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What comes under the “Neurodivergent” umbrella?
In short, probably more than most of us think! Kassiane Asasumasu, coined the term neurodivergent in the late 1990s / early 2000s, stating that the term included those “Whose neurocognitive functioning diverges from dominant societal norms in multiple ways” and should therefore not be used to exclude people but to include them. In more recent…
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What is Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria?
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) causes intense emotional distress from perceived rejection or failure, possibly linked to neurodivergence. This may lead to interpreting ambiguous interactions as rejection, anxiety before rejection, and intense emotional responses. RSD may result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Symptoms include self-consciousness, depression, low self-esteem, and people-pleasing.
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Coaching wheelchair basketball as an “able-bodied” person
I have coached wheelchair basketball for over eight years, I do this alongside another fantastic coach and some truly dedicated volunteers. Our players have different backgrounds, abilities and disabilities, ages and gender. It is one of my favourite parts of my working week and I don’t talk about if often enough. I wonder what puts…
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Helping our younger selves
The author shares the challenges of being a neurodivergent person who wants to support others like them. They express frustration at not being taken seriously in conversations about neurodivergent children, and highlight the harmful impact of society’s attitudes. They emphasize the need for genuine understanding and support for neurodivergent individuals and their families.
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OCD: Shame and affirmation
The need for OCD-affirming spaces is highlighted, emphasizing the validity of identities and experiences. The author shares their challenges with OCD treatment options, including problematic experiences with CBT and the complexities of medication. Online OCD spaces often fail to provide meaningful support, and misconceptions about OCD perpetuate shame and ableism. The urgent call for creating…
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Trans Aware Cancer Care: My reflections on the first workshop
The first session of Trans Aware Cancer Care happened last weekend at the Seacity Museum in Southampton, and it was brilliant! We spoke to 10 different people about their experiences of cancer services, and their experiences in life generally. We had some tears, and a lot of love and laughter too. TACC made some amazing…
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Trans and Autistic: Disability, neurodivergence and transness
This is the transcript from Tranvox on disability, neurodivergence and transness, which can be found here. Gillian: Hi and welcome back to the next edition of Transvox. No Jenny today but sitting in front of me is Katie Munday – so welcome! Katie: Hello, and thanks for having me again. Gillian: So, Katie tells us…
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Creating Safe Spaces book review
“Creating Safe Spaces for Autistic People” by Scott Neilson and Laura Hellfeld provides a comprehensive guide for establishing inclusive environments. The authors, along with other autistic advocates, address topics such as language use, participant support, and accessibility. Ranging from sensory tools to public transport guidance, this well-structured resource is valuable for professionals supporting autistic individuals.
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No, Joe Wicks, ADHD isn’t a dietary issue
Joe Wicks, aka The Body Coach, has recently suggested (on a BBC podcast) that the “surge” in childhood ADHD diagnoses is linked to poor diet. He shared: “Looking back now, there’s no doubt the food I was eating was directly linked to my behaviour. I was never diagnosed with ADHD, but I think nowadays it’s…
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Shedding my labels
The author reflects on their journey to understanding their neurodivergent identity and the impact of labels and diagnoses on their sense of self. They express frustration with how others perceive and react to their labels and seek connection beyond their specific identities. They acknowledge the importance of labels in some contexts but strive to move…