Question for autistics: What did you do to celebrate or mark the occasion when you found out you’re autistic?
Context:
Many people find the discovery that they’re autistic is very helpful for them, even liberating, as they can now learn more about themselves and their needs, etc. Feelings toward it are usually quite complex, not simple, but lots of people have said they celebrated when they discovered they’re autistic because overall, it is a positive thing. Some autistic people mark the anniversary and have a mini celebration in their own way each year.
My answer to the question:
Although cakes are popular, I decided to do something longer lasting and more special to me. There is an artist who paints nature scenes with animals and I saw a beautiful limited edition print by her up for sale. I rarely ever buy pictures like this as I simply don’t have the spare cash, but the picture reminds me of myself and my love of nature and animals, and reminds me of the parts of myself I kept hidden for so long. It now hangs on my wall at home for me to see every day. I may not be openly autistic (yet) but I do want to be openly myself in other ways like being open about what brings me joy - and this painting keeps reminding me of that.
Any tips for making lots of small tasks easier for a monotrophic mind? Much of my work consists of long term projects which need a little bit of attention periodically, often in the form of follow-up emails. I currently alternate between replying to what's come in and reviewing my calendar to check what's coming up, but there's very little job satisfaction. Turning off email notifications and dealing with them all at once isn't enough. What else could I try? #AskingAutistics@actuallyautistic
Neither was created to "avoid" posts from non-autists, because it's just a slogan calling out people speaking for us without being one of us. The hashtag and group are just trends we've gathered around that are good places to reach our community, either as a member or as someone who's looking to ask actual autistics for input.
Trying to run off @LALegault for asking a genuine and serious question, one in which acknowledges us for who we are (often hyper-interested experts who are chomping at the bit for someone to ask us to info dump about a favorite topic) is more than assinine, it's actively fighting efforts for us to get genuine acceptance in society.
If you want to not be an ass about it just chime in with a "Hey, can you add #AskingAutistics, we're hoping to get more activity on that tag for this purpose instead of this one to separate out these kinds of questions" or "some of us don't want to see questions not directly relating to the autistic experience and that'll help us filter this out"
I have a question for AUTISTIC parents homeschooling their children.
Do you have any neurodivergent affirming ressources about PDA and homeschooling of teenagers?
It's for an autistic friend, she lives in France (I'm in Canada), she's homeschooling her 3 children for years now and she's struggling a with her 12 years old boy. Thank you.
Or, an autistic who isn't afraid and/or shy to share that they are actually autistic?
Or, an autistic person who is active in the autism acceptance “movement” (if we can call it that)?
Or, perhaps, an autistic who were interviewed and disclosed they're autistic?
Maybe you have other considerations or criteria that defines “openly autistic” for you?
NOTE: Being openly autistic is a choice and is not for everyone. I think it is safe to say that we all face discrimination, stereotyping, and prejudice for being actually autistics, thus, most choose not to be open about it.
However, recently, there has been a slow growth in numbers of openly autistics, and like with most things in life, we have different criteria, definitions, and cultural considerations.
Thus, I am curious what you think, personally or maybe your immediate environment or organisation, is an openly autistic person. Or, when do you consider one as openly autistic.
Again, this is not about if an autistic person should be openly autistic or not. ^_^
@actuallyautistic#AskingAutistics i’m a late diagnosed autistic and wondering if anyone has any advice for self disclosing to an employer?
for context, i've been at my job for 5 years, get very good reviews, and am not intending to ask for accommodation unless my work from home status changes.
my employer has a good PR game on being supportive, respectful, inclusive, etc. but my immediate sphere is at times very toxic.
hoping self disclosure may give me some legal class protection.
Can anyone link me to a study or a chart something to prove to some paper pushers in my life that the average life expectancy for autistic people is at a set age?
I'm 46 now and I believe I am past the average life expectancy, and some paper pushers asking me to 'prove' my need for assistance, from a doctor, renewed annually... which'll cast off several years of my life in stressful experiences to upkeep.
@academicchatter#AskingAutistics why is it that neurotypical people think they can talk to us in as hostile a fashion as they want, but the second we respond in kind, we're out of line?
i just had a co-worker email me using language/tone that if i had done the same to them, i’d be getting told i was being unprofessional.
#AskingAutistics
For context this is from a discussion I was having and I couldn't come up with an answer.
If you were say, trying to get into the dating game or wanted to meet new friends.
would you disclose before hand or early on that you were autistic? (I count Self-DX but I do realize that could change the conversation)
Like I do realize allistic people can (Subconsciously) be jerks to autistic people if they perceive a difference, and I'm wondering if that would be worse if they outright KNEW you were autistic.
Please give me some input this question is eating me up inside lol
While I sincerely value how my #neurodivergent brain so deeply & fully engages with anything I encounter...
...sometimes I REALLY envy the ability to engage with many things simultaneously on a surface level
(Like, for example, be able to stay semi-active on Mastodon while writing a research-intensive article instead of having to ghost out entirely in order to focus 🙃)
@actuallyautistic A common convo in autistic spaces is what fictional characters are #ActuallyAutistic and are they good rep? I was just reminded of Charles, played by Steve Martin, in #OnlyMurdersInTheBuilding