#developmental conditions

[autisticspectrumcommunitysupport]

ASCS Q&A

I hope to create a curation of resources and support available to autistic Australians.

Q. So why the name?

A syndrome is a collection of symptoms that indicate a condition. The DSM, from which the prevalence of the name Autism Spectrum Disorder comes, has never been able to accurately describe the experiences of those living with the condition. Many issues have and will continue to be raised about the DSM and its usefulness as a diagnostic tool. The three-level system is hard to navigate and promotes the unhealthy coping strategy of heavy masking as an indicator of less need for support. Regardless, I am not aiming to rename the condition but wish to highlight a symptomatic approach to support rather than a diagnostic one.

Q. Will the resources be paid?

The goal is to never have people have to pay for support, but I am aiming to change legislation in Australia.

Q. What about the NDIS?

The original goals for the NDIS were to support people with disabilities, both devices used to support people, such as mobility aids, and to higher paid support workers. There was always a focus on creating an industry of providing disability services, which has become counterintuitive to the goal of supporting independence and daily life. There are many examples of the NDIS providing support workers when the funding would be far more impactful if used in other ways.

Q. So what will the focus be on?

For now, the goal is to provide an easy-to-navigate database for autistic life in Australia. Clear guides on what is currently available for adults who can self-manage access and support. This is mostly due to limitations in the scope of a personal project. I do wish to expand. If possible, secondary goals are to rewrite the most used definitions of Autism in Australia and create a service that better addresses the needs of the autistic community, similar to the National Diabetes Services Scheme, addressing a community's needs.

[kickasstorrents]

i think alot abt how one of the like seemingly universal things in all cultures of the world is a master-servant like solution to problems of distribution of labor & it infiltrates like literally everything like gender norms & employment & stuff What is that ? why is there always a lazy guy who tells people what to do & guys who either choose to or are forced to follow them

[gregor-samsung]

Birthmarked (Emanuel Hoss-Desmarais, 2018)

[osokasstuff]

i really like word "neurodivergent" in its initial meaning. i like its spectral nature, its inclusive nature, its uniting nature (because sometimes it's very useful to have one single word for everyone who have non-typical experience with their brain functions and not list 100500 possible causes and types of disabilities affecting brain functions).

i use "neurodivergent" in its broadest sense, including every type of disability that affects brain. and i like feeling of community and commonalities and social justice subtext (because neurodivergent is tied with anti-ableism and advocacy in my mind and they're unseparable).

but i'm sad that such a cool term is often misused. i'm sad that it's often narrowed down to "autism, adhd, maybe some mood & anxiety disorders." because it was never intended to have narrow meaning. it was intended to have the broadest possible meaning. and even in this narrow meaning, tons of experiences are thrown away. medium & high support needs, higher levels of severity, less socially acceptable symptoms, etc. are often not represented, ignored, or even excluded on purpose.

i'm sad that movement that started as anti-ableism and inclusion is now flooded with ableism and exclusion. it feels wrong.

but i'm not going to give up. i'm going to bring the broadest and inclusive meaning back. i hope to make neurodivergent community a community for all people whose brains are divergent. i will fight for it as long as needed.

(i don't mean that i'm going to pressure people to use label neurodivergent and put themselves in neurodivergent community if they don't want to. i mean only make neurodivergent community welcoming for people with any experiences with "divergent brain," not only those which are accepted now).

[likelyapsychopath]

Say it with me, folks:

Having special interests and difficulty socializing doesn't mean you're autistic.

Being forgetful doesn't mean you have ADHD.

Being terrified of something doesn't mean you have a phobia.

Being deeply affected by a traumatic event doesn't mean you have PTSD.

Not trying to be a dick here, but I'm tired of seeing every deviation from an "average neurotypical" being diagnosed with a clinical condition by random internet people.

Can you share some of the symptoms of these conditions, and can those symptoms cause significant difficulties in your life without meeting the criteria for a diagnosis? Absolutely! I'm not trying to invalidate anyone's struggles here. I'm also not saying that the internet isn't a valuable tool for people seeking answers when something doesn't feel quite "right" or "normal." What I am saying is that these diagnoses have detailed, specific criteria, and cannot be properly diagnosed without help from a medical professional.

Yes, I'm aware that not everyone wants or is able to pursue a clinical diagnosis. That's fine (unless their inability stems from poor access to healthcare/systemic disadvantages, which is obviously very un-fine). I suspected I was autistic for years before I got my diagnosis, and I was frequently using resources for autistic people.

Saying "I believe I have undiagnosed X" shouldn't make you any less welcome in spaces for X than people with Official Diagnoses™️. Anyone who isn't a massive shitstain will help you get what you need.

That being said, that doesn't change the fact that seeing a list of symptoms/traits online and thinking "hey, that sounds like me!" still isn't the same as a diagnosis. Please stop trying to diagnose medical disorders online, especially for someone else.

[loxlia]

Stop calling neurodiverse conditions “mental illnesses” challenge.

[antonsautismlife]

I'm relatively good in the last days. I have found a thing that affects my mental health really positively, but I don't want to talk about what it is on this blog.

The thing also causes some issues like I had a meltdown yesterday in the evening and today in the morning because of it. Today, I'm also not at the special workplace / day center because of the meltdown in the morning, but the good effects of the thing are significantly more than the bad effects, so it's a good thing.

Unfortunately an a bit annoying thing in the last days is that I need more sleep than usual, but it very probably hasn't to do anything with the good thing, but I'm confused what is causing this tiredness.

[tet-0]

Umm yes, I still have autism the lifelong condition I've had since birth that I have had treatment for. Did the treatment work? No, because there was nothing to treat but thank you for checking. Yes, it still impacts me, but for how long? Umm since birth, around the time I moved in with my parents, how funny is that. Yes, I still have autism and didn't recover during this conversation. It will continue to impact me two years from now, it's a lifelong condition.

Given every service and support I sign up to needs to know, hope this helps. :)

[lolly-dolli]

On the one hand I genuinely wish more ND representation were human and think the conversation about how a majority of neurodivergent-coded characters are non-human is one worth having... on the other no fictional character will ever be more Autism Creature than this motherfucker

[an--artistic--autistic]

i just made the connection that the reason I've always hated computer mice is because the joints in my hands are underdeveloped

I've never successfully used a mouse without pain or discomfort

since my first laptop in 2011 i have always preferred to use the trackpads, even buying the fancy apple bluetooth one last year to use on the desktop computers at work and school

[sachinbiher]

Angelman Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Genetic Insights

    What is Angelman Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Genetic Insights Have you ever heard of Angelman syndrome? It’s a rare and unique genetic condition that affects the way a person develops, communicates, and moves. This condition might be unfamiliar to many, but it’s important to shed light on it—especially for parents, caregivers, educators, and individuals who are passionate about learning…

[kiserspeaks]

The Synergy of Strength, Conditioning, and Nutrition in Women's Gymnastics

Women's gymnastics is a sport that demands an extraordinary combination of strength, flexibility, agility, and grace. The athletes who excel in this discipline are not only incredibly skilled but also finely tuned machines, meticulously honed through rigorous training and precise nutritional strategies. Understanding the correlation between strength and conditioning development and the nutritional demands of high-performance athletes is crucial to appreciating the dedication and science behind their success.

The Importance of Strength and Conditioning in Gymnastics

Strength and conditioning are foundational to a gymnast's performance. This aspect of training focuses on enhancing muscle power, endurance, and overall physical resilience. Here's why it's essential:

Injury Prevention: A robust strength and conditioning program helps prevent injuries by ensuring that the muscles, tendons, and ligaments can withstand the intense physical demands of the sport.

Performance Enhancement: Improved strength allows gymnasts to perform more complex and powerful movements, contributing to higher scores in competitions.

Recovery: Enhanced conditioning aids in quicker recovery times, enabling gymnasts to train more effectively and consistently.

The Nutritional Demands of High-Performance Gymnasts

The training regimen of a high-performance gymnast is incredibly demanding, necessitating a diet that supports energy needs, recovery, and overall health. Nutrition for these athletes is not just about maintaining a lean physique but about optimizing performance. Key nutritional components include:

Carbohydrates: As the primary energy source, carbohydrates are vital for sustaining the high-intensity training sessions that gymnasts undergo. Complex carbs like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables provide sustained energy.

Protein: Essential for muscle repair and growth, protein intake is crucial, especially after strength and conditioning sessions. Sources include lean meats, dairy, legumes, and protein supplements.

Fats: Healthy fats support cell function and energy levels. Avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish are excellent choices.

Vitamins and Minerals: Micronutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and iron are critical for bone health, muscle function, and oxygen transport. A varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fortified foods ensures adequate intake.

Hydration: Maintaining hydration is key to performance and recovery. Water, along with electrolyte-rich drinks, helps prevent dehydration during intensive workouts.

The Interplay Between Training and Nutrition

The synergy between strength and conditioning and nutrition in gymnastics can be seen in several ways:

Energy Balance: The energy consumed through food must meet the energy expended during training. A caloric deficit can lead to fatigue, decreased performance, and increased injury risk, while a surplus might lead to unnecessary weight gain.

Timing of Nutrient Intake: Consuming the right nutrients at the right time maximizes their benefits. For example, carbohydrates before a workout can fuel the session, while proteins post-workout aid in muscle recovery.

Customized Nutrition Plans: Each gymnast's body responds differently to training and nutrition. Personalized nutrition plans are tailored to individual needs, considering factors like metabolism, training intensity, and competition schedules.

Real-World Application: Case Studies

Many elite gymnasts have shared insights into their nutrition and training regimens, highlighting the importance of this interplay. For instance, Simone Biles, one of the most decorated gymnasts, emphasizes a balanced diet rich in nutrients to support her intense training routines. Similarly, Laurie Hernandez focuses on hydration and a diet that includes a mix of proteins, carbs, and fats to maintain her peak performance levels.

Conclusion

The correlation between strength and conditioning development and nutritional demands is pivotal in the world of high-performance women's gymnastics. A well-rounded approach that integrates rigorous physical training with a carefully structured nutritional plan not only enhances performance but also supports overall health and longevity in the sport. As the field evolves, ongoing research and individualized strategies will continue to play a crucial role in helping gymnasts achieve new heights.

[writing-with-sophia]

Poison list

While it's important to approach writing with creativity and imagination, it's crucial to prioritize responsible and ethical storytelling. That being said, if you're looking for information on poisons for the purpose of writing fiction, it's essential to handle the subject matter with care and accuracy. Here is a list of some common poisons that you can use in your stories:

Hemlock: Hemlock is a highly poisonous plant that has been used as a poison in various works of literature. It can cause paralysis and respiratory failure.

Arsenic: Arsenic is a toxic element that has been historically used as a poison. It can be lethal in high doses and can cause symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and organ failure.

Cyanide: Cyanide is a fast-acting poison that affects the body's ability to use oxygen. It can cause rapid loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest.

Nightshade: Nightshade plants, such as Belladonna or Deadly Nightshade, contain toxic compounds that can cause hallucinations, respiratory distress, blurred vision, dizziness, an increased heart rate, and even death when ingested.

Ricin: Ricin is a potent poison derived from the castor bean plant. It can cause organ failure and has been used as a plot device in various fictional works.

Strychnine: Strychnine is a highly toxic alkaloid that affects the nervous system, leading to muscle spasms, convulsions, and respiratory failure.

Snake Venom: Various snake venoms can be used in fiction as deadly poisons. Different snake species have different types of venom, each with its own effects on the body.

Digitalis: Digitalis, derived from the foxglove plant, contains cardiac glycosides. It has been historically used to treat heart conditions, but in high doses, it can be toxic. Overdosing on digitalis can cause irregular heart rhythms, nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances.

Lead: Lead poisoning, often resulting from the ingestion or inhalation of lead-based substances, has been a concern throughout history. Lead is a heavy metal that can affect the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, cognitive impairment, anemia, and developmental issues, particularly in children.

Mercury: Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that has been used in various forms throughout history. Ingesting or inhaling mercury vapors can lead to mercury poisoning, causing symptoms like neurological impairment, kidney damage, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal problems.

Aconite: Also known as Wolfsbane or Monkshood, aconite is a highly toxic plant. Its roots and leaves contain aconitine alkaloids, which can affect the heart and nervous system. Ingesting aconite can lead to symptoms like numbness, tingling, paralysis, cardiac arrhythmias, and respiratory failure.

Thallium: Thallium is a toxic heavy metal that can cause severe poisoning. It has been used as a poison due to its tastelessness and ability to mimic other substances. Thallium poisoning can lead to symptoms like hair loss, neurological issues, gastrointestinal disturbances, and damage to the kidneys and liver.

When incorporating poisons into your writing, it is essential to research and accurately portray the effects and symptoms associated with them. Additionally, be mindful of the potential impact your writing may have on readers and the importance of providing appropriate context and warnings if necessary.

If you want to read more posts about writing, please click here and give me a follow!

[bebsi-cola]

do you care about severely disabled people who are disabled due to mental illness, intellectual disability, and developmental disability. do you care about people with low adaptive functioning? do you care about disabled people who are visibly disabled without any aids, for the way they talk, walk, act? do you care about disabled people who need 24h care? about disabled people who need almost anything to be explained to them simply? about disabled people who can't and might never understand things you take for granted? do you care about disabled people who are missing from society - who are locked up at home with family or away in institutions? do any of you actually give a shit about pw mental health conditions and ID/DD and include them in your activism?

[antonsautismlife]

I'm afraid of legal guardianship.

I will turn 18 on April the 5th. I have MSN autism without an intellectual disability. My mom is currently in the process of applying that a court should decide if I need a legal guardian or not and in which areas. In Austria, you don't automatically have a legal guardian in all areas if you have a legal guardian, which is a good system, I think, because some people like me have issues with some legal areas but not in other legal areas. I will choose my mom as my legal guardian. But I'm scared. I think she is the best option because when she is my legal guardian, people will take her more seriously if she advocates for me when there are issues. I'm scared of having a legal guardian. There is no concrete decision I want to make which she would forbid me and I know that there are ways to change your legal guardian if your guardian acts not reasonable but If I need to change to another legal guardian people wouldn't take her as seriously when she is advocating for me. It just makes me scared that there is the possibility that she prohibits me a decision I want to make.

Additionally, it makes me sad that I will not have the same freedom of decision-making as other 18 year olds. Yes I'm in need of care and that also restrics the decision I make bit it feels differently to have my decision making officially restricted and not just de facto.

I'm also scared that the court would say that I need a legal guardian in areas where I don't need one. I know they have my medical documents but my main diagnosis atypical autism is a giant spectrum and my care needs doesn't really affect my ability to make decisions but some people think a person who needs help with showering because a non physical disability automatically would make less reasonable decisions which isn’t true in my case. I'm scared that the judge will not know that I have the ability to think clearly and also complex. I talked with the boss of the care home about my fears and asked him if it's possible the give to judge some of my texts I wrote about my issues because I often have issues to tell caretakers my issues verbally. He said he thinks that's a good idea. I told him I will search texts where I'm okay with sharing. Theoretically, I have many texts, but by most texts or even text pieces, I'm scared of sharing. I'm scared that it would have bad consequences for me. If I would take a text about that I'm scared of care needs categorization I'm scared that they would I think I would have manipulate my last care needs evaluation or that I would plan the manipulate my next one which I definitely don't do. If I would take a text where I talk about my fears and issues where I also mentioned my death wish thoughs I'm scared that the judge would think I would be in risk of committing suicide and would need to be sectioned which I'm definitely not. I know they know I'm in psychiatric treatment and on one side I think if a person is in psychiatric treatment they think that the psychiatrists know if a person is in danger of committing suicide or not but on the other side I'm scared that they would think I need to be sectioned.

My personal view about legal guardianship in situations where I think reasonable, which is in all situations except of Meltdowns and some other really bad mental health situations, is that I need a legal guardian in some areas. Not because I can't make reasonable decisions but because there are situations where I can’t advocate for myself because of Meltdowns and stress.

[abby420]

there’s no anxiety quite like waiting to register for classes for your last semester of college. especially when the capstone you want only has 20 slots…dying