The Big Think earlier this month disappointingly published a piece in which philosophy instructor Jonny Thomson, wondering whether the term neurodiversity does more harm than good, states, “The not…
Neurodiversity is for Everyone ™
“What this quote says: "One way to understand neurodiversity is to think in terms of human operating systems - just because a PC is not running Windows doesn't mean it's broken."”
My uncle is autistic so he has sensory sensitivities, and he's largely nonverbal so he can't tell you what those sensitivities Are, so what he does is, if you give him a shirt that is a bad texture,…
archived 17 Aug 2023 23:51:04 UTC
Background There is a growing recognition of sex and gender influences in autism. Increasingly, studies include comparisons between sexes or genders, but few have focused on clarifying the characteristics of autistic girls’/women’s physical health. Methods A scoping review was conducted to determine what is currently known about the physical health of autistic girls/women. We screened 1112 unique articles, with 40 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. We used a convergent iterative process to synthesize this content into broad thematic areas. Results Autistic girls/women experience more overall physical health challenges compared to non-autistic girls/women and to autistic boys/men. Emerging evidence suggests increased prevalence of epilepsy in autistic girls/women compared to non-autistic girls/women and to autistic boys/men. The literature also suggests increased endocrine and reproductive health conditions in autistic girls/women compared to non-autistic girls/women. Findings regarding gastrointestinal, metabolic, nutritional, and immune-related conditions are preliminary and inconsistent. Limitations The literature has substantial heterogeneity in how physical health conditions were assessed and reported. Further, our explicit focus on physical health may have constrained the ability to examine interactions between mental and physical health. The widely differing research aims and methodologies make it difficult to reach definitive conclusions. Nevertheless, in keeping with the goals of a scoping review, we were able to identify key themes to guide future research. Conclusions The emerging literature suggests that autistic girls/women have heightened rates of physical health challenges compared to non-autistic girls/women and to autistic boys/men. Clinicians should seek to provide holistic care that includes a focus on physical health and develop a women’s health lens when providing clinical care to autistic girls/women.
Terra Vance posits that Autistic people experience empathy and emotions differently because the way autistic identity is structured differs from non-autistic people’s identity constructs.
a conversation with dr. ellen vora
The world made me feel like an autistic failure for so long. All it took was some kindness and understanding to realize: I am extraordinary.
Internal stigma about depression or anxiety leads many women to share a photo on social where the caption doesn’t match what they felt inside.
“Little Black Autistic Girl, what will the world do with you? Will they forget you? Will you go down in history as an overlooked and unsung hero that deserved more recognition while they were aroun…
Traits associated with autism that people often tend to disparage were—and arguably still are—critical to human communities.
[the following is a full transcript of all slides in slideshow] Ableism Awareness Month Introduction to Ableism and Disability Rights Issues
Monotropism is a theory of autism relating to focus and attention. Find out more about this theory and which autistic traits this could account for.
Hackers tried to imply Simone Biles was doping. She used the leak to reduce ADHD stigma instead.
We are really excited to share our kayaking sensory story, produced as part of our ‘Re-Storying Landscape for Social Inclusion’ collaboration.
Our Mission The mission of Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN) is to provide community support, and resources for Autistic women, girls, transfeminine and transmasculine nonbinary people, trans people of all genders, Two Spirit people, and all people of marginalized genders or of no gender. AWN is committed to recognizing…
When an anthropologist’s baby was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, he was overwhelmed by emotion but used his training to see difference anew.
INTEROCEPTION: THE EIGHTH SENSORY SYSTEM by Kelley Mahler Sit back and close your eyes. What do you feel inside your body? Is your heart beating fast or slow? Are you breathing deeply or shallowly? Do you have to go to the bathroom? Are your muscles tense or loose? How does your stomach feel? Most of us are able to feel…
Research has shown that instantly, non-autistic people negatively judge autistic people on first sight. This is a free printable resource for you on thin slice judgements.
For several years, autism organizations led by non-autistic parents and professionals have focused on Autism Awareness in the month of April. Autistic people have pushed back on the Awareness campa…
archived 17 Aug 2023 23:51:04 UTC
Printable PDF: Diversity is Beautiful (Simple) Image description: title is “diversity is beautiful.” First row of drawings shows a variety of animals, with the caption “diversity in the anim…
Autism doesn’t just affect boys and men, but research on the condition still predominantly focuses on them. Some scientists are finally beginning to include…
Some psychiatrists said that no one ever believed the serotonin theory. Yet the public does, and are surprised to learn that it is a myth.
As soon as a parent is aware that their child is autistic, they often ask, “What therapies does my child need?” Terra Vance walks readers through what to prioritize.
Today we’d like to introduce you to a new comic artist on our website. We’d like for you to meet “Mostly ADHD,” a webcomic artist who wanted to show others what life was like for them as someone who was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They never thought their sketches would lead to a series of webcomics that have amassed an amazing number of over 19k Instagram followers with just 24 posts in total!
Terra Vance posits that Autistic people experience empathy and emotions differently because the way autistic identity is structured differs from non-autistic people’s identity constructs.
Blog Post: Throughout my self-discovery process, I have held grief in one hand and joy in the other. It's normal to have a mixture of emotions when one discovers neurodivergence late in life. It's important to create space for all of these complex emotions. It's okay to both feel excited, liberated,
As soon as a parent is aware that their child is autistic, they often ask, “What therapies does my child need?” Terra Vance walks readers through what to prioritize.
"With this graphic, everyone can map their own personal spectrum."
This is a leaflet based on a discussion on personality disorder diagnoses that we had on the Facebook group. Thanks to the wonderful Dolly Sen for her design. Download leaflet here: RITB How not to…
After watching the movie “Get out”, I came across several subliminal messages (possibly unintentional). One of which, having to do with the “Sunken place”. In the movie ‘Get Out’, Rose’s mother puts…
Research has shown that instantly, non-autistic people negatively judge autistic people on first sight. This is a free printable resource for you on thin slice judgements.
Research has shown that instantly, non-autistic people negatively judge autistic people on first sight. This is a free printable resource for you on thin slice judgements.
We discovered this year our D is on the Autism Spectrum. The psycologist told D has Asperger's Syndrome. He said it was a wonder she wasn't diagnosed long ago it was so apparent. Of course girls with Asperger have somewhat different characteristics then boys (D was a talker and an imaginative little girl from 1 year old) so girls are often diagnosed later than boys (usually around 10). Were Ted and I upset? Actually I was so relieved and happy! I had been feeling like her struggles were due to my poor parenting. When I first read the traits of Asperger's girls (affectionately called Aspies) it was like reading a novel about my daughter. I began to understand her better and I wanted to pass on some of the useful info onto you in case you are interested interacting with my rare species of Asperger Girl; 1. Empathy can be hard; I've seen D come off as mean girl or unkind. The truth is Asperger girls aren't as good as understanding other's emotions or how what she says or her body language is read by those around her. We work daily on learning how phrases and body language are interpreted by others. It just takes longer for my girl to learn how then say...anything else really, Latin, math, except maybe cleaning which leads me to, 2. Long term memory amazing, Short term not so much; "D please clean your room". Five seconds later she has no idea what I just asked her. And this just happened 20 times in a row. But she can tell you in detail what happened when she was a baby. Temple Grandin said in her autobiography this was true of her as well. Tip;if you ask D to do something don't be offended if you have to ask twice, or better yet write it down. 3. Sensitive to sounds (volume), smells, textures; Too many kids in a room and D will be driven up the wall. If there is a song she doesn't like playing in the background she won't be able to concentrate on anything else. If D looks confused while your talking you may want to ask her if something is distracting her. Florescent lights can drive her insane. Also if you hug or touch her when she's not expecting it she might flinch. I learned from her Psychologist that she actually feels pain when she is unexpectedly touched! Yesterday I went in for an unannounced hug and D jumped and said, "Don't hit me!". So I announced my need to hug her and she laughed and hugged back. 4. Having a two-way conversation is challenging. D has got a movie in her head of her fave things going all the time (Warriors books, Undertale, Electro-Swing music, Computers, her pet ducks and chickens). Ask her about those things and she will talk endlessly. Bring up your own topic of conversation and you will find she will move the conversation to talking about her favorite things very quickly. But don't despair. As I was writing this D shared a tip about this; if you introduce her to new info she might feign that she knows all about it, then secretly research it later. Or the opposite might happen; I was just given a homework assignment to read the first 3 chapters of a Warriors book last night because D was so wanted to talk to me about it. It is good for her to be redirected out of her interests though. I encourage you to try it's a fun game. 5. Don't give up! I am confident that my Aspie will grow up to be able to connect with others and be amazingly empathetic and kind to all. Temple Grandin said that social intelligence might come slowly to Autistic people, but it can still be learned. When I prayed for little three year old D who couldn't play well with others in preschool, God told me that she would be behind kids her age socially for awhile but ahead with other things, and that she would eventually catch up. When I started working with Autism experts with D I found Asperger's Syndrome lined up with what he told me. It is not a handicap, it is a different way of experiencing the world. Asperger's makes it hard for her many times as she is quirky and different. Her brain is actually just more developed in some areas and less in others. It is also a gift. My D is super creative, has been developing her own characters and imaginary world since she was two. She can memorize things long-term quickly. I am still uncovering her gifts (and occasionally challenges). I hope you will join me. D's world is a vivid, sometimes perilous, always exciting place! Most of all she is worth getting to know. This is just the beginning of a beautiful life. The first description of Asperger girls I read is here A great scientific explanation here. Also this has been a terrific help to parenting an aspie; https://www.aspergerexperts.com/ More useful info;
When photographer Mary Berridge’s son was diagnosed with Asperger’s, she began to see his world in a new light. She set out to capture a series of everyday – and exceptional – stories, one image at a time
My kids have been kicked out of many, many places for being different—just like I was.
Female Autism Infographics to share for awareness and education. More Coming The following article is copyrighted and may not be posted anywhere without permission from the author. For more information go to: www.aspiengirl.com www.taniamarshall.com To contact Tania regarding consultations, assessment, problem-solving strategies, Skype consultations, book distribution, interviews, book translations, publishing queries, please email her
What if people treated physical illness the way they treat mental illness?
I receive emails from journalists and media makers asking me to tell my story about life with ichthyosis about once a month now. Most of these are for tabloid media, but some are for public media and well respected publications and programs. I've said yes to a few and no to more. My friends with
stick around, it pisses people off
