interests make us happy, help us regulate, and can even help keep us safe. There are certain behaviours and interests that will always get us critiqued by neurotypicals, but that doesn’t make them wrong.

If something brings you joy or safety or satisfaction, then it doesn’t matter what age it’s associated with.

@my-autism-adhd-blog

I wanted to ask you a question but your submissions are closed on my end (100% understandable, things overwhelm easily)

So i thought i'd make a post that you, to clarify aren't obligated to respond to, and my intent is simply to as a question.

I recall being told that the reason i "act less like my age and often act like a child rather than an adult" is because of my autism. I don't fully recall that that was even right and was just a statement made to try and explain something that might not even correlate with it. But it got me thinking.

Does autism sometimes affect adults and the way they act regarding their age?

For example, being extremely childish compared to your age and the stereotypical way your age group should act and finding it extremely difficult to find friends of your own age, leading you to try and spend time online to find people you can fully relate to and not be alienated by?

An example is, my mother took me to the theatre at some point, it was the pantomime (i love them) they're performed around christmas time and a little but after christmas. I love pantomimes because i love the theatre a lot. When i was there, i was unable to suppress my stims, which led to my mom telling me to stop. I fully recall being in a very childlike state during the whole thing and this has been a reocurring things with things i enjoy and even things i dislike.

I can't fully explain it, but i'd appreciate an answer from you, or anyone if possible 👍

[sniffanimal]

I can't stress enough that you shouldn't get your medical advice from social media, or frankly the internet in general.

ADHD and Autism (ASD) are both considered Disorders (it's what the last D in both acronyms stands for), which differs from a disease in that disorders are harder to pinpoint and measure than something you can, say, do a test for (like covid or cancer).

Because they are somewhat nebulous, there's often a lot of ways disorders can present, and different things they can impact and effect. Executive functioning is a big part of both ADHD and ASD that can encompass a whole lot of daily tasks, from chores like dishes and laundry, to bigger tasks like planning a trip or applying for a job. Every little thing that a person with ADHD or ASD does has the potential to be informed by the fact that they're neurodivergent. Or it doesn't!

Sometimes people do things because it's genuinely the natural thing for people to do, like raising your voice to be heard in a loud restaurant, or moving your body out of the way to avoid running into something. A neurodivergent person may struggle with things like socially appropriate voice volumes, or proprioception (their sense of body in space), and so when they do something like wiggle through a doorframe, it might be a reflection of their neurodiversity, but it's also something a neurotypical person may just do because it's a normal thing to do.

And sometimes people do things because they were taught a certain way in school! I made this post after seeing an assertion that "adding numbers in your head by finding groups of ten is an ADHD thing", and while I'm professionally diagnosed and all, I really think that's just one way people were taught to add. Humans have 10 fingers, our counting system is based 10, it seems natural for humans to want to group numbers in 10s. I'm certain I was taught things like "8+8=10+6" in school.

My point with all this is if you see a lot of Relatable Memes about ADHD, and think therapy and medication may help with things you struggle with, then sure, see a doctor about it. But keep in mind at the end of the day they're just memes people are posting to describe their experiences, and they're not diagnostic or universal by any stretch of the imagination. After all, people certainly believed they felt an inexplicable urge to buy a Microsoft product after they got the covid vax, and those people certainly posted about it online, but that doesn't mean anything. Bring more critical thinking to the table when you see posts about ADHD (even ones that claim they have studies supporting it, often times the studies were poorly conducted on a very small group of participants. Get your medical information from doctors and deeply researched places).

People: can you believe some people think there was a microchip in the vaccines just because they saw it on TikTok??? Lmao

Those exact same people I'm not even being hyperbolic: omg did you know if you do math in your head by breaking down numbers into easier to solve forms then that's a sign of ADHD!!!!!!!!!!! I saw it on t