NeurobeautifulBeing autistic reminds me of a typical fantasy novel.
It begins with a young girl who doesn’t quite fit in with the rest of the village. There’s something special about her, and at first she can only see the trouble that it causes.
Then one day, she learns the reason. She is different, perhaps secretly …
Diversity matters in media, because it’s important for everyone to see that someone like them can be victorious and loved.
With neurodiversity in particular, that doesn’t have to mean labeling characters as autistic. For me, what matters is seeing characters who act and think like me.
Jane Eyre was the first. I read that book …
This week, two different people sent me long audio clips (over 30 minutes) and asked my opinion on them.
In the past, I would have procrastinated for weeks before finally listening to each thing, and even then I’d have split the task across several days.
But now I understand my brain better, including why I …
“It won’t hurt you!”
For someone with sensory sensitivity, who takes things literally, this is confusing and unhelpful to hear.
Before I found out that I take in more sensory data than most people, I wasn’t able to explain that water is physically painful for me. I didn’t “know” that rain hurts my skin, because …
I try to make brave choices, because bravery seems like a worthwhile trait to cultivate. And I have frequent opportunities to do so, because so many “normal” things are difficult or uncomfortable for me.
I met a new friend for brunch, and afterwards she suggested we rent electric scooters and ride them around the block. …
Someone asked me what I like most about myself.
It took me awhile to answer, because the things that came to mind first weren’t things I observe about myself, which I assume was the intent of the question.
Rather, taking it literally, I started thinking of things I enjoy experiencing about myself from the inside …
“How are you doing?” I asked, curious how she was feeling about new responsibilities at work.
She flapped her arms in classic autistic fashion, her face looking overwhelmed but full of hopeful determination, like a baby bird trying to make it out of the nest, or a fish trying to swim upstream.
“Staying afloat,” she …