#different not less

[lucifer-is-a-bag-of-dicks]

I'm only on chapter 3 and I've already cried twice what rhe fuxk

y'all read this book if you wanna feel so fucking seen

[crazycatsiren]

Meemaw is right. I'm an ostrich.

Birds are expected to fly. When we think birds, flight tends to be the first thing that comes to mind. I can't fly, like other members of my species, like others would expect me to be able to do, even though I do have wings. But there are things that I can do, that I'm good at. I can run really fast, bite hard, swim, make myself pancake shaped, and lay very large and tough eggs.

Of course, bless meemaw's heart, she used to affectionately call me ostrich because of my very long and lanky legs.

[theghostinurattichasautism]

I just finished reading “Different Not Less- A neurodivergent’s guide to embracing your true self and finding your happily ever after” by Chloé Hayden.

Wow.

Just wow.

Not only is she an incredible writer, but she is incredibly powerful in the way she speaks about her experience with neurodiversity, namely autism but ADHD as well. As someone who was diagnosed “late” like she was, I saw myself in her own story more than I have ever seen anyone before. I haven’t been active consistently on Tumblr or this blog consistently in YEARS, but she had a a bit of her book about blogging and how much it helped her, and it reminded me of the reason I started this blog in the first place.

I was absolutely blown away by this book. I have never read a book about autism that didn’t have a part that made me irritated or feel misrepresented, mainly because they’re nearly always written by allistics. This type of book is so so so important and I am so glad it exists. Will definitely be returning to my blogging because of this, I finally feel like someone said all the things that were so hard for me to say and helped me find my words again.

I urge all of my friends here on the actually autistic side of Tumblr to read it if you can. There is also audio book form.

[wordswithaven]

Aberration or rarity?

there is a beehive in my chest,

a fluttery of letters, words and phrases in my head,

drums repeating the sentence to be said,

but my mouth won’t obey.

...

im a silent observer to the world,

it moves around me,

i can see it,

i can touch it,

i can hear it,

i can smell it,

i can perceive it,

but do others see me?

am i a ghost?

a figment of their imagination? or mine?

...

im in a vacuum

i could scream

i could whisper

the void pulling away the air is all the same

...

or

...

perhaps i am the vacuum,

harbourer of unspoken thoughts,

treasurer of secrets,

archive of observations,

...

my mask is in the closet,

i am fragile, exposed,

unsafe,

in danger or dangerous,

maybe both.

...

no one can read me:

i seem numb, a corpse, a ghost

but i am alive, so alive

i am buzzing,

my inner world more vivid, more complex, more real than this one can ever hope to be.

...

incongruent, distorted, a quintessential contradiction

i am an enigma in this world

my mind holds many mysteries and secrets of theirs,

memories of a visitor, a silent observer, hidden in plain sight, forgotten at times

but perhaps the greatest mystery is not the ones i remember but the one I am.

...

maybe i am

a shell

a mask

a wisp of smoke

a ghost

an alien

a danger to be eradicated

a square that still needs to be made a circle.

...

maybe, maybe not,

perhaps instead i am

a constellation

a marvel

a rarity

a sparkle

a light

a whalien of hertz 52

beautiful just like them.

...

if they are the milky way then i am NGC 1519,

simply orbiting around them,

at first thought to be close,

now calculated to be further than thought,

but still here i am

i continue orbiting,

observing,

and now I guess,

being observed too,

not many people know about dwarf galaxies but we exist,

and we will continue to exist for as long as gravity holds true,

not even dark energy can pull us away so why should you?

...

i am still a child,

a child who cannot speak,

sometimes I can,

sometimes I can’t,

right now the latter is true.

...

i will keep growing,

and soon i will be an adult,

the neurons in my brain will still be connected the same way,

firing energy the same way,

my code, my synapses, my pathways they’re different from yours,

i am more powerful in ways,

weaker in others.

...

but i am still whole,

whether i can utter words or not,

whether i need routine or not,

whether i can read your body language or not,

whether i express emotions or not,

whether i stim or not,

...

i am a whole person,

and i am different,

and i belong in this world just as much as you.

[harmonyhealinghub]

Embracing Differences: Lessons We Can Learn from People with Special Needs

Shaina Tranquilino

October 19, 2023

Where individual differences are often stigmatized or overlooked, there is much to be gained by embracing diversity and learning from those who possess unique abilities. Individuals with special needs have an incredible capacity to teach us valuable life lessons that can positively impact our personal growth, relationships, and understanding of humanity as a whole. Their resilience, kindness, authenticity, and ability to find joy in the simplest things are just a few qualities that we can learn from and integrate into our lives.

1. Celebrating Resilience:

People with special needs exhibit remarkable resilience in navigating the challenges they face daily. Despite facing physical or cognitive challenges, they often display an unwavering determination to overcome obstacles. Witnessing their tenacity reminds us of the importance of perseverance and resilience in our own lives. They inspire us to confront difficulties head-on and find strength within ourselves to push forward during tough times.

2. Cultivating Compassion:

Individuals with special needs consistently demonstrate unparalleled levels of empathy and compassion towards others. Their genuine concern for the well-being of those around them serves as a reminder to treat everyone with kindness, dignity, and respect - regardless of their abilities or differences. By observing their profound empathy, we can learn to foster more inclusive communities where acceptance thrives.

3. Embracing Authenticity:

One beautiful lesson we can take away from individuals with special needs is their innate ability to embrace authenticity without judgment or pretense. They do not feel compelled to conform to societal expectations but instead radiate pure genuineness in all aspects of life. Observing this teaches us the value of being true to ourselves and encourages us to live authentically while appreciating the uniqueness in others.

4. Finding Joy in Simplicity:

Often consumed by the fast-paced nature of modern living, we tend to overlook the small moments that bring true joy and fulfillment. People with special needs often possess an extraordinary ability to find happiness in the simplest of things, reminding us that genuine joy can be found in unexpected places. Whether it is a heartfelt smile, a shared laughter, or the appreciation of nature's beauty, their ability to savor life's simple pleasures encourages us to slow down and cultivate gratitude for the little joys that surround us.

Learning from people with special needs offers us a chance to expand our perspectives, challenge preconceived notions about abilities, and foster a more inclusive society. Their resilience, compassion, authenticity, and ability to find joy in simplicity serve as powerful reminders of what truly matters in life. By embracing these lessons into our own lives, we can create compassionate communities where diversity is celebrated and differences are seen as strengths rather than limitations. Let us step forward with open hearts and minds, ready to learn from each other and build a world that embraces the power of uniqueness.

[always-angelic-aspie-alice]

Featuring the Ballet-Core Babe Outfit 🩰

This is one of the many unique looks featured in my upcoming Video Resource about Sensory-Friendly Outfits that will be published this weekend/10th of September.

I asked this question in my Spotify podcast S3E6 of Always Angelic Aspie Alice, which was, 'What is your current style aesthetic? Or do you rather not label your style?'

Looking forward to meeting you all on Tumblr! But, I am still getting used to this new social media platform- I only recently joined. The good thing is I aim to post my own content or reshare someone else's once a week.

Xo, Always Angelic Aspie Alice 🦋

[neparttune]

Look at the new book I got! It’s so pretty! I’ve wanted it for a while now so I’m super excited to start reading!

[missmitchieg]

Y'all. Chloe Hayden (Quinni on Heartbreak High!) had to have her book signings rescheduled because people literally bought every. single. copy. in. Australia. and they have to wait for more books to be printed for the signing to take place.

[lucifer-is-a-bag-of-dicks]

from Different, Not Less by Chloe Hayden

[authentism]

✨Daily Reminder✨

If you need a wheelchair, you’re valid.

If you need a walking aid, you’re valid.

If you need a hearing aid, you’re valid.

If you need communication cards or a text-to-speech device, you’re valid.

If you need glasses, contacts, a mobility cane or a guide dog, you’re valid.

If you need support from a professional or the people around you for your mental health, you’re valid.

If you take prescription medication to improve your life, you’re valid.

If you need headphones or noise blockers, you’re valid.

If you need a fidget item or fidget toy, you’re valid.

If you need to take a step back and take some time for yourself, you’re valid.

If you look a little different because of a trauma, skin colour, scars, whatever it may be you’re valid.

If you’re disabled and need anything for support, you are so goddamn valid. You’re amazing.

Don’t let anybody make you feel weak for needing help. You are worthy of love and support.

Be kind to yourself for me, I’m so sorry the world doesn’t accept you the way it should. I’m so sorry that not all areas of this world are accessible to you. The world is such a cruel space, especially to those who are different but just because you’re different doesn’t mean you’re less. You’re the brightest star in the sky, or at least you are to me. If you don’t have anybody in your life to talk to or rant to, my DM’s are open any time. I can’t say I’ll always relate to your experience but at least you’ll have a safe space to rant or vent or info dump or tell me about a good experience or something you’re excited for.

Nobody deserves to feel alone.

[ashwolfe3450]

[thatautisticemo]

i don't want a cure! I want compassion! I want ableism to end! I want medical literature to stop treating my brain like it's broken! I'm not broken! My brain is not broken! Autism is not a defect! I am not broken!!

I understand that it's hard. My parents struggled to take care of me for years. Guess what. When I was given the words to describe my experiences, I used them, and people understood, and were able to care for me better. I learned self advocacy. I learned to ask for help.

I'm not broken. I communicate differently and socialize differently. I experience and engage with the world differently. Different. Not less. Not wrong. Different.

Autism does not need a cure. As an autistic person, I DONT WANT A CURE. I DONT NEED A CURE. IM NOT BROKEN.

Fuck dude. I'm so upset by the way medical world talks about us. Like we're broken. Like we're a mistake.

Yeah I struggle to talk and I need help, reminders to eat and go to the bathroom and do chores and take my meds, and I fuck up, I get mad. I can communicate so much better now and I've mostly stopped having meltdowns because I can communicate my needs. I get disoriented and overwhelmed and I forget important things. I have accidents and some days I can't do anything at all because my brain needs a day off.

I love being me. I love being autistic. It's hard and traumatic for me and for my family and I have been abused for it. I have been discriminated against. I know how fucking hard it is. But Jesus can we stop acting like I'm broken.

I haven't been able to get a job. I try but nobody wants to hire me.

My brain is different and as much as I joke about it being fucked up, itisn't. It isn't broken. I'm not broken.. I have the right to exist. I have the right to exist, as I am, right now without anybody trying to "fix" me

Stop trying to cure autism. STOP TRYING TO CURE AUTISM. STOP IT.

We deserve to exist as we are we need compassion not a cure please for the love of God stop talking about me like I shouldn't exist

The reason I hated myself for so long was because the world and the medical community treat autistic people like mistakes or broken failures and I have had enough. Autistic people deserve love. Autistic people have the right to exist. All of us.

[franzis-bones]

Language matters, and different people have different preferences. That's OK.

I'm autistic. I have autism.

I don't have strong feelings about disliking the odd bit of PFL (person first language) when it comes to me being autistic. But I prefer IFL (identity first language).

What does however bother me, is having my neurotype described as a disorder. A disability - yes. A condition, yes. But not a disorder. My autism doesn't make me disordered, my autism makes me, me.

Different people have different opinions because we have different life experiences. And that's ok. Different opinions can coexist, respecting different opinions is important.

And I want to embrace and celebrate autistic joy while raising awareness and discussing my autistic difficulties. It's not either/or. It's both.

To me, overall, autism is value neutral. It's not a force for bad or a force for good. It just is. And that's ok. We can just be.

[luminixx]

“Your mom” gone wrong. Not the right person.

this is lowkey so unserious don't kill me. it's a reference to all that stuff about his mother that I am seeing.

[bear997]

Jag älskar det här så mycket! Det gör mig tänka om min kära kompis. Idag, firar vi människor med Down Syndrome.