-
The Impact of Neurodivergence on Music Creation
Jay Munday is an ADHD musician who began guitar at 11, influenced by private lessons and college. Overcoming perfectionism, he creates music inspired by life experiences and relationships. After a mental health break, he emphasizes the importance of enjoyment in music and collaboration within a supportive community of independent artists.
-
Rejecting Academic Norms: Trans and Autistic Voices Matter
-
Challenging Illusions of Inclusivity in Workspaces
Through my deepening journey with social justice I feel I am finally opening my eyes. With this new found clarity I am no longer able to be in spaces where people don’t champion and validate diversity and prioritise the psychological safety of all within their space. This includes the psychological safety of Global Majority people,…
-
Closing Spectrum 10K: A Victory for Autistic Advocacy
Today the Autism Research Centre have published the Spectrum 10K consultation and what they plan to do next. During their consultation period they heard from over 500 Autistic people and parents/carers of Autistic children.The gap between the consultation finishing and their making the consultation public has been a long one (read Unpaused and Still Unethical).…
-
Navigating Identity: The Importance of Autistic Shielding
Authenticity is complex as social behaviors are influenced by cultural contexts. Marginalized individuals often adapt their behaviors for safety, employing strategies like code-switching or Autistic Masking. Autistic Shielding, a more genuine expression of identity, fosters connection within marginalized communities, allowing individuals to embrace their true selves in safer environments.
-
I Didn’t See You There: Poetry book review
Usually, I start a book review with an introduction to the writer, however, this poetry collection is written under a pen name. Charlotte Gale decided to use a pseudonym so that she could write without restriction and protect her family. I Didn’t See You There is a poetry collection narrating Gale’s experience as an unrealised…
-
The Impact of ‘Neurospicy’ on Neurodivergent Communities
The term “neurospicy” describes neurodivergent individuals but risks undermining the experiences of disabled individuals due to its euphemistic nature. Originating in the early 2020s to challenge medical labels, it contains racial-sexist connotations that can perpetuate harmful stereotypes. In contrast, “neurodivergent” is preferred for its inclusivity and empowerment.
-
Me and white silence
The author reflects on the themes from “Me and White Supremacy” and “The Good Ally,” highlighting the importance of breaking white silence around racism, particularly in Autistic communities. They stress that ignoring racial issues marginalizes Autistic people of color and encourage white individuals to engage in anti-racism initiatives. Social justice requires immediate action rather than…
-
Debunking the “COVID-19 Autism Risk”
Neilson’s work continues to add to growing information about how COVID-19 continues to harm pregnant people and their unborn babies. Unfortunately, this journalist decided to use a skewed version of this work to undermine Autistic people and pregnancy care researchers. The misogyny and ableism are mixed into a fine slurry in this article.
-
2024 in Review: Advocacy Work and Community Connections
2024 was another very busy year for me and a very turbulent time for many of us worldwide. In the UK political violence towards transgender people, disabled people and other marginalised groups has continued to grow. The ban on puberty blockers for all transgender young people is the most recent attempt to bring us down.…