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Neurodivergent and queer-affirming spaces and practice
As discussed in David’s Divergent Discussions: Queer- and Neuro- Affirming Spaces and Practice creating safer spaces for those who are both queer and neurodivergent is both simple and complex. The things which benefit us will also benefit many others. Yet our very existence means some people we share spaces with must reflect on their own…
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What is Applied Behavioural Analysis?
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is a science that seeks to change behaviour of people from many marginalised groups including LGBTQIA+ people and Autistic people. In this article I focus on what ABA means for Autistic people, although many of these issues will overlap. Conditioning behaviour ABA uses operant conditioning, where behaviour is either punished or rewarded depending…
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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 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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Allies and safe spaces
Allyship is an ongoing commitment toward understanding and supporting those with different identities and experiences. Performative actions are not enough; true allyship requires genuine effort and involvement. Organizations often claim to support marginalized groups without truly understanding their experiences. Creating truly safe and inclusive spaces requires genuine effort and a willingness to actively fight for…
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The importance of Autistic-led training and research
The struggle for Autistic trainers is common as non-Autistic individuals often take precedence. Organizations claim to support #AutismAwareness but refuse to pay Autistic individuals for their expertise. Even those who include Autistic co-creators may overlook their lived experience. The focus must shift to including Autistic individuals in leadership and fairly compensating them.
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Interview with TransActual for Autism Acceptance Month
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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…