Autistic and Living the Dream

Category: Social Justice

  • 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…

  • What does the DSM say about autism?

    What does the DSM say about autism?

    CW: ableist terms and language, mention of mental health. 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…

  • 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…

  • The pain and the anguish of being an Autistic autism researcher

    The pain and the anguish of being an Autistic autism researcher

    Reading through autism research as an Autistic student or researcher can be emotional and traumatic, especially when so many of us are encouraged to use research that doesn’t align with our lived experiences. Using the American Psychological Association’s framing of autistic embodiment, in particular, does not fit with how I know Autistic experience to be.…

  • Pushing the boulder up the hill: How Autistic advocates and academics are changing ‘autism’ research

    Pushing the boulder up the hill: How Autistic advocates and academics are changing ‘autism’ research

    Academia is being dragged up by autistic people not just within academia but also within social media. There are a growing number of Autistic led organisations which are involved in policy and educating Autistic and non-Autistic people, including Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), NeuroClastic and Aucademy. Blog  and article writing, activism and advocacy is just…

  • A short Q&A for Autism Acceptance Month

    A short Q&A for Autism Acceptance Month

    I was asked these questions as part of a bigger project and thought I would share here too. How has being diagnosed as autistic impacted on your life? Being formally diagnosed has allowed me to understand myself and to put into place things which help me. It has given me the validation and permission I…

  • Knocking over the gaslight

    Knocking over the gaslight

    Autistic people are constantly being gaslit by others, we are constantly being told what we think or feel is incorrect: “It’s not too loud” “It doesn’t hurt” “Don’t be so sensitive” Or we are made to feel like a burden when we no longer can eat our safe foods or same routines. From a young…

  • My thoughts on Christine McGuinness: Unmasking My Autism

    My thoughts on Christine McGuinness: Unmasking My Autism

    Content warning: eating disorder, mental health, sexual abuse, rape, self harm, suicide ideation, institutionalisation and ableism. Christine McGuinness shares an intimate look at her journey to Autistic realisation and the wider implications for Autistic women and girls who are going under the radar. She said she: “was really nervous about doing a documentary that was…

  • When living authentically isn’t safe: Autistic, trans and OCD

    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…