#neurodiversity pride

[ipso-faculty]

Infinity symbols: a guide to their variations

Infinity symbols are popular in graphic design for good reason. In this post, I'm gonna describe ways to vary up the designs of infinity symbols. My goal is to educate fellow neurodivergent people on how to make infinity symbols that don't look like the Métis flag.

The neurodiversity community has been using rainbow infinity symbols since 2005. Here are neurodiversity flags from 2013, 2016, and 2019:

However, there's a problem with some of the new flag designs for a flag that is autism-specific. Here are some of the contenders:

These use a solid white infinity symbol. The solid white infinity curve is a symbol of Métis.

The Métis flag, created in 1815, has a white lemniscate on red background. Nowadays the Métis use the blue version more often. And to the right is the Métis queer pride flag:

For those unfamiliar, the Métis are one of the major Indigenous groups in what is now Canada, with most of their >600,000 population in the western and central parts of the country. The word métis means half-breed in French; lower-case m métis refers to those with mixed Indigenous and European ancestry. Capital-M Métis refers to the specific culture of métis that emerged, distinct from both Indigenous and settler cultures, and speaking hybrid languages such as Michif.

The issue of likeness has been brought up many times. While I can believe the autistic flag makers didn't know about the issue when making their designs, I know at least one of them was promptly informed of the issue and dismissed it.

The autistic community writ large has been pretty dismissive about this issue. I wonder if some of the defensiveness comes from not seeing an alternative - thinking that infinity symbol design is all or nothing.

I have some good news: it's possible to make infinity symbols that don't look Métis!

HOW INFINITY SYMBOLS VARY (PART ONE)

ASPECT A: TOPOLOGY

The first way we can categorize infinity symbols is their topology. These four varieties are most common

Topology 1: Open infinity symbol - this is the oldest style of using a figure-8 shape to represent the mathematical concept of infinity. On the left is the version Euler used.

-

Topology 2: Lemniscate - a closed curve. On the left is the Metis flag. The curve is one solid entity: notice how the rainbow gradient on the right fills the whole thing.

-

Topology 3: Infinity *loop* -  imagine you take a hair tie or rubber band and twist it. One part of the infinity loop is clearly in front, with another part clearly behind it. Loops are well established for neurodiversity and I think we should stick to using these.

Notice in the left example how the pattern flips between left and right. Also compare the rainbow gradient on the right to the lemniscate rainbow gradient above it. -

Topology 4: Infinity *ribbon* -  instead of a hair tie, use a ribbon. Ribbons have sides, producing an infinity loop that shows two sides.

-

ASPECT B: THICKNESS

Line width can vary, which also helps to convey a loop! Again, I think we should be sticking to infinity loops when it comes to autistic/ND designs.

Option 1: Constant Thickness The lemniscate on the Metis flag has a constant line width, as does this neurodiversity rainbow gradient from 2016. I think we should avoid constant thickness.

-

Option 2: Variable Thickness A variable thickness can help to reinforce that an infinity symbol is a loop rather than a solid lemniscate. There are a lot of ways to play with line thickness!

Many neurodiversity infinities are variable thickness and I think we should opt for this to steer clear of Metis territory.

THIS WILL BE CONTINUED IN A SECOND POST (tumblr has a limit of 30 images per post)

But just in case the second post gets lost in reblogs: I think variable thickness, combined with a loop topology, is what we should be using for neurodiversity & autism. E.g.

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST

[themaskedlady]

[spell-fox]

The final worms!

The final worms! I'm restocking the infinity worm on a string pins but it'll be atleast a month. Until then, these are the last remaining worms!

I've also listed some B-grade pins, these are mostly just small scuffs and scratches

I'll probably be making a new pin design soon! Not sure what entirely... Maybe a rat king?

[thattripleabattery]

This is a threat

[noisycowboyglitter]

Autism Warrior Mom: Celebrating the Unsung Heroes of the Autism Community

The term "Autism Warrior Mom" can be a double-edged sword. While it captures the fierce love and dedication many mothers have for their autistic children, it can also imply that autism needs to be "fought" or "conquered." Here's a revised description that focuses on empowerment and support:

Buy now:19.95$

Empowering Moms on the Autism Journey: The Autism Champion Tee

This inspiring tee celebrates the incredible strength and resilience of mothers raising autistic children. It's more than just a shirt; it's a symbol of the unwavering love and dedication that defines an "Autism Champion."

Beyond the Label: Embracing the Journey

Being a mom of an autistic child is a unique and rewarding experience. Autism Champion moms navigate a world filled with challenges and triumphs. They become advocates, educators, and therapists, all while showering their children with unconditional love.

Celebrating Neurodiversity: Every Champion is Different

Buy now

Just like their autistic children, Autism Champion moms come in all shapes and sizes! This shirt is a way to celebrate their individuality and the diverse journeys they navigate.

Sensory-Friendly Comfort (Optional):

If the product is sensory-friendly, you can mention the specific materials used for comfort.

This Autism Champion tee is a great gift for:

Moms raising autistic children

Anyone who wants to celebrate the strength of autism moms

A reminder to show appreciation for the mothers who champion their children with autism

Let's empower and support the amazing moms who make a difference!

Buy now

The vibrant colors used with the autism puzzle piece hold a variety of meanings, though there's no single, official color code. Here's a breakdown of some common associations:

Blue: The most prominent color, often linked to calmness, support, and autism awareness itself.

Yellow: Represents positivity, optimism, and the bright potential of autistic individuals.

Red: Symbolizes energy, passion, and advocacy for the autistic community.

Many autism awareness products incorporate a rainbow spectrum to represent the vast diversity of the autism experience. It's important to consider that the autism community itself is diverse, and some may prefer different colors or reject the puzzle piece symbol entirely.

Choosing the perfect gift for a new mom can be tricky, but it's always a thoughtful gesture to show your support during this special time. Here are some ideas to consider, categorized to suit different needs and preferences:

Buy now

For the Pampered Mom: A luxurious spa day package, comfy pajamas or robe, or a gift basket filled with bath bombs, aromatherapy candles, and indulgent treats. For the Busy Mom: A meal delivery service subscription, a housecleaning voucher, or a gadget that simplifies their life, like a baby monitor or a diaper genie. For the Sentimental Mom: A personalized baby book, a framed photo of mom and baby, or a piece of jewelry with the baby's birthstone. Framed photo of mom and baby For the Practical Mom: Nursing bras and accessories, comfortable clothes for postpartum recovery, or a diaper bag with lots of compartments. Nursing bra for new moms For the Techie Mom: A subscription to a streaming service for easy entertainment, a noise-canceling headset for those moments of quiet time, or a portable phone charger for staying connected. Noisecanceling headset for new moms No matter what you choose, a heartfelt card expressing your congratulations and well wishes will always be appreciated.

[fallenstarcat]

sometimes i feel like people forget autism is a disability. and that’s not a bad thing! i’m all for disability acceptance, im proud of my disabilities. but i feel like we forget autism can hurt.

it hurts that i have to put more time and energy into socializing than others.

it hurts when i need to move so bad, usually cause im overwhelmed by either my surroundings or emotions, that i thrash and hurt myself.

it hurts that i cant be in places that are too loud or too bright, which on bad days can be as simple as a small, quiet noise or dim lights.

it hurts that i struggle to tell when im hungry, thirsty, tired, etc. so i can’t properly take care of myself. it doesn’t help my insomnia and i get very nauseas and get UTIs.

i 100% believe in autism acceptance. i don’t want a cure. but i also want us the acknowledge that it can hurt. it doesn’t mean my entire life will hurt, but some parts will. and i want a community where we can see both sides, see the hurt, and celebrate it anyway.

[random-schit]

Anyway normalize stutters, stilted speech, flat affect, monotone speech, volume control issues, nonverbal communication devices, voice modulators, speech impediments, lisps, oral deformities.

Normalize "abnormal" speech patterns. Normalize lack of eye contact, normalize ticking, normalize emphasis on different syllables. Normalize "Inappropriate" emoting, especially when it's a stress response.

Normalize verbally processing thoughts, external system communication, non- aggressive interaction with hallucinations or delusions.

Normalize Echolalia, "TV Talking", vocal stimming, parroting, "Baby talk" as a way to self soothe.

[sillylilneurodivergent]

Guys, it happened. I’m an

AAAAAA (aromantic, asexual, agender, with autism, adhd, & anxiety)

[hyperlexichypatia]

As I keep shouting into the void, pathologizers love shifting discussion about material conditions into discussion about emotional states.

I rant approximately once a week about how the brain maturity myth transmuted “Young adults are too poor to move out of their parents’ homes or have children of their own” into “Young adults are too emotionally and neurologically immature to move out of their parents’ homes or have children of their own.”

I’ve also talked about the misuse of “enabling” and “trauma” and “dopamine” .

And this is a pattern – people coin terms and concepts to describe material problems, and pathologization culture shifts them to be about problems in the brain or psyche of the person experiencing them. Now we’re talking about neurochemicals, frontal lobes, and self-esteem instead of talking about wages, wealth distribution, and civil rights. Now we can say that poor, oppressed, and exploited people are suffering from a neurological/emotional defect that makes them not know what’s best for themselves, so they don’t need or deserve rights or money.

Here are some terms that have been so horribly misused by mental health culture that we’ve almost entirely forgotten that they were originally materialist critiques.

Codependency What it originally referred to: A non-addicted person being overly “helpful” to an addicted partner or relative, often out of financial desperation. For example: Making sure your alcoholic husband gets to work in the morning (even though he’s an adult who should be responsible for himself) because if he loses his job, you’ll lose your home. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/08/opinion/codependency-addiction-recovery.html What it’s been distorted into: Being “clingy,” being “too emotionally needy,” wanting things like affection and quality time from a partner. A way of pathologizing people, especially young women, for wanting things like love and commitment in a romantic relationship.

Compulsory Heterosexuality What it originally referred to: In the 1980 in essay "Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence," https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/493756 Adrienne Rich described compulsory heterosexuality as a set of social conditions that coerce women into heterosexual relationships and prioritize those relationships over relationships between women (both romantic and platonic). She also defines “lesbian” much more broadly than current discourse does, encompassing a wide variety of romantic and platonic relationships between women. While she does suggest that women who identify as heterosexual might be doing so out of unquestioned social norms, this is not the primary point she’s making. What it’s been distorted into: The patronizing, biphobic idea that lesbians somehow falsely believe themselves to be attracted to men. Part of the overall “Women don’t really know what they want or what’s good for them” theme of contemporary discourse.

Emotional Labor What it originally referred to: The implicit or explicit requirement that workers (especially women workers, especially workers in female-dominated “pink collar” jobs, especially tipped workers) perform emotional intimacy with customers, coworkers, and bosses above and beyond the actual job being done. Having to smile, be “friendly,” flirt, give the impression of genuine caring, politely accept harassment, etc. https://weld.la.psu.edu/what-is-emotional-labor/ What it’s been distorted into: Everything under the sun. Everything from housework (which we already had a term for), to tolerating the existence of disabled people, to just caring about friends the way friends do. The original intent of the concept was “It’s unreasonable to expect your waitress to care about your problems, because she’s not really your friend,” not “It’s unreasonable to expect your actual friends to care about your problems unless you pay them, because that’s emotional labor,” and certainly not “Disabled people shouldn’t be allowed to be visibly disabled in public, because witnessing a disabled person is emotional labor.” Anything that causes a person emotional distress, even if that emotional distress is rooted in the distress-haver’s bigotry (Many nominally progressive people who would rightfully reject the bigoted logic of “Seeing gay or interracial couples upsets me, which is emotional labor, so they shouldn’t be allowed to exist in public” fully accept the bigoted logic of “Seeing disabled or poor people upsets me, which is emotional labor, so they shouldn’t be allowed to exist in public”).

Battered Wife Syndrome What it originally referred to: The all-encompassing trauma and fear of escalating violence experienced by people suffering ongoing domestic abuse, sometimes resulting in the abuse victim using necessary violence in self-defense. Because domestic abuse often escalates, often to murder, this fear is entirely rational and justified. This is the reasonable, justified belief that someone who beats you, stalks you, and threatens to kill you may actually kill you.

What it’s been distorted into: Like so many of these other items, the idea that women (in this case, women who are victims of domestic violence) don’t know what’s best for themselves. I debated including this one, because “syndrome” was a wrongful framing from the beginning – a justified and rational fear of escalating violence in a situation in which escalating violence is occurring is not a “syndrome.” But the original meaning at least partially acknowledged the material conditions of escalating violence.

I’m not saying the original meanings of these terms are ones I necessarily agree with – as a cognitive liberty absolutist, I’m unsurprisingly not that enamored of either second-wave feminism or 1970s addiction discourse. And as much as I dislike what “emotional labor” has become, I accept that “Women are unfairly expected to care about other people’s feelings more than men are” is a true statement.

What I am saying is that all of these terms originally, at least partly, took material conditions into account in their usage. Subsequent usage has entirely stripped the materialist critique and fully replaced it with emotional pathologization, specifically of women. Acknowledgement that women have their choices constrained by poverty, violence, and oppression has been replaced with the idea that women don’t know what’s best for themselves and need to be coercively “helped” for their own good. Acknowledgement that working-class women experience a gender-and-class-specific form of economic exploitation has been rebranded as yet another variation of “Disabled people are burdensome for wanting to exist.”

Over and over, materialist critiques are reframed as emotional or cognitive defects of marginalized people. The next time you hear a superficially sympathetic (but actually pathologizing) argument for “Marginalized people make bad choices because…” consider stopping and asking: “Wait, who are we to assume that this person’s choices are ‘bad’? And if they are, is there something about their material conditions that constrains their options or makes the ‘bad’ choice the best available option?”

[enbyhyena]

Hey, wait! Please stop scrolling for a sec!

Please bear with me and read to the end! I promise it'll be worth it.

My name is Nexys, and I am queer and disabled. For years I have been striving to create the most tight-knit safe space (that's ACTUALLY safe) on the internet, using content creation as common ground. And we're really starting to take off!

But I need your help. Please reblog this post so that I may meet new people and make new friends! My community has been lifechanging, both to myself and to the people within it. I really feel like my Twitch, YouTube, and Discord communities have been making a difference in the lives of some of the most disadvantaged and marginalized people in the LGBT and neurodiverse communities.

We often play games like Minecraft, Stardew Valley, Harvest Moon, and Pokémon, with the occasional challenges and other genres thrown in. Sometimes we even invite our chat to play the games with us! So if this sounds like the sort of community you'd be interested in, please join our Discord Server so you don't miss out!

I'm a small creator, and due to my disabilities cannot hold down a normal 9-5 job, so any support and engagement from you—time or money—is a lifechanging opportunity that could potentially alter the course of my life and the lives of my loved ones. Even just dropping in to say hello would mean the world to me!

But I know time is a precious resource, so if you're too busy to sit in with us but still want to support the cause, for as little as $1/month you can become a Patron! And depending on the tier you choose, there may even be some free artwork and other fun perks in it for you!

Thank you so much for your time! Me and my community really hope to meet you, and we hope that you, dear reader, have a fantastic rest of your day/night! Happy Pride!

❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙💜🩷🤍🩶🖤🤎

[theneuroaffirmingparentpodcast]

Listen to the trailer!

[thedisablednaturalist]

You are not a creep if you find yourself sexy with your disability aids. full stop. If your partner is disabled, you are not fetishizing them if you find them sexy when they're in their wheelchair, or wearing their diaper, or have braces on, etc.

Disabled people are allowed to feel sexy and people are allowed to find them sexy. People with facial/limb differences and other physical differences are allowed to feel sexy and people are allowed to be attracted to them.

The problem comes from lack of consent and dehumanization. Expecting all disabled people to fit your sexual fantasy and sexualizing them openly without their consent (i.e. posting/reblogging normal pictures of a disabled person on your fetish blog or sexually harassing a disabled stranger) is fetishization and horrible. Asking us how we have sex or taking secret photos of us to jack off to later is creepy and crossing the boundry into dehumanizing fetishization. Seeing us and our sexuality as an oddity or a funny joke is not okay.

Reminder, sex toys were first and foremost created by and for disabled people. We have always been having sex and have always been seen as attractive by our admirers, without them fetishizing us. Having sex with a consenting disabled person isnt rape, and yes it is possible for us to eagerly consent! While some disabilities make it hard to consent, that isn't true for all of us.

We get horny, we have sex, we jack off, we wear sexy clothes and show off our bodies. We aren't freak shows for abled peoples amusement nor objects for fetishization. We aren't poor innocent virgins who don't know what sex is, we are a diverse and beautiful community all connected by our disabilities.

(post is edited for terminology, please rb this version instead)

[disabirbity]

Honestly, talking to our hallucinations is hilarious.

There's a weird figure in the dark? Dude, get off of my lawn. Go home.

We see a cat for a split second but it was never there? There goes the extradimensional cat, that's a good kitty.

We see bugs that aren't real? Besties you really gotta start paying rent to be in here!

There's weird figures darting around the corners of our vision, never clear enough to be seen? Sorry we looked at you, I totally get social anxiety!

It makes it seem less serious and lets less room for fear to creep in, because when we get afraid is really when it gets bad. "Why are you talking to yourself?" So I don't go insane actually. Deal with it.

[everythingwasnormalhere]

There's so much wrong with "everyone is a little bit autistic"

Yes, allistic people might know a lot of facts about the things they like. Yes, allistic people might get a bit overwhelmed or underwhelmed sometimes. Yes, allistic people might not get an expression sometimes, mostly if it's the first time they hear it.

That doesn't make them autistic.

Those traits only make someone autistic when they become disabling. Because, big shock, autism is a disability. Yeah, even if someone is low support needs, because that doesn't mean they don't need any support at all.

Saying "everyone is a little bit autistic" is like saying "everyone struggles with this, so suck it up, you have no right to need help". Which is just pure ableist bullshit. It denies the fact that autistic people have higher support needs than NTs, no matter where in the autistic spectrum they are. We're not "neurospicy", we're disabled, and denying this fact is denying us the right to get the help we need, we deserve, to have a good life.

(yes, this rant is just because I made the awful decision of listening to "neurospicy (interlude)" by Jax. honestly I'd rather be called a slur than listen to that shit again.)

[willtheweirdrat]

"Ableds shouldn't baby talk disabled people cause it's infantilizing" and "Some disabled people need things to be explained to them in an easier to understand way" are thoughts that CAN and SHOULD co-exist.

[noisycowboyglitter]

Autism Twin Dad: Celebrating the Milestones and Achievements of Autistic Twins

Being a twin dad is a challenging and rewarding experience in itself. But throw autism into the mix, and you've got a whole new level of adventure. "Autism Twin Dad" describes a very specific role, one that requires a unique blend of patience, understanding, and a whole lot of love.

Buy now:19.95$

These dads navigate a world filled with double the meltdowns, double the sensory sensitivities, and double the cuddles. They become experts in deciphering communication styles, advocating for their sons' needs, and celebrating their individual strengths.

But it's not all challenges. Autism Twin Dads get to witness the incredible bond between their twins, the unique ways they communicate with each other, and the unwavering support they offer one another. They see the world from a fresh perspective, learning new ways of thinking and experiencing joy.

Buy now

Whether it's managing meltdowns in double time, navigating social situations with two little ones, or simply cherishing the quiet moments, Autism Twin Dads are a special breed. They are champions, supporters, and cheerleaders, all rolled into one. They are the backbone of their families, providing a safe space for their sons to thrive.

Celebrate neurodiversity and American pride with an American Flag Autism Awareness design! These shirts, hats, or accessories combine the iconic stars and stripes with the classic puzzle piece symbol, a powerful symbol of autism acceptance.

Buy now

This design is a great way to show your support for the autistic community and raise awareness for autism spectrum disorder. Available in a variety of styles and colors, you can find the perfect piece to express your patriotism and advocacy. Look for sensory-friendly materials for ultimate comfort. Rock your American Flag Autism Awareness gear and celebrate the beautiful mosaic of our nation!

The vibrant colors used with the autism puzzle piece hold a variety of meanings. While there's no universally agreed-upon color code, some common associations include:

Buy now

Blue: The most prominent color, often linked to calmness, support, and autism awareness itself.

Yellow: Represents positivity, optimism, and the bright potential of autistic individuals.

Red: Symbolizes energy, passion, and advocacy for the autistic community.

Many autism awareness products incorporate a rainbow spectrum to represent the vast diversity of the autism experience. It's important to note that the autism community itself is diverse, and some may prefer different colors or reject the puzzle piece symbol entirely.