#potential neurodiversity

[pikkukarvinen]

maybe its a steaming hot take but i feel like a lot of Crazy Karen videos are like middle aged autistic women and i think thats something people should think about a bit more often

[my-autism-adhd-blog]

It Wasn’t Anxiety, it Was Sensory Overload

Neurodivergent_lou

[intergalaactic]

i love the insane juxtaposition between how we talk about autism on tumblr vs on tiktok. on tiktok all everyone ever really discusses are the “easier” parts of autism, the “cute” ones like stimming, special interests and SOMETIMES, and HEAVY on the sometimes, they talk about the lack of tonal understanding and missing jokes and it’s like… dude that’s maybe 1/4 of what the Autism Experience™️ is… like i love tumblr bc we really talk about all the ugly parts on here like what is ACTUALLY means to go mute/nonverbal, or the daily struggles with hygiene and independence, the horrible feeling of knowing that you are fundamentally different from everyone around you and trying to mask but knowing they see through it and being compared to non human creatures to the point where you actually start feeling nonhuman!!! like okay missing the joke sometimes is annoying but yknow what’s worse? not being able to look after myself and knowing there’s a decently high chance that i’ll never be able to live alone. like i need tiktok autistic people to understand that in order for you to have autism, which is a disability, it does have to actually disable you first. i’m not saying that because they only post the “cuter” parts that they don’t have autism!! but like it’s an app full of teenagers and i feel the need to remind them that we all miss jokes sometimes, and we do all have interests and shows that we may really enjoy!! and that’s okay!!

but idk maybe i’m being bitter or smth i always get paranoid that i’m just being a hater but there’s not a single autistic person i know that hasn’t genuinely suffered bc of it in their lives whether it be in their social or personal or academic life. just a thought!!

[weird colours included bc huge chunks of text like this are gross to read otherwise lmfao]

[dunces-hat]

need more characters with memory issues. more accurate rep of ppl w/ DID, OSDD1, PDID, etc. more old people w/ dementia who aren’t the butt of every joke. more immortal characters who have a mortal memory. more characters who’s memory has been altered/damaged with magic. I don’t want all the amnesia in shows to be a plot device for a love story and their memory easily regained.

I want ANGST. I want HORROR. I want HEALING. I want MYSTERY. I want FANTASY. I want them to learn to LIVE WITH IT.

I feel like it’s such an untapped opportunity! Idk like memory as a sacred thing and the struggle of losing it? memory as an extremely intimate thing and navigating loving someone without a good one?(could be a parallel to asexuality!) someone agonizing over their alters and finally healing and managing functional multiplicity? An old person w/ dementia getting time-traveled back to their past and trying to separate all of their memories? a horror/mystery/fantasy of someone getting their memory fucked with by magic and trying to get it back? A vampire who forgot their father’s name and write down their mother’s name every time they think of it so they don’t lose her too?! memory as a metaphor for love or purity, exploring memory loss in a variety of genres, just. Memory stuff, man!!

[orochimartyr]

Sometimes I see cool stuff & I'm like "Damn I wish I could make cool stuff about that stuff :/" & then I remember that

I CAN

This is either or both a blessing & a curse depending on the state of my brain neuropathy

[thecatspasta]

If Im infodumping and you tell me shut up or stop I will show up at your house in the middle of the night

[angelredhead]

being neurodivergent around family entails constant pr. yes I didn’t go on the hike in the morning because it was too early and I got overwhelmed, but i will suffer through croquet in the garden and make polite conversation so they don’t think I’m a total freak

[ahollowedoutdoll]

is anyone else convinced they’re the only person in the world with a certain hyperfixation or special interest

[bitchking-of-angmar]

I'd rather someone call me a slur and mean it than be referred to as 'neurospicy' istfg

[noisycowboyglitter]

Tree of Potential: Celebrating the Strengths of Autistic Individuals

The Autism Tree is a symbolic representation that combines the imagery of a tree with elements associated with autism awareness. This concept metaphorically illustrates the growth, diversity, and interconnectedness within the autism community.

Buy now:19.95$

In typical depictions, the Autism Tree features:

A strong trunk: Representing the core strength and resilience of individuals with autism and their supporters.

Branching limbs: Symbolizing the diverse paths and potential of those on the autism spectrum.

Leaves or foliage: Often depicted using puzzle pieces or multicolored elements, representing the variety of experiences and characteristics within the autism spectrum.

Roots: Signifying the foundation of support, understanding, and resources necessary for individuals with autism to thrive.

The tree may be adorned with additional elements such as:

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Ribbons in autism awareness colors (primarily blue)

Butterflies or birds, symbolizing transformation and freedom

Hearts, representing love and acceptance

The Autism Tree serves multiple purposes:

Raising awareness about autism spectrum disorder

Celebrating neurodiversity

Illustrating the growth and potential of individuals with autism

Emphasizing the importance of a strong support system

This symbol is often used in awareness campaigns, on merchandise, and in educational materials. It provides a positive, growth-oriented image that resonates with families, educators, and advocates in the autism community. The Autism Tree reminds viewers of the unique beauty, strength, and potential within each individual on the autism spectrum.

Buy now

The Autism Puzzle Piece colors typically consist of a vibrant palette that has become synonymous with autism awareness. The most commonly used colors are:

Blue: The primary color, representing calmness and acceptance

Red: Symbolizing strength and determination

Yellow: Signifying hope and positivity

Green: Representing growth and new beginnings

These colors are often used together in a single puzzle piece design or as separate pieces forming a larger puzzle. Some variations might include additional colors like purple (pride) or orange (creativity).

The colorful puzzle piece was originally designed by the National Autistic Society in 1963. While it remains a widely recognized symbol, it's worth noting that some autism advocates prefer alternative symbols, feeling the puzzle piece may imply incompleteness. Nonetheless, these colors continue to play a significant role in autism awareness campaigns and merchandise.

Buy now

April Autism Awareness Month is an annual observance dedicated to increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). During this month, organizations, communities, and individuals engage in various activities to:

Educate the public about autism

Promote inclusion and support for individuals with ASD

Raise funds for autism research and services

Share personal stories and experiences

Organize events like walks, seminars, and art exhibitions

Encourage early screening and intervention

The symbol most associated with this month is the blue puzzle piece ribbon. Many landmarks worldwide are illuminated in blue to show support and raise awareness for autism.

[betterthanakickintheface]

Well holy shit.

I am often sort of worn down by the fact that I need to take my meds everyday, but at the same time every time I miss them(like today, because I slept for 19hours straight) my Thoughts come in like a fucking tidal wave of despair that I have to swim desperately up and "out" from even though I know that the surface should represent and be in some way actual relief from the usual way my brain runs it isn't... At most it is a not-even-fully-numb state, it is a weary, worn out and emotionally exhausted and still very sensitive state.

It's just not like....a constant state of forever-falling. More like being back at my base camp.

At the very edge of a dangerous cliff, sure...but still on and not off the cliff

*sigh*

[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!

❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙💜🩷🤍🩶🖤🤎

[laele25]

Time to share trauma in the hopes of saving someone else from it

I hate the 4th of July.  I have had little reason to feel proud of my country for the last ten years. I have no love for a song glorifying war and having a verse dedicated to terrorizing the slaves of the English.  Set to a pub song, no less.  The worst part is that song represents the horror show this country has become all too well, which is part of the reason I am disappointed and disillusioned by my country men.  I don’t feel like celebrating freedom with the same people who will take away other people’s over their unconstitutional belief they have the right to inflict their religious standards and other bigotry on the rest of us by law.

But this isn’t about the hypocrisy of the Christofascists.  No, this is about fireworks.  I also hate fireworks.  I have fibromyalgia, and therefore are hypersensitive to loud sounds.  My son is developmentally disabled and fireworks scare and upset him. And my two fraidy cats are apoplectic the entire time fireworks are going off.  I approve very strongly of my city’s ban on private fireworks.  For more reasons than not traumatizing combat veterans, non-neurotypical people and animals.

Because fireworks are dangerous and cause at least 10,000 injuries in America every year. They killed eleven people last year in a span of basically two weeks.  Not only is this completely unacceptable, it’s shouldn’t be news to anyone.

Way back 1981 or so, near the end of June, at the age of five, I got firsthand experience with victims of fireworks accidents in the children’s burn ward.  My younger sister, who was three at the time, managed to sneak up on my mother and grandmother while they were cooking and pull a deep fryer sitting on a pull out cutting board (which are thankfully no longer a thing to my knowledge) onto her head trying to find out what was in it.

She received 2nd and 3rd degree burns to over half her body.  She spent at least a week in the burn ward and has suffered for a lifetime from the injuries she sustained.  But it wasn’t her trauma that turned my mother against fireworks. 

It was her tiny three year old roommate, who had lost all of his fingers and part of both hands and had damage to his face because his brothers gave him a firecracker and he didn’t understand to throw it away.  He was lucky to have lived. After that, we weren’t allowed to have any fireworks and if a family member was setting them off, we sat as far away as possible.  When my older brother was a teenager, he was allowed to set them off with as many safety measures as he could take.  

I tried to set them off when I was an adult, but the memory of that little boy made me far to nervous to handle them safely. After my son was born and was so easily upset by any loud sound (I couldn’t vaccum when he was home until he was seven or eight), I didn’t even bother watching professional shows.

And honestly, I wish those would go away to, because of the trauma it inflicts on combat veterans, non-neurotypical people, and animals.  We have the technology to do cool drone shows that are just as awe inspiring without the danger and environmental impact. 

If you are one of those people who can’t get through the fourth without blowing something up, please be considerate and safe.  Let your neighbors know when you plan to set off fireworks, don’t set them off after 1am, especially on a weeknight, and make sure you use them safely.  Do not let small children have fireworks, even sparklers.  Honestly, anyone younger than a teenager probably shouldn’t handle them at all and even teenagers should be supervised.  There are professional shows almost everywhere in the country to enjoy, so take advantage of those and save yourself some cash and worries.

Also, large vats of boiling oil are bad.  Air fryers work just as well or better than deep fryers and are a million times safer. 

[aroaceleovaldez]

reminder that the only reason the "ADHD is actually demigod BATTLE STRATEGIES" and "dyslexia is DEMIGOD BRAINS HARDWIRED FOR ANCIENT GREEK" things exist in the PJO universe is because it's a very direct reference to early 2000s teaching/parenting techniques for neurodiverse and disabled children, which aimed to frame childrens' disabilities and hardships as a "superpower" or strength so that the children would feel more positively about their disabilities or situations. This technique has fallen out of favor since then for the most part since more often than not it just results in kids feeling as though their struggles are not being seen or taken seriously.

Yes, demigods are adhd/dyslexic (and sometimes autistic-coded) in the series. This is extremely important and trying to remove it or not acknowledge it makes the entire series fall apart because it is such a core concept. Yes, canon claims that their adhd/dyslexia is tied to some innate abilities, which is based on an outdated methodology. It's important to acknowledge that and understand where it comes from! But please stop trying to apply it to other pantheons in the series like "oh, the romans have dyscalculia because of roman numerals!" or "the norse demigods have dysgraphia for reasons!" - it's distasteful at best.

A better option is to acknowledge the meta inspiration for why that exists in the series, such as explaining potentially that Chiron was utilizing that same teaching methodology to try and help demigods feel more comfortable with their disabilities and they aren't literal powers. In fact, especially given Frank, there's implication that being adhd/dyslexic isn't a guaranteed demigod trait, which means it's more likely to be normally inherited from their godly parent/divine ancestor as a general trait, not a power, and further supports the whole "ADHD is battle strategy" thing being non-literal. It also implies the entire greco-roman pantheon in their universe is canonically adhd/dyslexic - and that actually fits very well with the themes of the first series. The entire central conflict of the first series fits perfectly as an allegory about neurodiverse/disabled children and their relationships with their undiagnosed neurodiverse/disabled parents and trying to find solutions together with their shared disability/disabilities that the kid inherited instead of becoming distant from each other (and this makes claiming equivalent to getting a diagnosis which is a fascinating allegory! not to mention the symbolism of demigods inheriting legacies and legends and powers from their parents and everything that comes with that being equivalent to inheriting traits, neurodiversity, and disabilities from your parents).

anyways neurodiversity and disability and the contexts in which the series utilizes representation of those experiences particularly during the 2000s symbolically within the narrative is incredibly important to the first series and the understanding of what themes it means to represent. also if i see one more "the romans have dyscalculia instead of dyslexia" post in 2023 i'm gonna walk into the ocean.

[bookishbrewer]

Cyn - The Disabled Neurodivergent Sibling:

⚠️ WARNING: this post will include discussion of bullying, ableism of numerous kinds, abuse, trauma.

First, let's establish 2 important terms for this post:

Zombie Drone - a state in which a worker drone is improperly disposed of. The WD enters a state of self-reboot as a result of: their core not being properly disconnected, the hardware not physically destroyed or a 606 error is interrupted. In a 0.7% chance, there's the risk of said WD rebooting with a "potential hazardous mutation".

The Absolute Solver - an incredibly advanced monstrous code and supernatural artificial intelligence that mutates in damaged forms of lesser AI.

Neurodivergent:

Cyn is first introduced in a flashback in episode 2, when she is scavenged & brought back to the Elliot mansion by Tessa. Right at the beginning, we the shy drone do something that may be interpreted as neurodivergent - imprinting:

Yes, I may be reading too deeply into this, but the fact that Cyn immediately focuses on the drone with the least threatening position & expression makes me think she may interpret him as the safest person to be around.

Just before this scene, we as the audience got to see the relationship between the main 3 drones Cyn will interact with in the mension:

1. N & V - they are the more meek & submissive types. They're both portrayed as sensitive, and have something of a crush on each other.

2. J - she's more of a mean 'older-bully-sibling' type. Not hasitating to command her peers, even using verbal & physical violence to do so.

So, in a sense, Cyn was right.

In ASD, for example, neurodivergent people might rely on siblings for interpreting social cues, deepening their connection. In addition, siblings may become key figures in routines and shared interests, leading to strong bonds (see for example how N reacts to Cyn showing him "those eyes" referring to her putting a picture of a golden retriever on her visor to convince him to go ask Tessa if they can attend the gala together. Or N suggesting the both of them will watch a movie together).

For another example, ADHD, siblings might help manage impulsivity & help with conflict resolution. We see an example of this in this clip:

After Tessa's abusive mother tells her off, Cyn steps in & exclaims that "they are not broken. We can no longer be thrown out", in direct reaction to the mother threatening to throw out all of Tessa's "dumpster pets".

This, clearly, triggers Cyn's trauma we see a glimpse of in episode 5:

She wakes up in what is essentially a pile of dead bodies, deeply woulded, hurt & terrified. This is what she is referring to, this is what 'no longer' means. It means 'not again'. She doesn't wish what she went through on anyone.

Even though N, Tessa's favorite, protects Cyn, it does not shelter her from Tessa's abuse. Now, let me reiterate, I know that Tessa is an abused child. She suffers from emotional, physical & verbal abuse from both her parents (& maybe other caretakers) and is also just a kid. My point in mentioning said abuse is to merely point put that this is an example to the cycle of it continuing, creating more victims.

Tessa inflicts on Cyn the exact same abuse she suffers at the hands of her parents & more:

She displays blatent favoritism towards certain drones (N & J) over others (neglects V & treats Cyn badly).

She threatens Cyn that something might happen to her if N is hurt for defending her from her mother.

She chains & locks Cyn in the basement with the use of one of her favorite drones (J):

Another example of Cyn's implied neurodiversity is her misunderstanding of Tessa's words. When Tessa threatens Cyn that something might happen to her if N is hurt "because of her" she simply replies:

Cyn does not exactly understand that Tessa is worried that N might die. To her, it is meaningless, because she (or rather, the Absolute Solver) has backups of Ns personality (which is displayed in future episodes, when it is revealed that she is the one to send the murder drones to Copper 9). This is very similar to how people with ASD (& others) may take a statement too literally or misunderstand it at first.

Another tidbit that I like about Cyn, is that she doesn't like being condescended to. She talks back to those who belittle her because of her being 'different'. Not only to Tessa & her mother, but also to her fellow drones:

Cyn: it seems that J forgot to let me out of my basement time-out again.

J: yet here you are.

Cyn (turning to N): annoyed expression.

She also does it to N in her eldritch form:

Another thing I'd like to add is Cyn being quite quirky & unique in her peaceful days, before the Solver took over her entirely:

Physically Disabled

We know that Cyn was sent to be destroyed for some reason before the show began. Her almost being destroyed caused numerous disabilities, some of them were cured (for example: her cracked visor was fixed) but some remained as lasting effects:

Linguistic differences/disabilities -

Cyn cannot talk in a more "smooth" way like her fellow drones. Her voice can be interpreted as robotic & distant (a characteristic some neurodivergent & disabled people may have or may be precieved as having).

Instead of just doing, Cyn says her actions out loud, for example: "sheepish nod", "shuffle, shuffle, shuffle", "tantrum", "jumpscare", "light sip". Some neurodivergent individuals, such as people diagnosed with ADHD may express their thoughts or describe their actions out loud as they are doing them to help with focus, brain fog & organization.

Bodily impairments -

Cyn stands a bit crookedly & doesn't get much support from her limbs to hold her body.

Her head cannot be held straight & has to be supported by something (she usually uses her hand to do that. Even in her eldritch form, before committing the massacre in Elliot mansion):

Though there are many voices of people, both disabled & otherwise that speak against disabled characters being portrayed as villains, I believe Cyn is in no way a disrespectful character. Before she is entirely lost to the Solver her trauma is explored, validated & expended on. She is portrayed as sweet, charming, complex & loving. She is also shown as being bullied, discarded, hurt & abused.

Her disabilities are not the cause of her fall to evil & are not her "trademark" when it comes to her definition (similarly to how, let's say, Darth Vader is mocked for his suit & is known & feared partially because of it). They are a part of her, but they are not the only aspect in her life that define her.

I think Cyn is a pretty good example of what a disabled person may go through in different stages of their lives. As a new sibling, as an unfavored child, as a server/worker, as a friend, as a hero & yes, as a victim of circumstances beyond their control.

I love Cyn, she's very special to me & I can't wait to see where her story will go.

Thank you for reading 🙏💜

[intervex]

Disability and intersex: three new flags for three different intersections

EDIT 2024-09-20: new survey on intersex disability flags & coining!

[original post continues...]

The flag on the top with the disability pride rainbows on both sides of the flag is for understanding intersex as part of the disability community. Having the stripes on both ends represent people with other disabilities standing in solidarity with intersex people & fighting the same fights against pathologization, for bodily autonomy, etc.

Considering intersex to be part of the disability community is NOT the same thing as considering intersex to be a medical disorder (intermedicalism). Many disabled people are actively fighting medicalization, with groups like the capital-D Deaf community, mad pride, and the neurodiversity movement being examples.

The flag on the lower left with dark grey on both sides represents people who have disabilities caused by being intersex. For example: chronic pain as a result of IGM, (C)PTSD from medical trauma. People with disabilities linked to being intersex, such as Deafness attributed to MRKH, are also welcome to use this flag.

Finally, the flag on the lower right is for intersex people who also have non-intersex disabilities (e.g. ADHD, EDS, Long Covid). It's an alternative to @queercripintersex's disabled intersex flag for people who prefer the disability pride flag over the universal symbol of access.

I personally interpret @queercripintersex's disabled intersex flag as a flag for intersex and disabled in any way: so it would include people who are disabled solely due to being intersex AND people who are intersex who have non-intersex-related disabilities.

Finally, I wanna coin ~terms~ to go with the first two flags! (Intersex is in disability community; disability secondary to being intersex). But I've been indecisive about what to call them. Disintersex is a solid contender.... but which flag should it be for? 🤔 Interdisabled already has an unrelated meaning. Interdissex is open. Variations on crip also have potential, but I know it's a contested term.

So: two polls! Both polls have the same options, so when voting consider that I want distinct names for the two flags. First poll is below, second poll will be in a second post. 💜