-
Breaking Free from ‘Shoulds’: Overcoming Fatigue Guilt
The author struggles with severe fatigue, affecting daily life and prompting medical consultations. Despite normal test results and suggestions to adjust mental health medication, the lack of quality sleep worsens irritability and sensory sensitivities. They reflect on societal pressures around productivity and advocate for self-acceptance and pacing in managing their health.
-
Trans+ Creative Workshops: Reflections and Poems
-
Belonging and Unbelonging: Insights for Autistic Trans Individuals
This study investigates the experiences of 13 autistic transgender/gender diverse adults regarding belonging and unbelonging in various aspects of life. It highlights challenges in workplaces, healthcare, and community spaces, revealing the importance of chosen families and supportive environments. The findings emphasise the need for better understanding and systemic changes to enhance belonging.
-
Zine Promotes Allyship for Trans+ Health
The Trans Aware Cancer Care community researchers have produced a zine, “A Guide for Allies to Improve Trans+ Access to Healthcare,” highlighting systemic barriers faced by trans+ individuals when accessing cancer services. It includes personal stories and art to promote allyship, emphasising the need for supportive healthcare professionals to ensure inclusive, affirming care.
-
Embracing Flexibility in Time Management
The author reflects on their lifelong struggle with time management, stemming from an Autistic perspective. They discuss the pressures of punctuality instilled during childhood, resulting in anxiety and avoidance of situations where they might be late. Embracing their identity has led to a more relaxed approach to time, prioritising personal well-being over societal expectations.
-
Accessible Cancer Care: Lessons from Autistic Communities
Rosie Tansley and Katie Munday shared insights from their talk at Manchester Metropolitan University about improving cancer services for autistic individuals. The presentation highlighted community-based projects addressing accessibility, patient experiences, and necessary changes in care. Free tickets are available for the hybrid event on March 11th.
-
Mattel Launches First Autistic Barbie Doll
On January 11th, Mattel launched the first Autistic Barbie doll, designed in collaboration with the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network. Featuring unique articulation and accessories for autistic representation, the doll aims to celebrate diversity. While it has received positive feedback, some concerns regarding stereotypes and representation have also emerged.
-
Understanding Belonging: A Summary of Recent Trans Autistic Research
The study examines the experiences of transgender and gender diverse autistic adults regarding belonging and exclusion across three levels: macro (workplaces), meso (healthcare, education), and micro (personal relationships). It highlights the complexity of their experiences influenced by systemic ableism and transphobia, advocating for structural changes to enhance inclusivity and supportive environments.
-
Breaking Down Single-Issue Advocacy in Autism
The author reflects on their autistic experience, acknowledging a narrow viewpoint shaped by privilege and a lack of humility. They discuss past mistakes in advocacy, emphasising the need for inclusivity and understanding within the autistic community. Recognising the interconnectedness of various oppressions, they advocate for embracing diverse experiences and identities among autistic people.
-
Enhancing Accessibility in Substance Use Services for Autistic Clients
This report examines the accessibility of substance use services in Portsmouth for autistic individuals, emphasising the need for tailored environments and continual staff learning. It highlights systemic barriers, advocating for ongoing neurodiversity training and the adoption of the SPACE framework. The findings show accessible care is achievable through collaboration with autistic communities.