Autistic and Living the Dream

Category: Mental Health

  • Are Autistic people supported at University?

    Are Autistic people supported at University?

    The undue pressure to meet our own accessibility needs in education is astounding. We have to constantly rely on our own advocacy, of that of our loved ones to be taken seriously. And it doesn’t get any easier in further education. University is filled with so many difficult social interactions, overwhelming spaces, inconsistent timetables and…

  • Arguing in a room by myself

    Arguing in a room by myself

    Something I’ve been working on for a while and it’s a habit that is really hard to kick – not taking questions from others as them being antagonistic or belittling me. This is hard as it has been my experience since I was little. I have always had someone devaluing what I say, being dismissive…

  • Trans and Autistic: supporting gender diverse Autistic students

    Trans and Autistic: supporting gender diverse Autistic students

    Living at the intersection of trans and Autistic identities is a unique and insightful experience, however many of us who occupy this space have difficulty in gaining support within educational settings. Many of us find it difficult to find teaching staff who are both knowledgeable about, and affirming to, Autistic and transgender experiences. Those who…

  • Prisoner of the bodymind

    Prisoner of the bodymind

    Sharpened senses,mind wanders, skin crawls,Overwhelmed, understimulated,hyperactively stalled. Collapsed, burnt out, no sleep, joint pain,same food, medication, migraine again. Inertia, inhaler to breathe a bit,inactive, hysterical and still feel like shit. ‘lazy’, ‘crazy’, ‘stupid’, ‘mad’, just heat sensitive and seasonally sad. A jumble, a mess, a dumpster on fire.Living my truth whilst called a liar. Sharpened senses, mind wanders, skin…

  • What does the DSM say about ADHD?

    What does the DSM say about ADHD?

    The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (the DSM) is published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and is used to classify cognitive differences. It covers many different neurotypes and mental health issues including schizophrenia, bi-polar, gender dysphoria, and autism. It is used across the USA and UK and anyone who has been formerly diagnosed…

  • Under construction

    Under construction

    I haven’t written poetry since I was a teen, it used to help me when words came to me in less conventional ways. I’m excited to start with that side of writing again.

  • ADHD isn’t a mental health condition

    ADHD isn’t a mental health condition

    I’ve seen lots of misinformed people call ADHD a mental health condition. This is inaccurate and harmful for many reasons. First, ADHD is a neurotype. Just another type of bodymind. Hyperactive? Yes. Impulsive? Maybe. Disorganised? Sure. But never a ‘disorder’ as far as I’m concerned. I’m getting on reasonably well with my particular brand of…

  • The price of ‘functioning’

    The price of ‘functioning’

    To most people I would appear to be a well ‘functioning’ human being – I work, have a home, am studying a post graduate degree and I’m a parent. I appear to have my shit together but often, under the surface, this couldn’t be further from the truth. I am incredibly privileged to be able…

  • Schools Bill MP letter / email template

    Schools Bill MP letter / email template

    I have created this template for people to use in whatever way you think will be helpful, including sharing with your local MP. Don’t know your MP? Find them here. Dear _____ I have some major concerns over the proposed Schools Bill, as the bill shall: 1. Make it more difficult for home educators to…

  • The Schools Bill – making education harder for Disabled children

    The proposed Schools Bill (UK) has so many red flags! If it becomes law it will affect every parent / carers rights long term. Under the new bill, if you decide to home educate, you will need to obtain consent from the school your child is registered at. You may then get local authority staff…