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The Search for a Unifying Term in Autism
The quest for an inclusive term for the Autistic community is daunting due to its diverse experiences and identities. Terms like “neurodivergent” and “Autism Spectrum Disorder” resonate differently among individuals. Racial dynamics complicate this further, highlighting that while language should respect autonomy, it often reflects societal hierarchies influenced by racism and ableism.
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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.
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Neurodivergent or neurodiverse? Why getting it right really matters
It might seem nit-picky when people talk about the importance of using ‘Neurodivergent’ and ‘Neurodiverse’ correctly. However, there is a social and political reason why it is important for us to get the distinction between these two words correct, especially for academics and neurodivergent (ND) organisations. Neurodiversity – includes everyone, including neurotypical / neuromajoritives. Neurodivergence…
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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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Handling ‘the truth’
“Some people can’t handle the truth… this is just scientific FACT” I see this online all the time. It centres the person who is talking and is problematic for other reasons besides: Fundamentally, statements like these don’t factor who gets to decide what is fact and what is fiction. They’re not based in fact or…
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Things to think about before getting involved in autism research
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Abnormality: The new normal?
‘Abnormal behaviour’ is socially constructed through culture- and context-embedded concepts of normativity; the extent to which behaviour is considered abnormal is often dependent on the perception and capacity of others (Emerson & Einfeld, 2011). The perceived characteristics of the individual may also define the extent to which their behaviour is considered abnormal. For example, differences…
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When living authentically isn’t safe: Autistic, trans and OCD
This is the transcript from my OCD Family Podcast: When living authentically isn’t safe. Listen to S1E30 Part IV here. Nicole: Whoa, welcome back to the OCD family podcast and I am just so excited to introduce our guest today Katie Munday, they are late diagnosed autistic person with OCD and ADHD. You can catch…
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Support needs are human needs
The use of special and additional needs when taking about Disabled people puts the burden of support on us. Special is not only infantalising, it also softens some serious support needs that so many of us have. Epilepsy medication and procedures are not special, they are life saving. So are many other of the medications…
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Stories from across the “double rainbow”: trans and non-binary Autistic narratives [plain language summary]
![Stories from across the “double rainbow”: trans and non-binary Autistic narratives [plain language summary]](https://autisticltd.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/326971808_911532346534071_2847542650747188154_n.jpg)
In my research I spoke to 13 trans and / or non-binary Autistic people (people said to live under the double rainbow of neurodivergence and queerness). I wanted to know about their lives, what they thought about representation and their recommendations for double rainbow research. It was important for me to do this work as…