NeurobeautifulWhat is it like when autistics spend time together, with no neurotypical people around? I want to give you a peek behind the curtain.
You might think that we go off on long tangents, leaving our listeners to suffer in boredom. But hiding boredom out of politeness is a neurotypical thing.
When I’m with autistics, …
When it comes to reading, I tend to prefer “expository” content (such as self-help and pop science) over “narrative” content (such as fiction and biographies).
I noticed today that this preference is less about my interest in the topic, and more about the way sentences are structured in each style.
If information is presented in …
It’s easy for me to miss or misunderstand people’s motivations and reactions. It isn’t willful ignorance – I want the information, but often can’t gather it on my own.
When I describe my social experiences to neurotypical friends or family, I love to hear them say, “Here’s what may be happening from the other person’s …
Do you think in words, pictures, or only ideas? Which comes most naturally, and which is even possible?
I occasionally think in pictures, but it feels secondary, like illustrations sprinkled throughout a chapter book.
Generally, my thoughts begin as wordless ideas. I draw a conclusion, and am able to act on it, regardless of whether …
My previous post, about skin picking and hair pulling, was the first time I’ve tackled that subject in my three years of writing about autism. I’ve spent those years looking for connections, experimenting with solutions, and wondering what I could say about those habits that might possibly be useful – so, I’m deeply grateful …
I’ve read enough anecdotes from autistic women to notice a pattern: Many of us pick at our skin or hair.
There’s plenty of advice and support available if you search for “dermatillomania” (a.k.a. skin excoriation disorder) or “trichotillomania” – but not much info about the overlap with autism. So, here’s what I’ve learned through 20 …