Thank you @shylittlepixie I was diagnosed as autistic at 40 years old last year, after 4 suicide attempts, decades of misdiagnoses, unnecessary prescription drugs, and ineffective and traumatic psychiatric treatment. I was involuntarily committed for nearly two weeks in my 20s. Psychiatrists recommended electroconvulsive therapy (shock therapy) and prolonged institutionalization. Knowing I'm autistic has made a huge difference. It allowed me to accept myself and start to try and manage my severe burnout more effectively. The debilitating depression and suicidal thoughts are gone. Knowing the nature of my disability helps me advocate for myself more effectively. I have come to understand I'm more disabled by a society that is not always willing to be accommodating than by my condition itself. I am proud to be autistic because my unique perspective allows me to notice things most other people ignore. I have immense empathy for animals and nature which fuels my curiosity. I can devour and assimilate large amounts of information in a short amount of time. #disabilitypride #disabilitypridemonth #disabled #autistic #autisticandproud https://www.instagram.com/p/CgDsPfpLhss/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
🌟 Breaking Barriers 🌟 Overcoming Fear 🌟 Self-Advocacy 🌟 in the Autistic World 🌈 🌌 Life's journey might be challenging, but here I stand, fearless, ready to embrace the world with open arms! 🌏✨ As an autistic individual, I've learned to celebrate my uniqueness and channel my inner strength to BREAK barriers that society once deemed impossible. 🚀💪 🎭 From the shadows of uncertainty to the spotlight of self-discovery, I've conquered my fears and transformed them into stepping stones towards success. 🌟🔥 Embracing change and facing the unknown head-on has opened doors to incredible opportunities that I never thought possible! 🚪🔑 🌱 Just like a tiny seed pushing through the soil, I've grown and bloomed, proving that autism is not a limitation but a beautiful variation that adds color and diversity to this world. 🌺🌈 My unique perspective and talents have become my greatest assets, allowing me to contribute in ways I once could only dream of! 🌠🎨 📚 Education and self-advocacy have been my steadfast companions, empowering me to educate others about autism and create a more understanding and inclusive society. 📝💙 I've embraced my voice and spoken up for myself and others, shattering misconceptions and fostering empathy all around! 🗣💬 🌞 So here's to the journey of growth, resilience, and breaking through barriers! 🌻🌄 Let's continue to spread awareness, inspire change, and create a world where everyone can shine brightly regardless of their neurodiversity! 🌟🌍 #BreakingBarriers #OvercomingFear #SelfAdvocacy #AutismAwareness #NeurodiversityMatters #EmbracingUniqueness #FearlessAndProud #InclusionMatters #DifferentNotLess #ChangingPerceptions #BreakingStigmas #AutisticAndProud
Love this from @reframing_autism Give your child access to the Autistic community. Allow them to grow up knowing that there are many others out there with Autistic brains, who understand them, and who are happy and flourishing. 💛 #autism #autismacceptance #actuallyautistic #autisticpride #autisticandproud #autisticidentity #autismquotes #autismmemes #autisticadults #neurodiversity Image description: Multicoloured watercolour dots with yellow circle. Within the yellow circle, text reads: "Autistic children need Autistic adult role models. They need Autistic adults who are "out and proud" about their Autism." Reframing Autism logo Image credit: Teach Cheat/CANVA https://www.instagram.com/p/CRJZZUXspyf/?utm_medium=tumblr
The fiance: *tucking me in, laying on me to hug and squish me, smooching me goodnight*
Me: DO YOU THINK MY AUTISM DIAGNOSIS CHANGED THINGS BETWEEN US?!
The fiance: idk it's late.. I'm tired *obviously not putting up with my nonsensical late night questions*
Me: I do. I think it changed things..
The fiance: oh good! Okay.
Me: *dying laughing, swishing legs and rocking to happy stim, hands automatically up to raptor hands/chest/touching face* YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW IF I WAS GOING TO SAY IF IT WAS GOOD OR BAD! I COULD HAVE SAID BAD!!
Myself and my alters cannot be separated from each other - we take turns to be out and have different hopes and dreams - but ultimately we are all travelling the same journey. Together. 💜🧸🦋🦄#actuallyautistic #actuallydissociative #pluralgang #autisticandproud #diversityisbeautiful #lifeisgood #celebrate #togetherwearestronger #mentalhealthawareness #autisticselves #autisticDID https://www.instagram.com/p/CNSKM28MZRw/?igshid=5ay0btr8uhq4
April 12: Talk about social skills and communication. What kind of things do you find hard?
I have quite a bit of issues with communication. My biggest struggle has to be with feeling confident enough to actually be myself and talk to people, both online and in real life. People say talking to people on the Internet is easier. I have to beg to differ. It’s not exactly easier, but it is different. I struggle with talking to people online immensely.
Secondly, I always seem to be misunderstanding people and saying the wrong things in response. The worst thing ever is when you say something and everyone just either stares in confusion or ignores you.
Thirdly, I got into what’s referred to as shutdowns, which means that I go nonverbal and have little to no desire to speak aloud. People don’t seem to understand that talking to me during such a state makes me force myself to talk in fear of being rude. When I push myself, I only make things worse, meaning that I might have a meltdown or “explode” further down the line.
Autismophobie 9/9 [TW: Crise de panique, cicatrices d'auto-mutilation, manque d'accessibilité, validisme, représentations problématiques.] Fin ! Une version non coupée et plus lisible est disponible en bio et en storie =) #autismophobie #actuallyautistic #actuallyautisticadult #actuallyautisticblogger #actuallyautisticartist #radioautiste #autisticandproud #autisticpride #autismacceptance #anythingbutblue #lightitupgold #takethemaskoff https://www.instagram.com/p/BysVlfzgz9-/?igshid=1gy8fqv0oq6q6
“Accomodation is a big step towards people coming out with a disability like mental illness - that’s a first step…Form of therapy - being with people who care about you. I learned how to enjoy the things I enjoy without peer pressure. You captured my essence - I want people to see the TJ inside me not the TJ people hear about.” - Timotheus “T.J.” Gordon, Jr.
#SeeMe #MentalIlness #Madness #Neurodiversity
I am a part of a @dcal_saic project where students did portraits of folx with lived experiences of #MentalHealth
Thank you DCAL for this opportunity to be myself in the shoot!
Had a great day with my son, Matthew at the #livelifefestival in Wigan. #proudmama #familyfun #festivalfun #summerfun #selfadvocacyworks #autisticandproud #proudtobesomekindofgeneticmess https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzlcuy9FxcA/?igshid=1nya9ql5hywkk