#differentnotless

[neurospicyu]

Creating a Sensory-Friendly Space for Neurodivergent Minds

For many neurodivergent individuals, sensory processing can make daily life a bit more challenging. Certain lights, textures, and sounds that others might not even notice can become overwhelming. But creating a sensory-friendly space at home can help mitigate these challenges and provide a much-needed sanctuary.

Here are some tips to get started:

1️⃣ Soft Lighting: Harsh, bright lights can be too much for many neurodivergent people. Consider using lamps with soft, warm light bulbs, or install dimmer switches to control the intensity. Fairy lights can also add a calming, cozy ambiance.

2️⃣ Comforting Textures: Incorporating a variety of textures, such as soft blankets, plush pillows, and fuzzy rugs, can create a comforting and grounding environment. Pay attention to the fabrics you choose for furniture and bedding, aiming for materials that feel good to the touch.

3️⃣ Noise Reduction Tools: For those sensitive to sound, noise-canceling headphones or white noise machines can be lifesavers. You can also consider adding thick curtains or rugs to help dampen sound and create a quieter space.Creating a sensory-friendly environment doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Small changes can make a big difference in how comfortable and grounded you feel in your own space.

[always-angelic-aspie-alice]

My natural eye-lid colour was part of this look.

Please see my Instagram- Razzle Dazzle Always Alice for all the photos!

Xo, Susannah-Mariee from Always Angelic Aspie Alice 🦋

[autism-unfiltered]

The Unique Perspective of Autism: Embracing Neurodiversity

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often possess a unique way of interacting with the world around them. This isn't about possessing a special ability, but rather about experiencing the world in a different, often detail-oriented way.

Detail-Oriented Perception: Many autistic individuals have an incredible ability to focus on details. They may notice things that others overlook, and this can lead to unique insights and perspectives. This detail-oriented perception is not a superpower, but a different way of processing information.

Unique Interests: Autistic individuals often have deep, passionate interests in specific topics. These interests can lead to a wealth of knowledge and expertise in these areas, contributing to diverse fields of study and work.

Systemizing: Many people on the autism spectrum have a strong ability to systemize, or identify the underlying rules that govern systems. This can be applied to everything from music and mathematics to social interactions and language.

Creativity: Despite stereotypes, many autistic individuals are incredibly creative, using their unique perspective to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions and ideas.

Resilience: Living in a world that is not always accommodating to their needs, many autistic individuals develop a great deal of resilience. They continually adapt and find ways to thrive in their own unique ways.

Autism brings a different way of seeing, thinking, and interacting with the world. It's not about having a superpower; it's about recognizing and valuing different ways of being. Today and every day, let's celebrate the diversity of human experience and the valuable contributions of our neurodiverse community.

[always-angelic-aspie-alice]

Wish I had this kind of representation growing up

Summer Berry Mix 🍓🫐 ♡⊹˚₊

[neurospicyu]

Focus Tools for ADHD: Staying on Track When It’s Hard to Concentrate

ADHD can make staying focused feel like an uphill battle, but there are tools out there designed to help. Here are three that have been particularly helpful for me:

1️⃣ Pomodoro Timer: This technique involves working in 25-minute intervals followed by a 5-minute break. It helps to create a sense of urgency without overwhelming you. I find it particularly useful when I have a lot on my plate and need to tackle it step by step.

2️⃣ Forest App: If you’re easily distracted by your phone, this app might be a game-changer. Forest lets you grow a virtual tree that thrives as long as you stay on task. It’s a fun and visually rewarding way to keep yourself from wandering off into the digital abyss.

3️⃣ Todoist: Staying organized can be a challenge, but Todoist makes it easier by letting you break down tasks into manageable pieces with deadlines and priorities. It’s helped me keep my day structured, even when my brain wants to do everything at once.What tools do you use to stay focused? Share in the comments or reblog with your own tips—let’s support each other in our journey to better focus!

[always-angelic-aspie-alice]

New Podcast Episode: Wake Me Up to Wellness!

Hey everyone! Me and George are back with another awesome episode of our podcast (S5E6)!

We're kicking off the month with a bang, sharing our personal connections to Green Day's iconic song "Wake Me Up When September Ends". But that's not all - we're diving into life updates, mental health shares, and our goals (both short-term and long-term).

Of course, no episode would be complete without some fun tangents... like my fave coffee brand! And, we're excited to share some amazing mental health brands and podcasts you should totally follow!

So, grab your favorite cuppa and join us for a real, raw, and inspiring conversation. Stay curious!

Listen now and let us know what you think!

https://alwaysangelicaspiealice.podbean.com/e/s5e6wakeme-up-when-september-ends-%e2%80%a2-with-george%e2%80%a2-the-mentalhealth-%f0%9f%a9-pas-depauxnavigating-life-schallengeswithstrengthin-ad/

Pic courtesy: Facebook Llama 3.1

[carloswritesooks]

💙 Dealing with a Child That Has Autism: A Compassionate Guide for Parents

Raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may feel like stepping into a world with a different rhythm and language. At first, it can seem confusing, overwhelming, even isolating—but with love, patience, and understanding, it becomes a meaningful journey of connection and growth. 1.  Start with Acceptance, Not Expectation Your goal isn’t to “fix” your child but to see them. Autism is…

[always-angelic-aspie-alice]

< When I HAVE to talk to someone >

[cotxapi]

💬 Starting secondary school is a big step – especially for autistic children navigating new social settings. One dad shares his hopes and concerns as his high-achieving, autistic son prepares for a new chapter — and a new chance at friendship.

💙 A heartfelt party invite reminded them both: he is seen. He is wanted. With the right support, understanding, and school prep, every child can thrive — without changing who they are. 🌟

🔗 Read the full story and expert tips on preparing your autistic child for secondary school success.

[asteromans]

التوحد ليس مرضًا. إنه ببساطة يعني أن الدماغ يعمل بشكل مختلف، وليس بشكل خاطئ. 🌍💙

يتعلق التوحد بنقاط قوة ووجهات نظر وطرق تفكير فريدة. لذا دعونا نستبدل المفاهيم الخاطئة بالفهم والقبول والدعم.

مختلف، وليس أقل. فريد، وليس مكسور. 💡✨ #التوعية_بالتوحد#مختلف_لا_أقل#انظر_إلى_القدرة#اليوم_العالمي_للتوعية_بالتوحد#مستشفى_أستر_رويال_الرفاعة#أستر_عُمان#عالج_في_عُمان#رعاية_صحية *** Autism is not an illness or disease. It simply means the brain works differently, not incorrectly. 🌍💙 Being autistic is about unique strengths, perspectives, and ways of thinking. So let’s replace misconceptions with understanding, acceptance, and support. Different, not less. Unique, not broken. 💡✨

[letstalkbeautyuk]

🧠 Neurodiversity awareness badges >

[neurospicyu]

Embrace Your Neurodivergence: It’s Your Superpower

So often, society focuses on what’s considered 'normal,' but neurodivergence challenges us to think outside the box. Whether you have ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or another form of neurodivergence, your unique perspective is a strength, not a flaw.

Embracing your neurodivergence can be empowering. It allows you to see your differences as assets rather than something to be hidden or ashamed of. Maybe your ADHD helps you think quickly on your feet, or your autism gives you a remarkable eye for detail. Whatever it is, it’s time to celebrate it.Let’s create a space where we celebrate our unique minds. Reblog this post with one thing you love about your neurodivergence or something you’ve accomplished because of it. Let’s inspire each other to embrace our strengths.

[andrewbasile]

Every child learns differently—and that’s something to celebrate. This moment captures the beauty of a child on the autism spectrum fully immersed in a sensory-friendly activity, surrounded by peers and guided support.

With the right tools—like headphones for comfort and play-based learning—therapy becomes a joyful journey of connection, growth, and expression.

[always-angelic-aspie-alice]

Living every day as autistic and undiagnosed adhd is a lot of intense thought, judgement, and energy, and thinking how I can look somewhat normal at the same time!!

Having autism is like

Having ADHD is like

Having both Autism and ADHD is like

[drblied]

Celebrating Neurodiversity: Myth vs. Reality for World Autism Month

April is World Autism Month, a time to celebrate neurodiversity, honor the lived experiences of autistic individuals, and foster understanding and acceptance.

To support this, I am sharing some common, harmful myths about autism and the corresponding truths.

Myth 1: Autistic people don’t have emotions. Reality: Autistic people feel a full range of emotions—often deeply and intensely. Emotional expression may differ from neurotypical norms, but that doesn’t mean it’s absent or lacking. Every emotional experience is valid, and autistic expressions of care, joy, frustration, love, and more may just take a different shape. Myth 2: Autistic people don’t want friendships or connection. Reality: Many autistic individuals seek connection, but may prefer different ways of socializing or communicating. Building relationships based on mutual interests and understanding creates space for genuine, meaningful connections. Myth 3: All autistic people have intellectual disabilities. Reality: Autism exists across all intellectual and cognitive profiles. Autistic individuals have a wide range of cognitive strengths and challenges—just like everyone else. It’s important to see and support each person’s unique abilities, rather than making assumptions based on a diagnosis. Myth 4: Autism is always obvious or easy to diagnose. Reality: Autism presents differently in each person. Especially among individuals assigned female at birth, signs may be subtle or masked, delaying diagnosis. Regardless of when autism is recognized, each person’s identity deserves recognition and respect.

Myth 5: Autism is something that can be "cured." Reality: Autism is a unique brain style that shapes how individuals see and experience the world. It does NOT need to be “cured.” What matters is creating spaces where autistic individuals can flourish and contribute their unique perspectives.

By challenging these myths, we make space for more accurate understanding and respectful representation. Autism is a part of human diversity, and recognizing that helps create a more inclusive world.

Download the Faces of Health app! This app offers valuable mental health and well-being resources. Download it today from the App Store or the Google Play Store!

For a limited time, I am offering a Buy One, Get One Free promotion on my online courses:

Empowerment Through Understanding: Adult ADHD and Autism Modules  Dive deeper into ADHD and Autism with this online course to improve self-awareness, self-advocacy, and personal growth.Learn more here.

AND

Beat Stress Using Neuroscience and Mindfulness Masterclass Master your mind and body health through neuroscience-based mindfulness and stress management skills.Learn more here.

Don't miss out on this limited-time opportunity!

For more valuable insights, I encourage you to explore my blog at https://drblied.com/blog/. For a selection of wellness resources, please visit the resources page on my website at https://drblied.com/resources/.

[azizab-loved]

What does it take to belong?

What is love but a measure of our worth? A way to tell who is deserving and who is not. We chase love but instead we find ourselves contending, desperately trying to prove we are worthy of one person's next moment. That they haven't wasted the time spent with us or the pretty words they lathered us with. That our pain and our brokenness doesn't disqualify us from that which all people crave. On the hierarchy of needs, love and belonging come third, after food, water, and safety. But truthfully we are unsafe outside the fold of love.

What is living if we aren't accepted, aren't noticed, if we don't belong?

And what does it take to belong?

My heart is tormented by that very question. I live my life in worry and fear, that I will never be accepted, never find the security my biology says I need to survive. That my differences will forever hold me back from the esteem, the self-actualization that comes after love and belonging.

When I look at the world, I see a fractured reflection of what broke inside me. I see a tiring and endless repetition of the seeking and never finding, the hope and the dejection, the friends and partners who leave and who give up on us. What I see is bleak, for hatred, selfishness, and betrayal destroy us. They banish us to the desolate, the parched land outside of love, where survival is just out of reach.

I'd bury my head in the sand and forsake it all, if not for the persistent nagging hope that this time will be different. That maybe I am loveable beyond the barrage of hurt that marrs my past. That I'm not so beyond understanding, so strange and awkward, so impossible to put up with for longer than two years maximum.

When I look at myself I see an entity so entirely deserving, so full of light and potential, so capable of being fully loved. I see someone just like, and at the same time, so unlike anyone else. Someone who has survived what my mind said would kill me, someone who's hope could not be snuffed out, no matter what battering it took, or what impossible odds it was presented with.

And yet I still lack that feeling of safety and belonging that I tirelessly seek. I still find myself alone, wondering if I'm worth the heartache, worth the dashing of hopes my life seems so intent on bringing me. If my self-love is really enough.

And it terrifies me. I look to the future with dread, afraid that I will never find someone who is willing to stick with me for the duration. When I'm not talking, I'm too needy, or I'm suicidal. When I'm too anxious, or too depressed, or too autistic.

There's always something more important, something that takes priority over that needy friend, Aziza. That deep carer, deep feeler, deep emoter, Aziza. It's like if the ship is going down and we're deciding what to save and what to cast off, I don't make the cut.

I desperately want to make the cut for just one person.