#autism empowerment

[justareallyverychillperson]

Hell

I do not think that people understand

What it means to have a brain such as mine

It's like I'm living in a foreign land

but I've been cursed with incorrect design

A slave of neurotypical demand

my only need is warm compassion thine

I've learned to deal my blessed cards in hand

For every gift has anchovies in brine

My brain is loud that is the proper brand

my thoughts nay travel in a perfect line

torture, courtesy of a marching band

no one bothers to do their things on time

I've made to see the bright in what I've got

in return please spare my dear mind from rot

[elliotgraysstuff]

Question to the ND peeps,

What aids do you have to elevate stressors of every day life and are good, healthy coping mechanisms you use?

If you use any noise cancelling headphones, what ones worked best for you?

Do you listen to any podcasts that are specifically directed to your special interests?

Do you have any strategies to help with an impending meltdown? If so what are they?

I'm very newly diagnosed and still waiting for a follow up therapy session to talk about things surrounding my diagnosis.

Thanks 😊 🌟

Thanks 😊

[wisterianwoman]

Under the Mask: The Reality of Being 'High-Functioning'

"High functioning" just means you're really great at hiding when you're struggling. Let's talk more in-depth about what that means, how to cope, and fighting the stigma.

“High functioning” just means you’re really great at hiding when you’re struggling. Let’s talk more in-depth about what that means, how to cope, and fighting the stigma. on the surface… I had straight A’s in second grade when my dad was deported. Fourth grade, too, when he died. I graduated high school two months after I found out I was being cheated on by my first love. I bought a brand new…

[multipassionat]

sometimes it feels like I’m supposed to come with a disclaimer. like I don’t trust myself to behave right or others to get me. like this is me i want to be authentic and express my existence but like pls don't judge me or make fun of me because i am just ~being myself~.

i'm trying to worry about this sort of thing less but i spent many years trapped in that kind of thinking and being so i still find myself making big explanations for why i am the way i am, was the way i was, post the way i post, do the things i do. but fuck it, i just wanna be and whoever resonates with me stays, whoever doesn't - goes away and i've just gotta learn to be okay with that... you know?

[alwaysjes]

Good morning!!

How is everyone doing on this fine Friday morning?? I am doing good, just hanging at work waiting until 1:30 to go home for the day! I just wanted to do a longer introduction post because you really only got that I am old and a bookworm on the last one. hahaha

I am as I said before 30 and a bookworm. I am also a auntie who is raising her nephew, living with ME/CFS which is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (I will get more into that at a later date), I am autistic (Self-diagnoised), and I am just someone who loves to love and be friends with a lot of people online! It is way better then being friends in real life. haha I don't have to leave my couch to talk to everyone! I love that. haha Oh and I love being able to empower people and just be apart of Women Empowerment! I hate when women tear down other women! Anywho, this is another intro post!

If anyone has questions, don't ever hesitate to message me!

[breadstyx]

Apparently cupcakKe is a virgin and honestly, kind of a slay for her to come out and casually tweet about it after being the rapper with the most sexual lyrics out there for the past 5 years.

[weareuniqueandimportant]

I LOVE MURDER... I FIND THE TOPIC VERY INTERESTING... I ALSO BELIEVE ALOT OF ABUSERS WERE ACTUALLY NEGLECTED... AND THEIR "VICTIMS" ONLY REPEAT THE LIES THEY ALWAYS HAVE... OUR ABUSERS ALL CERTAINLY LOVE TO PAINT SUCH A PICTURE... DON'T WORRY... I HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING... YET <3...

[giftguidestips]

Exploring the Benefits of Autism Puzzles: Enhancing Cognitive Skills and Empowering Individuals

Autism puzzles have gained recognition as valuable tools in the development and education of individuals on the autism spectrum. These puzzles offer a unique way to engage individuals, promote cognitive skills, and foster social interaction. In this article, we delve into the world of autism puzzles, exploring their benefits and significance in empowering individuals with autism.

Understanding Autism Puzzles

Autism puzzles are specially designed puzzles tailored to the needs and abilities of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These puzzles come in various forms, including jigsaw puzzles, tactile puzzles, and sensory puzzles. They often feature vibrant colors, textured pieces, and engaging images that appeal to individuals with autism.

Benefits of Autism Puzzles

1. Enhancing Cognitive Skills

Autism puzzles provide a stimulating environment for developing cognitive skills such as problem-solving, spatial awareness, and fine motor skills. As individuals engage with the puzzle pieces, they learn to analyze patterns, manipulate objects, and sequence steps to complete the puzzle.

2. Promoting Sensory Integration

Many autism puzzles incorporate sensory elements such as textured pieces, auditory cues, and visual stimuli. These sensory experiences help individuals with autism develop sensory integration skills, improve sensory processing, and regulate sensory input.

3. Fostering Social Interaction

Autism puzzles can be used as a tool to facilitate social interaction and communication among individuals on the autism spectrum. Group activities involving puzzles encourage collaboration, turn-taking, and sharing, fostering positive social skills and relationships.

4. Building Confidence and Self-Esteem

Successfully completing a puzzle can instill a sense of accomplishment and pride in individuals with autism, boosting their self-esteem and confidence. As they overcome challenges and master new skills, they gain a sense of competence and independence.

Types of Autism Puzzles

1. Jigsaw Puzzles

Traditional jigsaw puzzles with varying levels of difficulty, catering to individuals of all ages and skill levels.

2. Tactile Puzzles

Puzzles featuring textured pieces or braille labels, designed to engage individuals with sensory sensitivities or visual impairments.

3. Sensory Puzzles

Puzzles incorporating sensory elements such as lights, sounds, and tactile surfaces to provide a multisensory experience.

Tips for Using Autism Puzzles

Choose Appropriate Puzzles: Select puzzles that match the individual's interests, abilities, and sensory preferences.

Provide Supportive Guidance: Offer encouragement, assistance, and verbal prompts as needed to facilitate the puzzle-solving process.

Encourage Exploration: Allow individuals to explore and manipulate the puzzle pieces freely, encouraging creativity and independent problem-solving.

Create a Calm Environment: Minimize distractions and create a calm, quiet environment conducive to concentration and focus.

Conclusion: Empowering Individuals Through Autism Puzzles

Autism puzzles offer a wealth of benefits in enhancing cognitive skills, promoting sensory integration, fostering social interaction, and building confidence. By incorporating these puzzles into educational programs, therapy sessions, and recreational activities, we can empower individuals with autism to reach their full potential and thrive in their unique abilities.

To learn more click here

[jamestaylor702]

Unlock the power of communication with 'Verbal Autism'! 🗨️ Our app empowers individuals to express their feelings and needs with simple prompts. Join us for enhanced connectivity and understanding.

Download the app now

[study-with-maddi]

24.09.22 ~ September Update

Starting with the positives, I officially confirmed my candidature and I am now officially eligible to upgrade to a PhD. The feedback received on my candidature proposal was positive and invaluable to moving forward with my research. I have received my final lot of edits to complete my umbrella review and should be submitting it for critical review within the next week. Moving into October the focus is on finalising the questions for my survey study, completing the ethics applications for review and creating the marketing materials to distribute to the public.

Unfortunately, there are some negatives. I am starting to understand why people say a research degree is a time of personal growth and self-reflection. The trials and tribulations that occur during background research, the creating of systematic processes, navigating ethics applications and recruiting participants before you even think about conducting a your study, let alone writing a manuscript for publication is an overwhelming thought. Then you have the greatest pressure, TIME, limited time to complete all of the above and write a thesis document.

~

Now, I am about to get personal. I started my research journey after a traumatic injury that occurred at work. This injury threw my entire life of course, but I also look back now and realise that it put me on my destined path. I have struggled through a major depressive episode related to the injury, continuing anxiety and residual PTSD. I had a relationship breakdown, moved back to the Sunshine Coast and have been fighting to get my life back on track for the past six months. This has all occurred within the past 12 months and whilst my step-dad has also been receiving treatment for terminal pancreatic and bowel cancer. Our family just lost two furry family members this month and this continual series of unfortunate events has greatly impacted my ability to get through the workload of my master's.

However, I am extremely lucky, my support network is unbeatable between my close knit family, supporting supervisors and encouraging university. I am slowly, making my way through the tasks, whilst still struggling from depression and anxiety, aiming to keep my head above water. This blog was created to share my journey and self-reflect on my experiences. I hope this post finds the people it is intended for, that even if you are not completing a research degree or studying that you can resinate with the journey in some aspect and I hope it brings you comfort in the fact you are not alone.

StudywithMaddi x

[skullytheartisticautist]

[cogbreath]

i think some of you should reconsider about reclaiming the r slur. genuinely. like idk for me its the fact that theres a disconnect between the groups of ppl who would have been medically described as such when that term was in usage (referring to intellectual disability. this term was never medically used to refer to autism. or adhd. or any *developmental* disability. this is usa term usage btw. i know uk terms different. ) vs the people who are reclaiming it. maybe there is some overlap but i have yet to see much of it. i get that many disabled ppl regardless of diagnosis have been abused with this term often but...i dunno. especially because imho, i have yet to see anyone who says they reclaim this term ever use it in a way that would be something you could call "taking back" the word. or in an empowering way. really imho many cases seem like just still an insult way or negative way. even when referring to self. you know. especially considering we had a whole public campaign to discourage casual usage of that word. i guess everyone has a different opinion about who can use it but honestly i wish people were more careful and consider more about maybe why they want to reclaim it and if you do reclaim it really think about how you're using it and if its actually something you are doing for empowerment. because if you arent imho you arent doing anything new different from the negative slur context useage of it. really the opinion is that those who have the most 'right' to reclaim it is people with intellectual disability and/or borderline intellectual functioning ........ i personally agree that its for the better to probably not if you do not have that. do you understand what i mean. ..? im not trying to like attack anyone really but just saying this as food for thought , yeah?

[gatheringbones]

["The entwined nature of neuronormativity and heteronormativity means that the compulsory performance of neurotypicality is never a gender-neutral performance, but instead is strongly tied to the performance of binary heteronormative gender roles. Normative performance of whichever gender one was assigned at birth is central to what it means to be "normal" in the eyes of the present dominant culture. Thus, when the enforcers of normativity demand that a child "act normal," it's ultimately a demand to either act like a "normal boy" or like a "normal girl," whether or not the demand is explicitly phrased that way.

Since normative performance is always gendered, deviations from neuronormative embodiment are also inevitably deviations from heteronormative embodiment. Whether a given deviation gets interpreted by the enforcers of normativity as a violation of neuronormativity or as a violation of heteronormativity often depends entirely on context and circumstances. In a context in which a child is known to be autistic (or neurodivergent in some other specific and culturally pathologized way), the child's non-normative usage of their hands is likely to be pathologized as a "symptom" of their neurodivergence. But in a different context, those who are policing the child's embodiment are unaware of the child's neurodivergence, the same non-normative hand movements might be flagged as gender violations: children whom adults have labeled as girls might be reprimanded for drumming on the table with their hands or running their fingers vigorously and repeatedly through their hair, on the grounds that such actions are "unladylike"; children whom adults have labeled as boys might be attacked or ridiculed for flapping their hands, on the grounds that such gestures are "gay."

Thus, there are some autistic people who were forced in childhood to suppress their natural hand movements because those hand movements were flagged as "symptoms of autism" and targeted for elimination by autistiphobic adults, and other autistic people who weren't recognized as autistic in childhood but were still forced to suppress their hand movements because those hand movements were violations of heteronormativity that got them targeted for homophobic and transphobic abuse by adults and/or peers. And of course, there are many who were targeted on both neuronormative and heteronormative grounds at different times— e.g., autistics who in their youth were abused by adults for moving their hands autistically, and by homophobic peers who read those same hand movements as queer. The professional ABA perpetrator and the homophobic schoolyard bully are ultimately in the same line of work, enforcing the same compulsory normativity from different angles.

Since distinctively autistic movements of the hands violate the rules of both neuronormative performance and heteronormative performance, to refuse to suppress such movements functions as a simultaneous queering of both neuronormativity and heteronormativity. When an autistic person chooses to allow themselves to follow some or all of the impulses toward non-normative hand movement that spontaneously arise in them, rather than suppressing those impulses in the interest of normative performance, that's a form of neuroqueering."]

nick walker, from neuroqueer heresies: notes on the neurodiversity paradigm, autistic empowerment, and postnormal possibilities, 2021

[wrotelovelytears]

If Astrology is Real..

yep I lied... sorta

♨The degree of your ascendant is the age in which you act the most like the sign. You might also physically embody the sign that rules that degree the most then, or start to do so.

♨Pisces with Aquarius placements say the most out of pocket things and come up with the most creative explanations/ insults.

♨Libras with Virgo placements care a lot about appearances, in a more muted and blending in way.

♨6th house Pisces have the wildest everyday experiences. They also have some very strong protection, even if they are a bit... Ditzy when it comes to trusting others

♨Scorpios with Libra placements can be some of the most openly expressive people when it comes to love.

♨12h house Leos (Virgo Risings) take everything personal. Like every time they called out its seen as them having a personal flaw that needs to be corrected. They will end up seeking reassurance that they aren't said flaw and try to consciously reject it while subconsciously embodying it due to focusing on it so much. 

♨I know people say Taurus placements hate drama, in reality they hate to BE in drama. They love all the messy stories and gossip however.

♨I'd argue that Taureans have more of a tendency to try to organize everything in their life more than Caps or Virgos. The second house is the house of self worth, so the more you can control the "higher" your self worth feels.

🕳That does mean they struggle a lot with the idea of letting go, it implies they can't control everything and have to simply let it go✨

♨Taurus women definitely the folks that had a "I hate pink👀" phase just to later admit they didn't want to get bullied for liking it when they were younger. (Of course this applies to Taurus men and enbies as well, I highlighted women because they easily fall victim to misogyny (internalized and other).

♨Sorry, imma say it. Sagittarius women have a high tendency to be very misogynistic. Like they all about women empowerment in terms of "I'm better than xyz" "Down with the Patriarchy" and "women should be in the same positions of power as men (regardless if said position is harmful for the masses)". Yet they view other women as competition for the spots they want, and will easily drag another woman for something they wouldn't want another to say about them.

Example... Nicki M

♨Bout to air out my fellow Scorpios. Its not healthy to defend your partner/ ex when you hear someone talking about their behaviors, when you know damn well you dragged them for the same shit. Stop defending stuff you don't like about someone you (did) like because only you can drag them.

~These next couple of observations shouldn't be used to diagnose anyone or yourself. If you believe that you or someone you know fits in any of these categories, please seek out professional help. And know you (and them) aren't alone~

♨Almost every single person I've known with Scorpio in their big three/ Venus has had a cluster B personality disorder(ASPD- psychopathy/sociopath, NPD- narcissist, BPD- borderline, HPD- histrionic) and/or some other form of Neurodivergence (typically ADHD or Autism, some were Bipolar or another personality disorder cluster).

♨Speaking of Neurodivergence, almost every Sagittarius placement ive known has had what most people think of when mentioning ND (Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, tuorettes ). It was especially prominent in those with Virgo/6th house placements.

♨Pisces and 12th housers might actually deny getting help. They would acknowledge there is a problem and even speak on how much it impacts their lives, and then say they don't want to go to therapy or a psychiatrist. Its not that they don't believe in the mental health field, its more of a unconscious fear of being judged or mistreated due to their differences. (Might have also actually sought out help in the past just to be misled or belittled)

♨Gemini can be linked to dysgraphia, dyscalica, dyslexia etc.

🕳Gemini rules over communication, hands and short term/ quick thoughts. Due to that people with certain planets or even Gemini ruled have a higher chance of having one of the above.

🕳The third house having certain placements as well. (Saturn with restricting, Neptune with confusion and the Sun with ego)

♨Pisces/12th house could be looked at in terms of Body dysmorphia. The reason being is the 12th house is linked to the subconscious as well as that which is hidden from us. While Pisces is linked to illusions and fantasy. Having a heavy concentration of either could lead to certain thoughts about oneself. The house Pisces is in could show the area in which BDD is had.

♨Martians (Scorpios and Aries) need to keep their mental health in check. Aries starts to suffer from headaches, migraines and vision problems related to stress. While Scorpios suffer from reproductive organ issues (endometriosis, PCOS, erectile dysfunction etc) as well as increased bladder infections + hemorrhoids. 

🕳Both these signs have a tendency to internalize stress (yes, even the imma punch you Aries), and their body suffers until they release it (healthily).

♨People with heavy Venusian (Taurus and/or Libra) traits need to look out in terms of stress experienced via relationships. When they get too stressed it starts to effect their metabolism. Higher lactic acid (leg cramp juice) and higher cortisone (stress juice) can lead to thyroid problems and  bladder issues (infections galore).

♨Capricorns, while being known for good bone health are probably suffering due to Pluto being in Cap right now.

🕳Pluto being the planet of extremes means folks are pushing themselves further or just having some bad health in terms of their bones.

🕳The house Capricorn is in can hint to what bones are more effected during this time. (Check both your current Solar return and Natal chart)

  🕳12th~feet and ankles, they probably hate you right now. In fact you should probably invest in some better shoes/see a podiatrist

  🕳2nd~ your neck/ upper spine... invest in a neck pillow

  🕳5th~ your spine and ribs, be careful while lifting things and sitting certain ways. Back pillows will be your best friend

♨Libras have a higher chance of being constipated (having IBS-C) while Virgos have a higher chance of diarrhea (having IBS-D).

🕳Libras also need to be careful in terms of hemorrhoids, reverse anus (please don't google this, if you do that's ya own fault hardheaded), and colon issues.

🕳Virgos need to be careful with dairy (the amount of lactose intolerant Virgos 🥴), gluten and any allergies they have because their guts (and ass) will definitely suffer if not.

♨Yet another point on Virgos... High stress leads to bad gut health. Bad gut health leads to bad mental health. The guts and mind are connected, please look out for both.

Any who... Err I am not "back" per say. I've just decided that its always going to be more important to take care of my physical and mental wellbeing. That does mean even when I like something I can't just push myself. I'm still healing from my surgeries and whatnot, yet being not able to walk around much has made my brain go on overdrive. So that three second "break" I took still applies. I'm just not going to be dramatic or whatever bout it anymore.

And no my readings are NOT open. At least not for now.

(If you learned something new or would just like to support me you can leave a wittle tip via the tip button or one of the links in my masterlist. Kofi: nymphdreams🧸)

[cyrsed]

Nick Walker on neuroessentialism in neuroqueer heresies: notes on the neurodiversity paradigm, autistic empowerment, and postnormal possibilities

Those who view neurodiversity through a neuroessentialist lens have an unfortunate tendency to compare and contrast neurotypicality with innate forms of neurodivergence like autism in a way that implicitly assumes autism and neurotypicality to be equally innate and equally intrinsic to a person's being. In the less well-informed discourses on neurodiversity that unfold on social media, for instance, one too often sees people speaking of "the neurotypical brain," as if neurotypicality were a biological destiny that unfolded inevitably from being born with a specific kind of brain. On a strictly neurobiological level, there's not actually such a thing as a "normal brain" or a "neurotypical brain," any more than there's such a thing as a "male brain," a "heterosexual brain," or an "American brain." Neurotypical people aren't people who all share one distinct type of human brain, they're people whose compliance with prevailing cultural standards of neuronormative performance gains them the privileges that come with being considered "normal" within the dominant culture. Neurotypicality is more a social phenomenon than a biological one. [...] some people have more innate capacity than others to adapt to the demands of neuronormative performance. But having that capacity isn't the same as being innately neurotypical. If we begin from the premise that neurotypicality is performative in the same sense that heteronormative gender roles are performative, then a newborn infant can't be legitimately considered neurotypical for the same reason a newborn infant can't be legitimately considered a straight cisgender female or a straight cisgender male: newborn infants are obviously not engaged in enacting acquired habits of performance. Infants are adorable messy little bundles of possibility, and which possibilities become realized and embodied over time depends to a large extent on the nature of the actions that a given individual learns to perform. If the innate predispositions of a given infant are fundamentally incompatible with the demands of neuronormative performance, such that a life of comfortably and convincingly performing neuronormativity isn't within that infant's scope of future possibilities, then we can legitimately say that the infant is neurodivergent-i.e., it has already diverged from the path of neuronormativity, right at the outset. The reverse, however, doesn't hold true. If the innate predispositions of a given infant are compatible with the demands of neuronormative performance, such that neurotypicality is within that infant's scope of future possibilities, that's not the same as the infant actually being neurotypical yet or being biologically destined for neurotypicality. To say that an infant is innately and "naturally" neurotypical just because it's capable of acclimating to a life of neuronormative performance makes no more sense than saying that the infant is innately and "naturally" a software engineer just because it would be possible to someday teach it to design software. In other words, it's possible to be born neurodivergent but it's not possible to be born neurotypical.

[my-autism-adhd-blog]

Do you know of any online autistic women's spaces? I just got banned from my favorite women's autistic space on Reddit (because they assumed I was a man based on my post history) and now I'm looking for other spaces.

Hi there,

I’m not good with finding new places, but I found these:

That’s all I can find. Others were Reddit posts asking for safe spaces.

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