Autistic Book Club
@AutismBookClub
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#Autism #Introvert #ADHD #BookClub 📚 International Zoom Book Club & In-Person Meetup, St Kilda, Melbourne, Australia ❤️ #CriminologyStudent #ActuallyAutistic
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The
#AutisticBookClub
is reading📖:
'The Midnight Library' by Matt Haig - Autistic Author
Global Autistic Zooms: 1 & 3 Aug
In-Person Meetup, St. Kilda, Sat, 3 Aug
#Autistic
#BIPOC
Book Club, Global Zoom: 10 Aug
#BookClub
*Link to Join in my bio - all groups are free ❤️
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So I'm in a 'burn it to the ground' mood.
Here goes.
Ethnically, I'm an English Romany, called by some 'Gypsy', (not a slur to many English Gypsies, they don't really care).
Haven't disclosed this before because of the rabid hate that exists in the UK towards us...
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This has been boiling away in me for years.
I am fed up with being dismissed as a 'know nothing white woman'.
We are told to hide what we are, because of hate.
But I'm done!
I am so angry at being sidelined and talked over.
I am a Gypsy / Romany / Traveller and proud of it.
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So here I am now, a decade later, back at uni to finish my degree, and hopefully complete a double degree in Law and Criminology.
I've already disclosed my ethnicity, Idk what will happen. I'm not in the UK so who knows
If you're in the UK reading this...
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In my Criminal Law lecture, we talked about Gypsies, and our history.
But instead of saying 'Gypsy' or 'Romany' he said 'Pikey'.
Pikey is a slur that is HATED by English Gypsies.
He said it over and over again.
To howls of laughter from my fellow students.
I was shaking.
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We had to leave the UK because of the hate.
Did you know UK Gypsies have the lowest educational attainment of any ethnic group, at every key stage in the UK?
The lowest life expectancy, the highest maternal mortality rate, over represented in prisons...
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I was completely isolated with no support.
As I left student services I can remember looking at all the 'Diversity' posters, supporting minorities!
Would they have given that advice to any other minority? No. Of course not.
But when you're a Gypsy it doesn't matter.
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Student services told me I had 2 options:
1. Disclose my ethnicity and lodge a complaint, my position at the university would become untenable and I'd have to leave.
2. Stay silent, finish my degree and come back to educate staff on how to 'do better'
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I wonder what you're thinking?
Because I've been spat on, not allowed in shops, bullied and hated for being a Gypsy / Traveller in the UK.
When we moved house a member of the council came to visit us, they said:
'We don't want your kind in our village'. 🤯
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I had to leave University because of my ethnicity?!
Because education is seen as contamination and unnecessary I was pulled out of school at 14.
After many years, I finally made it to university as I desperately wanted to be educated.
Into Law, I thought I'd made it...
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#AskingAutistics
Do you think that anxiety is an inherent part of Autism or not?
If not, where does it come from?
My POV is it is not an inherent part of Autism, but comes from trauma and an environment / people that don't support or understand us.
Am I on the right track?
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#AskingAutistics
Does anyone else have an exaggerated startle response?
The ppl around me do not understand.
I have tried to explain.
I really can’t help it.
#StartleResponse
#ActuallyAutistic
#Trauma
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@Locutus_666
Well, it’s true, we’re not all angels but neither are we all criminals. There’s good and bad in every race.
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@ifonlyalabama
Yes! That was the plan!
My whole ethos is wanting to fight for ppl’s rights.
As an Autistic Gypsy, I feel I have a small insight into this area… 😉😁
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It’s me! 👋
Hyperbole pronounced ‘hyper-bowl’
you can tell someone grew up reading because they know so many words and they pronounce them all wrong
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#AskingAutistics
How would you respond to an ADHD woman (possibly Autistic) who said to me:
"It's important to make other people feel comfortable"
...when talking about her own behaviour. 😭
I am so angry at society.
#ActuallyAutistic
#ADHD
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@adventureswASD
Deciding that ‘never saying no to an invite’ was a great way to ‘make friends’ and make myself ‘more sociable’ 🙄
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I used to know a carer at an Autistic School who looked after a young boy.
He was terrified of the Sydney Harbour tunnel, so what did she do?
*Always* drove through the tunnel.
She laughed as she said, ‘He screams the whole way!!’
Be careful who you leave your child with. 😳
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@weirdybeardyLBP
'Being around other people' made me feel weird, broken and excruciatingly lonely, until I met other Autistic people.
Being with other Autistics is a huge relief, we may not all be friends, but I don't have to monitor my every word, or cope with constant misunderstandings!
🌈♾
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I'm going back to finish my degree after 10 yrs.
Feeling apprehensive.
Uni isn't always easy for us.
A lot depends on ppl knowing I'm Autistic and understanding what that means...!
#Autism
#AutisticStudent
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@the_tweedy
@Verduranti
Happens to me when I tell someone they’re ‘efficient’, which is a compliment (IMO) but apparently I’m the only one that thinks that…
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@Sweetncoole
I couldn’t understand why my daughter wasn’t learning to read, I dropped in at her school unexpectedly.
All the kids from the (gypsy) site were sitting at a table playing Lego, all the other kids were learning maths.
We left the UK.
😑
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@Autistic_Cherry
The small talk is Horrific.
“So going anywhere special tonight?”
“What have you got planned for the weekend?”
😱😭 Make it stop.
#ActuallyAutistic
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@NTtakes
@hi_its_annaleah
Also, 'You're not in contact with your family?!' 😱
'But they're your Family!!!'
How can they not understand that sometimes you are better off without your family?
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#AskingAutistic
Have you ever had a vulnerable, lasting friendship, with a neurotypical?
I want to know if it's possible, because I'm yet to find an Autist who has.
Have you been able to find true friendship with an NT?
If so, how did you overcome the differences?
#Friends
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@QueerlyAutistic
@grumpyshrubbery
I read the very popular memoir of a medical person I won’t name, and I found it to be appalling! The way this person talked about some of his patients bordered on disgust.
His patients were expecting to see someone who would treat them with care & respect.
#MedicalTrauma
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Hello New Followers!
To be honest, I do not often post about being a Gypsy / Romany / Traveller.
I'm Autistic and that is mainly what I post about.
Being Autistic was NOT accepted or supported by my family and I received extreme abuse because of it.
#AutisticCommunity
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@FranGoulder
That being Autistic is not good or bad, it’s a neurotype.
I wish I had known other Autistics, I wouldn’t have felt so alone.
I wish I had been taught as a child that I am wonderful just the way I am. No ‘fixing’ or therapy necessary.
Being ‘me’ is enough!
#actuallyautistic
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@StarFeuri
I have Autistic + ADHD + Dyslexic children who were destroyed at school. When I asked, 'Why do they have homework in Primary School?' this was the answer...
"Because this is how we do it"
🤯
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@ItsEmilyKaty
I bought a pair of puzzle piece earrings!🙄
I was proud to be Autistic, but I didn't know how to show it, and I didn't know about the Autistic Community.
We need to be patient when people are newly diagnosed / newly identifying as Autistic.
We all learn. ♾🌈
#ActuallyAutistic
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I want to say something about
#TheGoodDoctor
and what is said to be 'stereotypical representation'.
My Autistic family, including myself, find the representation accurate in many ways, especially the melt down scene. (Yes, there are some 'cringe' bits)
1/3
#ActuallyAutistic
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#AskingAutistics
Do you like sharing your 'life story'?
I understand we like to provide details (which I love!) but do you also have that urge / desire to share your life story?
If so, why do you think that is?
I do it to try and connect, and it fails every time...🤦♀️
#Autism
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Daniel Geschwind -
#spectrum10k
worked for ‘Cure Autism Now’ a program of ‘Autism Speaks, as well as creating the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange.
He is leading with SBC, there is no doubt about his aims.
#stopspectrum10k
#actuallyautistic
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@naomicfisher
@freedom4lou
Unpopular opinion: school is not appropriate for some (many?) Autistic kids and will cause trauma, despite ‘acccommodations’ being ‘put in place’.
If your child is depressed / suicidal please don’t force them to go to school.
(My ex-school Autistic child reading this, nods.)
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7 of the 'Most Read' on Amazon's fiction charts are Harry Potter books; why?!
And every book store has a huge stack of HP books.
Have ppl never read other fantasy books?
It's just they're not that good...
I don't understand the hype.🤷♀️
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I am not, and have never claimed to be an ‘Autism Advocate’ or a ‘Disability Advocate’.
So don’t quote retweet me demanding that I comment on the middle east!?
Are you kidding me!?
I am an Autistic individual who runs a book club for the community. That’s it.
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I read that Autistic ppl are now being turned away from <forgive my unfamiliarity with the language>
becoming a nun / priest?!
Apparently, when Autism is disclosed they're told 'You're not a good fit'.
Traditionally, isn't this a space that has attracted Autistic ppl?
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I feel adrift without a specific special interest...🫥
Lots of interests but nothing I am really diving into, except Autism.
It feels artificial to just 'choose' an interest, I really want one of my interests to 'find me', to slowly become pre-eminent and it's not happening!😩
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#AskingAutistics
Had a conversation with a psychologist who sees mainly Neurodivergent clients.
They said every single client was on meds, said as ND ppl we need meds.
Are we all on meds?
No shame, no judgment, I just didn’t think being on meds was universal?
#Autism
#ND
I’m Autistic - on meds
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I’m Autistic- no meds
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I’m ND - on meds
294
I’m ND - no meds
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@laurenancona
Wow.
That actually made me gasp.
How can you think like this?!
Truly it gets harder and harder to be around anyone who isn't ND. I want the acceptance, the curiosity, the kindness (Ik not everyone, but most!)
Stepping outside the ND world can feel very cold & unfriendly. 🥶
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‘Planned Ignoring’ of a child!? 🤯
Yes this is a real sign, advising to ignore a child in distress.
ABA at its finest, lets not forget the clicker training and reinforcers either.
Sickening.
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#AskingAutistics
Does anyone know how much time is dedicated to learning about Autism in a medical or psychology degree?
And what is it they are taught?
I’d love to have a link to any actual course material, or the name of a current textbook being used to teach about Autism?
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@BGI_Genomics
I am not 'affected by a disease', Autism is NOT a disease, it's a neurotype. Do not talk about 'preventing and treating' Autism, this is hate speech & eugenics.
Listen to the Autistic voices responding to your tweet.
#ListenToUs
#NothingAboutUsWithoutUs
#ActuallyAutistic
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...and what we need is diverse representation.
Not "let's get rid of the 'stereotypical' representation" because if you do that, you erase me, my family and others like us.
I don't want to feel like I am not a part of the Autistic Community.
3/3
#ActuallyAutistic
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@Autistic_Lia
People: If only we could find someone who knows about Autism…
Autistic Person: 👋 I’m here!!
People: We need a professional, someone who *really* knows about Autism…
<looks for an NT professional>
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I hear repeatedly that it is a mockery, and we need accurate representation. But there are some of us who are more 'stereotypical' and it makes me feel like trash when people are bagging out this 'flavour' of Autism.
We are an immensely diverse community...
2/3
#ActuallyAutistic
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@SNeurotypicals
@AutThe6788
I never understood why ppl didn’t like me.
I used to analyse every interaction. I asked psychologists what I was ‘doing wrong’ but neither they nor I could come up with an answer.
You describe it perfectly. 😔
#ItWasAutismAllAlong
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I'm tired.
I love the Autistic Community, I do.
Most of us are great, but there's some that make life miserable (happens to me on other platforms, not X) and I'm so tired of it.
Trauma is a cause, I know, but it doesn't make it hurt any less.
#AutisticSolidarity
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Just to clarify, if you identify as 'ASD' that is your choice, which I respect.
But this situation is one where I am talking on the phone (which I hate) to someone who is arguing with me about MY POV about Autism.
I'm not going to agree with the worldview of Autism.
It's wrong!
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@LNeurodivergent
Public Transport - Too many people squished into too small a space, but having no control and no escape makes it the worst. ☹️
…and the large amount of unidentifiable dirt smudges and piles 🤢
Supermarkets late at night or early in the morning = empty 😁 👍
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DAY 11 in isolation - Still testing positive & have bad cold / flu symptoms & headache.😫
Everyone tells me ‘You don’t have to isolate anymore’.
But I am clearly still contagious, why would I go out and risk giving this to other, potentially immunosuppressed ppl!?
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@IntrovertProbss
Autistic, Introvert + ADHD here 👋
I stay up late every night because it feels like the only time I can process all the information I’ve accumulated during the day; my mind is full.
I need that time of silence, with no demands, to process…
#ActuallyAutistic
#Introvert
#ADHD
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@NoNonsenseND
@autismsupsoc
I love intergenerational living.
My birth family had 3 generations living together; 10 ppl. And my kids can leave or stay with us; their choice
I find the concept of ‘you’re 18, move out’ a weird & jarring rule.
And living together saves a lot of money.
#AutisticLife
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@1Schoolhouse
What the…
It’s really simple. I am Autistic.
Not HSP, not Aspergers, not an Indigo child, and not a… STARSEED?!
🙄
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@ingridboring
#ActuallyAutistic
is for anyone who thinks to themselves, ‘I am Autistic’!
Self-diagnosis is valid! 🙌
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@ItsEmilyKaty
Hey! Autistic Book Club here! 😄📚🌏
International & free, all on Zoom.
- 2 Book Clubs a month (different times & days to suit diff. timezones)
- 2 Neurodivergent Meetups (different topic each month)
Join via ‘Meetup’, link in my bio.
Started in Sep 2021, it’s going great! 😁
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@EmetSelchSimp
Helen Hoang is Autistic and writes fiction with Autistic protagonists - ‘The Kiss Quotient’ & ‘The Heart Principle’
@HHoangWrites
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The difference between ‘neurodiversity’ & ‘neurodivergent’!
Why does everyone find this so difficult?
One thing neurodiversity celebration week 2024 has taught me is that most organisations don’t understand the language and terms talking about neurodiversity.
If they can’t get the basics right, what does that mean for actual acceptance and inclusion?!?
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Dutch woman, 29, granted euthanasia approval on grounds of mental suffering | The Guardian
The headline didn’t say, but I knew she’d be Autistic…
#euthanasia
#autism
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@ashleyann_atx
I never pickup on 🚩 🚩
I never know when someone is lying.
I feel like I walk around perpetually shocked because I can’t predict when ppl are going to hurt me.
I often have phases of ‘No more peopling. People = Pain’
I wish I was better at reading ppl.
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#AskingAutistics
Do you feel that for ppl to understand you,
they need to know a bit about your background?
But there's never an opportunity to share this info?
I'm thinking of running some, 'Tell us Your Story' sessions at the Autistic Book Club...
What do you think?
#Autism
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Really nervous to see ‘Hannah Gadsby’ trending again.
I can’t stand bullying.
Hannah’s work is brilliant and insightful, I am a huge fan and cannot understand why so many hate her?!
The problem lies with them, not Hannah.
#OneOfUs
#ActuallyAutistic
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@bigdybbukenergy
It is a decidedly unclear question and I can’t say how horrified I am that Autism diagnostic tests are written by neurotypicals!
I love museums, but is it a natural history museum or a military museum!?
Details matter.
#ActuallyAutistic
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What is the collective noun for Autists? 🤔
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The
#AutisticBookClub
is reading:
'Divergent Mind' by Jenara Nerenberg
We are a global Zoom & In-Person Book Club
Zooms: Jan 4, 5 & 6
In-Person
#Meetup
St Kilda, 6 Jan
#BIPOC
Zoom Book Club: Jan 13
100%
#ActuallyAutistic
Club - Link in bio📚
New Ppl Welcome! 😊
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@HumanbeingAwk
I keep hearing ppl rave about their psych, but can’t seem to find one myself.
Recent experiences:
“Hmmm so you’re feeling stressed”
- Active listening, 100% pointless
“You seem to have done a lot of work by yourself”
- followed by more active listening.
<sigh>
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@Shrink_at_Large
I don’t understand.
This is an accurate description of Autism traits, that many of us have.
But not included in the ICD11 under ‘Autism’.
What is the aim of including this under personality disorder & not Autism?
To limit the amount of ppl being diagnosed as Autistic?
#ICD11
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I am secretly confused about something, why is being an
#introvert
now being frowned upon?
For me, introversion means I am exhausted after any social interaction & need time alone to recharge;
people drain me.
I am a lover of solitude, books and tea.
#IntrovertedAutistic
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@Kirsten3531
I have found schools to be particularly spiteful.
I had an argument with a head master who didn’t believe a Gypsy could study Law, kept saying I was lying!
I am not lying, I don’t lie!
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Ok, well I have done exactly this before… 🫠
Very bad idea.
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@CommonSenseSLT
@autismbucks1
Yes! And this is why it is often so incredibly unhelpful for Autistics!
Some situations are damaging, and being dismissed and viewed as having 'faulty thought processes' is so dangerous.
The unquestioned belief that, "CBT is the gold standard' is infuriating.
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@AutisticCallum_
I tried to explain to my psychologist (calmly, with a ‘friendly’ tone) that I had tried mindfulness and it did not work for me.
She gave me a withering look and said, “Mindfulness works for everyone”.
This was the beginning of my, ‘she’s resistant to treatment’ narrative. 🤯
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Disliked Seasonal Questions:
1. What do you have planned for Christmas?
- Nothing, I am so tired I need to recuperate.
2. Are you catching up with Family?
- No, we are estranged. I want to spend my time with people I love who treat me well.
Awkward answers, but they're true.
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@AutSciPerson
I noticed ‘Autistic people’s families’ was mentioned repeatedly. Allistic family members have no right to speak for the
#ActuallyAutistic
community.
What ratio of Allistic family members to
#ActuallyAutistic
people does
#Spectrum10K
think appropriate, in their ‘consultations’?!
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@Mister_E_Fish
Wouldn’t say, ‘coming to terms’ as I never fitted into ‘normal’ society at all. And trying to ‘fix’ myself never worked and was incredibly painful.
But to realise my true Autistic identity, to find belonging has been a huge & oh so welcome relief! The other way was never me.
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I’m in hospital.
I’ve been in hospital since the 24th March but I’m out of ICU and in the main ward now.
Major surgery is scary; so much pain, but I will talk more when I am out, not functioning very well now.
All
#AutisticBookClubs
are on hiatus, but hopefully not for long.💗
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@NeuroRebel
That if you have a biological fam that are toxic / abusive you can disengage from them on a permanent basis and you will not have done a terrible thing; that your life will go on to be joyful, strong & happy! ✨ 😁🌈♾
#nocontact
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@KatyBenson20
@AnnMemmott
Inappropriate clothing for season / situation!?
My Autistic family have at times dressed ‘inappropriately’ eg. shorts in winter or a large hoodie in summer.
How dare they condemn a child for this! It’s a coping mechanism for threatening environments!
I just can’t 😞
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@MAnthonyHarris1
And how excellent is this!? Makes it look like a real place 😄
Maps are the absolute best, I would decorate my house solely in maps & books if my family would let me…🥺
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@Coronation2023
Are you kidding me!?
“True allegiance to your majesty”!?
Is 100 million pounds of taxpayer’s money for the coronation (in a cost of living crisis) not enough?
We are asked to swear allegiance to a deeply problematic man who is no better than anyone else!
#AbolishTheMonarchy
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#LessonsInChemistry
by Bonnie Garmus, accurate Autistic representation and so relatable.
Loved the depiction of:
1. Neurodivergent grief - how misunderstood it is. At a time of death we lose our power & control when we need it most.
We need ND funerals.
#ActuallyAutistic
1/2
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@mightbeautistic
Mainstream school is the wrong environment for some Autistic children; this needs to be acknowledged.
All the ‘accommodations’ and meetings and adjustments aren’t going to change that and the result will be emotionally scarred kids.
Home-school & Distance Ed are valid options.
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Thinking about returning to Uni to finish my degree.
Problem is I love 'studying' Law but not so much the thought of 'practising' Law.
Client interaction is just not my thing.
So maybe
#ForensicPsychology
?
Or
#Criminology
&
#Law
?
If you have done this, would you recommend?
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How many of us are estranged from our families?
How common is it in the Neurodivergent Community?
#ActuallyAutistic
#Autism
#Family
Estranged - No Contact
195
Close & loving
220
Distant & cold
287
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@geosbooks
I just can't beat 'Ten Steps to Nanette' by Hannah Gadsby
@Hannahgadsby
We read it at the Autistic BookClub and the phrase I keep hearing is 'I feel so seen'.
To read a book and think, 'that's me' or 'I think that way' is an incredibly emotional experience
#Tenstepstonanette
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Don’t judge those who have had to cut off their families.
As Nate says, the reasons are often too painful and complex to explain.
Be kind to people who have to walk away from family. Some of their stories will never be told because of how complex and painful they are. Estrangement is a necessary path for many who are broken hearted. Less demands for understanding. More respect for what they carry alone.
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@commaficionado
When it comes to networking, social groups, Facebook (I can’t go there!) even Whatsapp groups they always end up feeling ‘too social’ for me and I end up standing awkwardly to one side…
One on one is always preferable.
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In my search for a new (or several)
#specialinterests
I want to try knitting and crochet and see if they catch.
My craft skills are zero, but I love the temperature blankets I've seen and I want to make one.
But can you learn to knit / crochet off YouTube?🧶
#Crochet
#Knitting
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@AutisticCallum_
NT-style confidence is fascinating… especially in work environments.
Someone with a modicum of skill / talent but a huge amount of confidence is able to make multiple mistakes with no consequences! Throw some ‘banter’ in and that person will be loved by all! 😳
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