Tag Archives: Autism

Autism Acceptance / Awareness Month

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Hello,

Well, Autism Acceptance/Awareness Month has been interesting.

People who are Autistic are not diseased. We are not broken. We are not a puzzle to be solved.

There are a lot of hurtful comments in the news at the moment which I am sure we have all seen. If you haven’t just spend some time googling it. You’ll find it.

I am aware that Autistic people have different levels of support needs and that is all because Autism is a spectrum. No we are not all a little Autistic.

There has been talk of there being a register made for Autistic people. This alongside the news that there will soon be a reason found for what causes Autism is very concerning. If you can have a register of Autistic people then once you know what causes Autism you can have readily accessible information for where those Autistic people are. I wonder why you would need that information?

Autistic people want understanding and acceptance. I  saw a small video somewhere which said ‘if you’re struggling to understand an Autistic person then they’re probably struggling to understand you too’. This is so important because it points out that Autistic people are trying to communicate in a way that they know how. Just like you as the non Autistic person is trying to communicate in a way that you know how. If we put the emphasis on how hard it is for the non Autistic person and try to get the Autistic person to communicate in a way the non Autistic person wants, then we are not being fare or understanding to the Autistic persons needs.

A lot of the conversation around Autism, from what I have seen is ‘how can we change this Autistic person?’ When it should be about understanding and accepting the Autistic person.

If you are Autistic and are reading or watching the news or seeing articles about the things I have referred to above then know that there are also people out there who are wanting to be accepting who are wanting to understand. There are allies who are there to help.

We need these allies to help us as Autistic people to create space and enact the change we need to be able to live in a world where we can thrive. Whatever our level of support need. 

Thank you for reading.

Autism Acceptance

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Hello all, 

It’s April, I hope you are still aware of Autistic People… we could be anywhere….even in your house! 

Right, now you’re aware, lets talk about acceptance. Acceptance is what Autistic people want. We want Acceptance because otherwise how are we to feel included? 

One of the ways in which you can accept Autistic people is by understanding we all have different sensory needs. Autistic people can struggle with sensory overload. Sensory Overload for me can come at anytime. It is not pleasant. It can be all consuming. 

It is too bright in here, can someone just turn the big light off and we only have a lamp on? Why is the music so loud…it is unnecessary. I can’t hear what you’re saying…Did someone just brush past me? Why is my sock hurting? I’m overwhelmed by all this…no push through you’re doing great…. You’re doing what the Neurotypicals want! Go you! 

Keep going… why are there so many people here… Now my jumper feels fuzzy… Who’s playing their music too loud on their headphones? What did you say you wanted? I’m tired…slam! 

Sensory Overload feels like you are constantly having every single one of your senses engaged all at the same time and everything you are feeling is at its most maximum level. Then you feel like you have hit a brick wall. That is what it can feel like.  

When you are helping someone who is dealing with sensory overload accept what they are telling you. Help them to find a calm and relaxing space. If they need to stim to regulate themselves, let them (I’ll write something about this for next time). 

Accepting what an Autistic person is telling you is very important. It is part of you recognising their lived experiences. Autistic people’s experiences are valid, even if they are different to a Neurotypical persons experience.

Thank you for reading, 

Philippa. 

Happy Autism Acceptance Month. 

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Autism Acceptance month is here- although we should be accepting of Autism all year round. 

There will be a lot of things going out this month from various places that you will come across showing support for Autistic people. 

Be mindful of what you are consuming, either for yourself or for your business. Who has written the piece you are writing? Is this person Autistic? 

You cannot advocate for Autistic people unless you are willing to listen to Autistic people. This includes every Autistic person at every stage of life. 

I do not normally write about Autism on here, being Neurodivergent, yes, I write about that. But it can be difficult to write about being Autistic. I think this is because I went so long without realising I am Autistic. It is quite a journey you go on when you find out you’re Autistic. You have to learn to understand this part of yourself which has always been there. But now…you know it is there. 

Like you’ve found a whole new room in your house and you’re thinking ‘wow look at this space! What can I do with it? What is even in here?…’ 

It is a lot to unpack, literally unpack… How do I now navigate the world through this new lens?

Everyone is different, just like Autism itself, we are truly unique. No one Autistic persons profile is the same as another persons.

This is why at the beginning of this page I said to make sure what you are reading has been created with an Autistic persons input. Because, verbal or non verbal we all have something to share and say. 

During Autism Acceptance month remember that every one of us is different and unique in our abilities. We do not all view Autism as a super power. Some of us absolutely hate this phrase. Some of us love it and see their Autism as a gift. 

Be mindful of every Autistic persons perspective on Autism and if it doesn’t fit your narrative, that is OK. 

I’ll try write some more later this month. But for now that is all. 

Thank you, 

Philippa B. 

First blog of the year

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Hello all,

First blog post of 2023. I have taken a bit of time away from writing blogs as things were very busy over the past few months.

I wanted to write today about what I would like to do over the next year, not so much goals as I am not a fan of goal setting. But more building on what I enjoyed last year.

Last year my blog did better than the year before in that I got a lot more interaction with it which was lovely to see. It is nice to know what I am writing is helping others. I appreciate you taking the time to leave comments.

I would also like this year to continue with my audiobooks. I really enjoy listening to them, when I am just about the house or before bed. I don’t listen to them when I am out and about. That’s more music.

Last year I listened to a lot of audiobooks on Autism, I also listened to some biographies. Then I started listening to books on self compassion. So I am branching out on my reading.

The self compassion ones are nice as they can pair with the books around Autism. I will continue with these this year.

Do you have any thoughts on your year ahead?

Thank you for reading and Happy Musings.