Autistic and Living the Dream

Category: Neuro-anarchy

  • Intersections of Sociology with Crip Theory and Critical Disability Studies and Mad Studies Symposium

    Intersections of Sociology with Crip Theory and Critical Disability Studies and Mad Studies Symposium

    On June 11, 2025, the University of Southampton will host a hybrid symposium for PGR and PhD scholars interested in Sociology, Crip Theory, Critical Disability Studies, and Mad Studies. Featuring keynote speakers and panel discussions, the event will include live BSL interpretation and provide lunch for in-person attendees. Registration is required.

  • OCD Family Podcast: Insights from Katie Munday

    OCD Family Podcast: Insights from Katie Munday

    This is the transcript from the recent OCD Fam podcast. You can listen via podcast here and via YouTube here. Summary The OCD Fam podcast featured a conversation between me and Nicole. I shared updates on my busy life and advocacy work. I discussed the importance of joy in healthcare interactions and the challenges of…

  • The Search for a Unifying Term in Autism

    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.

  • The Impact of ‘Neurospicy’ on Neurodivergent Communities

    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.

  • Lateral ableism in the Autistic community

    Lateral ableism in the Autistic community

    When I got my formal diagnosis (see my diagnosis story) I could not wait to tell the members of the Autistic groups I was in on Facebook. I made a joke about leveling up because I got a ‘level one’ diagnosis. Some people received that well, there were even a few laughing reacts, but there…

  • Definitions for Autistic Shielding and Neuro-Anarchy

    Definitions for Autistic Shielding and Neuro-Anarchy

    I created the terms Autistic shielding and neuro-anarchy and use both fairly regularly. These terms mean a lot to me, as a way to explain how I understand my own embodiment and how I see myself within Autistic communities and wider society. In true Katie style I am finally (about two years later!) defining these…

  • Hyper-organised or ADHD?

    Hyper-organised or ADHD?

    I always thought “there’s no way that I’m ADHD – I’m too organised!” I turn up on time for everything, actually I turn up early for everything (well I did the first 30 years of my life before having my son!). I’ve got everything written down. I’ve got lists about lists, post-its and planners. At…

  • Counterculture: Autistic shielding and neuro-anarchy

    Counterculture: Autistic shielding and neuro-anarchy

    “There are several aspects to neuro-anarchy and several ways it can be engaged with consciously and unconsciously, it is a big part of Autistic shielding, especially the conscious choice to engage in counterculture and culture which sits on the outskirts of counterculture itself.”

  • The difference between Autistic masking and Autistic shielding

    The difference between Autistic masking and Autistic shielding

    “Autistic shielding appreciates that there is no such thing as invisible differences or disabilities – simply that people do not care enough to educate themselves and really see other people. Shielding is projecting the most intense, strange and wonderful things about yourself – waving our freak flags high for all to see. ”

  • What is Autistic shielding?

    What is Autistic shielding?

    Autistic shielding is leaning into your neurological differences and behaviours. It is embracing neuro-anarchy: being who you are, doing what you do and bollocks if others don’t like it. Shielding for me is being aggressively Autistic and Attention Hyperactive and doing my OCD rituals and behaviours with no shame. Shielding is liberation; protecting myself by…