#thoughtful autism gifts

[noisycowboyglitter]

Proud Grandma Autism Warrior: How to Create a Loving Environment for Your Autistic Grandchild

Being a grandma is a special role filled with love, joy, and unconditional support. When that grandchild happens to be an autism warrior, this love becomes even more profound. It's a testament to the extraordinary bond between grandmothers and their grandchildren, a connection that transcends understanding.

Buy now:19.95$

A grandma's love is a powerful force, offering unwavering support and encouragement to her autistic grandchild. She is a constant source of comfort and strength, celebrating the unique qualities and abilities of her beloved. This design honors the incredible role grandmothers play in the lives of their autistic grandchildren.

By wearing this shirt, you're not only expressing your pride but also raising awareness about autism. You're joining a community of grandmothers who share your experiences and understand the challenges and joys of raising a child on the spectrum. Let your voice be heard as you advocate for your grandchild and inspire others.

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This product is more than just apparel; it's a symbol of hope, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between a grandma and her grandchild.

Finding the perfect gift for an adult with autism can be challenging. It’s essential to choose something that caters to their specific needs and interests. Consider sensory items like weighted blankets or noise-canceling headphones for comfort and focus. Practical gifts like organizational tools or time management aids can also be helpful. Stimulating puzzles, games, or art supplies can provide engagement and enjoyment. Remember, personalized gifts showcasing their interests are often appreciated.

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When selecting a gift, it’s crucial to consider the individual’s preferences and sensory sensitivities. Consulting with their caregivers or loved ones can provide valuable insights into suitable gift options.

Finding the perfect gift for someone with autism can be a thoughtful gesture. Whether you're looking for sensory toys, educational tools, or practical items, there's a wide range of options available. Consider the individual's interests, age, and sensory needs when selecting a

Buy now

gift. From calming weighted blankets to engaging puzzles, the right present can bring joy and comfort. Remember, the most important aspect is to choose something that promotes independence and well-being.

[peepeepy]

a lot of people who've watched gravity falls think that stanford is unsympathetic or a bad character, and most of the people who dont think that think stanford is at least selfish and flawed, which i can't really refute, but it always made me feel so awful, and i never realized why until now.

if you look at stanford pines as an allegory for a child with a developmental disability like autism or a "gifted kid", then a lot of the pieces start to fall together.

⚠️spoilers for gravity falls, the website, and maybe a bit of the book of bill⚠️

stanford pines was born with an "extra finger", a symbol for a disability. for a while, everyone thought it was a flaw. he was teased and shunned by his peers,

but then, people began to notice his genius. it even says on thisisnotawebsitedotcom.com, when you enter "sixer" or "stanford", that he has a "hyper-ability", something many people will say about "gifted" autistic people.

as soon as people started to point this out, everything felt like it made sense to ford. as a person who grew up with autism, i can relate to feeling alienated from my peers, and wondering "why? why, in a world made for normal people, was i made wrong?"

that kind of thought can lead to a sort of delusion.. that maybe you were destined for something great. maybe you were different because one day you would use it to change the world. i believe this is the way ford felt when he was approached by bill

bill came to ford and told him everything he'd ever wanted to hear.. that this feeling was real. that he was destined for greatness. that he was better, smarter, more special than the ones who had shunned him.

bill told ford that building the portal would make him a hero, make people finally see him as more than an extra finger. the one problem?

bill was a liar.

he used ford's selfish thoughts to trick him into making a gateway that would end the world. he used the years of mockery, the alienation, the loneliness, and he came to ford when he was alone, trapped, with nowhere to go.

he offered ford the opportunity to get back at a world that was built to knock him down at every turn, a world full of people who would never understand him. he offered to make ford a god.

and ford refused

he refused, even in a world that had done nothing but tear him down, to hurt others just to feel better about himself. he only had a few people who had ever cared for him, and yet, he was willing to destroy his life's work to save everyone who had made him miserable.

remember, he fully intended to stay trapped in the portal for all of eternity. that's why he was so frustrated when stanley brought him back. what we saw as a heroic act from stanley, ford saw as stanley refusing the sacrifice he had made to save him. he didn't thank stanley because nobody thanked him. no one thanked him for his hard work or sacrifice or his years of suffering just to protect stanley.

that, of course, led to this scene, which many people saw as stanford's most frustrating moment.

i think this post sums up really well why stanford, in this dire moment, would choose to insult his brother. because stanley was being selfish, too. stanley refused to help save the world, save his brother, all because ford never said "thank you."

they were both selfish. everyone is. they didn't fight because they were bad people, but because they both saw things from their own perspective. they were each hopelessly lonely without each other, but both too prideful to admit it.

in the end, they make up, and both follow their true dream. not money, not fame, just staying together.

stanford pines is not a bad, unsympathetic character. he is a complex, misdirected, "gifted" child. his only flaw was not seeing that he wasn't alone. his family was right there to support him the whole time.

[transrevolutions]

expanding on my previous post actually every single oiar employee (including lena) is autistic they all just have different and clashing presentations. that "weird interview" celia and sam were discussing in episode 6? yeah that was just lena attempting to give a poorly-disguised diagnostic test.

[sleeplessv0id]

forget a nicotine rush. have you ever been called a pleasure to have in class?

[danothan]

batflash is soooo real to me and also it can never be reciprocated at the same time or else it’s not batflash to me anymore

[69constellationsinatrenchcoat]

// slight vent post //

Me, as a child, reading everything I can on how to interact with people and studying fictional protagonists intentently: "I will learn to interact!! I'll figure it out!!, just like I learned to cook!! These books will help me"

Also me: "learn! yeah! Social skills are learnt and totally not inherent skills that most people can't just do!! Hahaha, why does everyone do it so effortlessly.. wait.. wh- Why do you tease me.. what's wrong with me... wh- I did everything like the books said... I showed you the popular character- I took traits from popular book characters... Why..why am I falling behind... wait...why..why am I weird.. what do wrong.. wait... please... please... guys?"

...how did I stay undiagnosed autistic for 16 years?

[wanderingmind867]

My problem with making a Christmas list is I feel like half the things I put will end up being things I never use? I almost never complete my games, I only read at school, and I don't watch DVDs that much. I spend so much time convincing myself every possible item could be a waste.

[fennthetalkingdog]

You know, when I was first researching neurodivergence (and autism and ADHD in particular) and wondering if I was, in fact, neurodivergent, I brought my conclusions to my mom and she said:

"I mean, you're gifted, right? So you already are neurodivergent???"

So here's to her (kinda) and her words. Giftedness is a neurodivergence, in my opinion. From what I've seen, a lot of the traits overlap with common autistic and/or ADHD traits too, especially regarding overexcitabilities, and a lot of researchers talking about the topic describe giftedness with the same kind of "your brain is just made differently" and "you're just wired differently" language as they use for other neurodivergent conditions. But I also say this because I've seen some gifted people who, while struggling with some "autistic/ADHD traits," don't have all the traits necessary for an autism or ADHD diagnosis. Giftedness is a label for them that encompasses the struggles they have without saying that they don't struggle enough or forcing them to try to fit into a mold that isn't them. And I get that; when I was first questioning, I didn't think I had enough autistic traits to count for a diagnosis either, so I took comfort in a "gifted" label. (Not to say that all gifted people are just autistic people and/or people with ADHD that don't realize, or that all gifted people are just people who don't have enough traits for a diagnosis! That was just the case for me and the folks I've been around, but I've also heard the case of it not being that.)

But if I am gifted, then I also have autism. A lot of my struggles are, honestly, just better described by autism than just by a byproduct of giftedness. My struggles with people and with "being too much," my sensory differences (and yes, sometimes issues), my stimming, and some of my executive dysfunction all sound like autistic traits to me more than a mix of psychomotor and sensual overexcitabilities and a whole bunch of coincidental byproducts of my being gifted and hanging out with nongifted peers. Don't get me wrong; based on my family history, background, and traits, I honestly probably am gifted lol. But it's not just that.

So this is me saying that if the people around you are saying that you're just gifted, you're free to look for other, perhaps better explanations for your feelings and experiences. But if you are just gifted, you're still free to call yourself neurodivergent! My gifted traits lead to me feeling just as ostracized sometimes as my autistic ones, so who am I to police that label?

[duck-in-a-thrift-store]

Personal rant bc we haven't gotten my official results yet but we did get a very stressful phone call about it, and because adhd has been kicking my ass lately. This is going to be long and rambly and all over the place, and if you're anti self-dx, I wouldn't suggest reading further (or interacting with me in general). It also sort of becomes just me psychoanalyzing my own behavior and infodumping about it

-------------------------------------------------------

For context, I'm autistic and adhd, and I went and talked to a psychologist a couple weeks ago and had some testing done

Personally, I don't really feel the need to have an official diagnosis for autism. I'm confident in my informed self-diagnosis (technically it was actually my parents who first suggested I might be autistic but I've learned a lot about it since then and now I'm pretty sure I'm more convinced than they are) and I just don't think a doctor's note will do much for me (totally understand and support anyone who does want to get diagnosed tho). Adhd however is another story. If I want meds that will actually work and accommodations with my school, they need proof, and as things are I am desperate for some help.

So the appointment I had a couple weeks ago was supposed to be for adhd testing, but apparently he also lowkey tested me for autism while we were there. Which like, fine, whatever, it would be sort of nice to have that validated I guess, but when we checked back in with him on the phone earlier this week he started using outdated and problematic terms like high-functioning and aspergers and I'll just say that it did not exactly inspire confidence

But that can of worms aside, let me get back to (mostly) adhd related ranting

I feel like there could be an essay about how the diagnostic process for adhd is flawed and doesn't work all that well for people who have an internalized notion that their worth as a person is dependent on their academic success and task performance and therefore spent their childhood and adolescence funneling all their efforts time and attention into school and generally being seen as a good well-behaved bright kid out of desperation to have value (and it worked- I've always made good grades, but what people don't see is the days, weeks, months of paralyzed procrastination, the anxiety-fueled mad rush in the end to get things done late, and the grace I'm inexplicably shown every time, without which my grades would be much worse)

I'm scared, that I'm going to be determined "too high functioning" to be diagnosed even though I'm currently doing basically nothing with my life outside of college and yet I'm technically failing like half of my classes right now, that they're going to say "well the signs weren't there when you were younger" even though there's a variety of explanations for why that might be, not the least of which being the fact that for some folks with both autism and adhd the traits of the two have a tendency to "hide" one another

Apparently he also ran an iq test on me, and he broke down the 5 scores to us; I scored in the upper average/above average bracket in all but the 4th, processing speed, in which I'm below average. And like yeah, I'm well aware that I'm slow, but I guess it's official now-

Anyway, my main point with the iq thing was that while he was telling us about my high scores in the first 3 areas, I'm sitting here getting more and more uneasy, bc I'm like yeah sure I'm intelligent or whatever but it isn't worth shit if I can't motivate myself to actually do anything with that potential, and the conditions under which I was tested just don't reflect my day to day life closely enough to give an accurate reading, in my opinion.

Basically I'm afraid this guy is going to look at the results of some tests- tests which I was really focused on bc of the intrinsic fear of failure that plagues my existence (even though rationally I know you can't fail a psychological evaluation) and bc I know it's a bitch of a process to even get tested in the first place and I wasn't going to waste the opportunity goddammit-

That he's going to look at them and decide that I'm "too smart" to have a learning disability, when, again, all the brains in the world wouldn't do me any good if I

1) don't have the ability to self-motivate and direct them at what I need to be working on, even if I've been beating myself up about that pile of homework or my disaster of a room for weeks or even months, and

2) have such a loose grasp on the concept of time and priorities that I have on multiple occasions found myself pulling all-nighters on personal projects or reading for pleasure or scrolling on my phone only to realize oh shit I have to get up for school in like two hours, oh fuck, I'm going to be exhausted all day, what happened to "let's go to sleep early this time, I'll just do this for like 5 more minutes and then call it a night"

or realize after one of those all-nighters that what was actually a period of about 10 hours feels more like 10 minutes to me ("man wasn't I literally just here to get dinner" the next morning, passing the caf on my way to class on exactly 0 hours of sleep and still having managed not to get any of my actual class work done in all that time)

And also just that tendency in itself is significant, to get so deeply hooked on something once it does manage to get my attention, that I often feel like I can't stop until outside forces demand it- staying up until 4am on a school night painting my phone case and texting my crush (14 or 15), making bracelet after bracelet at the kitchen table at ungodly hours of the night because I couldn't sleep and now that I'm on a roll I don't want to break the momentum (18, a few months ago), throwing horrific amounts of time at reading fanfiction of whatever series currently has my interest when I have so much work that needs to get done if I want to have a chance at passing my courses this semester (18, basically present), making a last minute birthday present for my aunt and being so caught up in the rush and the craft of what I was working on that I ignored my body's needs until I ended up pissing myself (12), etc

The fact that I've been meaning to catch up with my high school friends for weeks or months, literally something as simple as a "how have yall been" in the group chat, yet for some reason I still haven't gotten around to it

The fact that for all my alleged intelligence I still haven't learned to ride a bike or drive a car or apply for a job or develop a work-life balance or play any of the instruments I want to or have a thriving social life or feel like a person (I think these are more autism-related but I'm throwing them in anyway)

The fact that minor (or even just mistakenly perceived) disapproval or judgment or teasing or having a text left on read can send me spiraling into anxiety and convinced that everyone hates me and that I'm worthless or obnoxious or stupid (rejection sensitivity is a bitch)

The fact that when I try to read I have to make a constant conscious effort not to jump ahead and all over the place and I often have to reread the same passage multiple times to understand it because I realize that I wasn't actually paying attention the first couple of times, my mind elsewhere and my eyes wandering

I know even if I do get diagnosed they'll say it's inattentive, not hyperactive or combined, because the majority of my hyperactivity is either fairly subtle movements (because I'm socially anxious and clumsy and don't want to draw attention to myself or run the risk of breaking or disturbing something) or just straight up in my head. Like sure I'm not a nine year old boy who can't sit still in class and is constantly bouncing around all over the place and getting into trouble and driving his parents and teachers crazy (bc being seen as annoying and unruly by authority figures would have broken me), but there's always so much noise in my brain, it's always talking or playing music in the background or thinking about the 47 different projects I need to be working on and the media it wants to be engaging with instead and the 1000s of things there are to worry about in a day; sometimes I'll get stuck in a loop where I'm mentally repeating a word or phrase over and over and over again until I feel like I'm going crazy

All of this is stuff that this guy doesn't see, and that worries me when it comes to the validity of his assessment

But basically, what I'm trying to say is, I swear to god if the people around me don't believe that there's clearly something not neurotypical going on here I'm going to fucking riot

And, ranting aside, I want to end this post with a note to all my fellow neurodiverse folks who are waiting for answers or treatment or validation or support or whatever.

I feel you. Hang in there. You have my well wishes in your endeavors. And remember, it's ok to be happy with or proud of who you are and what makes you different, it's ok to embrace your neurodiversity while also acknowledging how difficult it can be to live with and the fact that you might need extra time or support with things that seem to come easily to other people. It's ok to admit that it's fucking hard sometimes, and it's ok to ask for help. Take care, mates

[wings-of-sapphire]

AHHHHHH HAPPY BIRTHDAY CASS APOCALYPTIC SERIES

This show has seriously been amazing. Rise of the TMNT has been one of my recent hyperfixations, but definitely my top one. In late 2022 I was in a really bad place mentally, plus my favorite show The Owl House was ending soon. Then comes May 2023.

And my life legit changed

I just love the cast and characters so much, Donnie being amazing autistic rep and Leo being Ben’s turtlesona and Mikey’s razzmatazz and Raph kicking ass LIKE A BOSS

The movie emotionally wrecked me and it’s literally what inspired me to pick up my book again and give a try at animating.

Now I have a major to study. I have a fandom that’s so amazing and supportive. And then I found Cass. Their story, telling the turtle’s tale in the future, the angst ride, the STORYTELLING

It blows my mind that one person created an entire world basically every Rise fan considers canon. I truly think that it’s the C.A.S. that made me love RotTMNT as much as I did. The family bond, the love and strength they share, the hope. The relationships between characters, the arcs, the ACTUAL FUCKING MUSIC I HEAR IN MY HEAD WHEN SOMETHING COOL AS SHIT HAPPENS

I cannot put into words how much I love this series. I had fanart ready but the perks of having two nosy younger siblings and a “delete” button ready to push… so I hope this can suffice for now.

@somerandomdudelmao, you are seriously amazing. Thank you for doing all you can do create this wonderful masterpiece for us, and I can’t wait to see what comes next. You’re so cool!

[oediex]

There's a text in my phone that I've been ignoring. An invitation. Dinner. This weekend. It's been there for four days and I haven't replied. This is not the week for it.

We haven't seen each other in a while, and the message is kind, the reaching out welcome. Friendship is desired. But this is not the week for it.

I like food and I like dinner. They've recently moved and I wouldn't have to go far. I haven't left my house for four days. This is not the week for it.

I figure out the problem. Dinner is overwhelming. It requires looking at someone's face, into their eyes, where too much is going on. A walk will be better. Next week.

[noisycowboyglitter]

Proud Dad Autism Warrior: Celebrating the Strength and Resilience of Autism Families

Being a father is a role filled with love, guidance, and protection. When your child is on the autism spectrum, this role takes on an even deeper significance. It's a journey of unwavering support, endless patience, and unconditional love. Our "Proud Dad Autism Warrior" design is a tribute to these extraordinary fathers.

Buy now:19.95$

A father's love is a powerful force, and for those raising a child with autism, this love is amplified. It's the strength that helps navigate challenges, the encouragement that fuels progress, and the belief that empowers their child to reach their full potential. This design celebrates the unique bond between a father and child, a bond forged in understanding, acceptance, and shared experiences.

By wearing this shirt, you're not only expressing your pride but also joining a community of parents who share your experiences. You're raising awareness about autism, challenging stereotypes, and creating a more inclusive world for autistic individuals. Let your voice be heard as you advocate for your child and inspire others.

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Our "Proud Dad Autism Warrior" design is more than just apparel; it's a symbol of hope, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between a father and child. It's a reminder that even in the face of adversity, love conquers all. Wear it with pride, knowing that you are making a difference in the lives of your child and others.

Together, we can create a brighter future for the autism community.

This product is more than just apparel; it's a statement, a support system, and a symbol of hope.

April is Autism Spectrum Awareness Month, a dedicated time to raise awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This neurodevelopmental condition affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. It's essential to recognize that autism is a spectrum, meaning individuals with ASD exhibit a wide range of symptoms and abilities.

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By promoting awareness, we can challenge stereotypes, reduce stigma, and create a more inclusive society for autistic individuals. Let's work together to foster acceptance, support, and empowerment for those living with autism. Together, we can make a difference.

During Autism Spectrum Awareness Month, let's pledge to learn more about autism, celebrate the unique strengths of autistic individuals, and advocate for their rights. Let's create a world where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported.

Finding the perfect gift for someone with autism can be challenging. It's important to choose something that caters to their specific needs and interests. Consider sensory toys, like fidget spinners or weighted blankets, to help regulate emotions. Educational and developmental toys can be beneficial for learning and skill-building. For older

Buy now

individuals, practical gifts like noise-canceling headphones or organizational tools can be helpful. Personalized items with their favorite characters or interests can also be a thoughtful choice. Remember, the most important thing is to choose a gift that promotes independence, joy, and comfort.

When selecting a gift, consider the individual's age, interests, and sensory sensitivities. It's often helpful to consult with their caregivers or loved ones for personalized recommendations.

[prettyboyprettyeyes]

dream gift basket

[borom1r]

I could do child me proud and finally finish the hobbit. but that is a commitment I don’t think I’m willing to make

[spinobsessed]

I want so desperately to be with my friends again but whenever I get the rare opportunity to meet up with them, it just leaves me more hurt than before

[wanderingmind867]

I'm already trying to work on a Christmas list. I know I'm 19, and people might say I'm too old. I say no. As long as I'm alive and my dad is alive, i'm going to keep doing this. It's stability, you know? Everything else changes in my life, and I need something to stay steady here. But we're rapidly moving into depressing territory, and I don't want that. So instead let's get down to brass tacks: I'm struggling to make my list.

Something I began doing a year or two ago is I began dividing my list into sections. You have games, books, dvds, and miscellaneous. So far almost all my categories are empty. I have three games, maybe 5-6 books (albeit some i'm not even commited to), and no dvds. So it's time to use this stupid account in a way that might actually be helpful and practical: asking for suggestions. I'll list my criteria for books and games, and then you can recommend me things. I can't guarantee I'll take the recommendations (i am stubborn, after all), but this is better than sitting at home stressing out because an arbitrary list isn't big enough for my liking. But since this post is getting long, I might just make one or two more paragraphs on my video game tastes for now.

For video games: I tend to use my switch most often whenever I play games, because I like handheld things more. I don't like taking up a whole tv, and i've always been partial to more portable things. I have a playstation 4 (which i only got my dad to buy because i knew it was going out of sale), but I never use it. So it's mostly my switch that I use. And I don't like games that are very hard. I have anger issues, and if a game annoys me i lose my cool and sometimes have been known to yell and throw things. I know it's an issue, which is why I try not to show that side of myself to people besides my dad. But I need things that are more fun and manageable than hard and stressful.

Also, rule out animal crossing and stardew valley. Those things prey on my fear of time. And while I do like the concepts, I can't even play those without stress. Animal Crossing guilts me for not playing, and Stardew Valley moved so fast I panicked and quit angrily within minutes. The only games I usually like are stuff like Pokemon or Kirby. I haven't played a Pokemon game in a while (the ones after Sun and Moon haven't appealed to me as much, for some reason), but games in that general ballpark are my thing. Also Lego games. I love the Lego games, and I'm outraged there aren't more being made nowadays.