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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…
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Book review: A Guide to Autism and Psychosis by David Gray-Hammond
I have had the pleasure to be one of the first readers of David Gray-Hammond‘s newest book A Guide to Autism and Psychosis: Personal and Professional Insights From A Psychotic Mind. His previous books are informative, deep and personal. They read like a love letter to the Autistic community and a protest placard to improve…
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Open Letter Against Puberty Blocker Ban
The team at AIM for the Rainbow have written an open letter airing our concerns about the puberty blocker ban. The open letter at a glance: The Autistic community widely and with great indignation condemns the recent ban on puberty blockers for transgender youth and demands its immediate reversal. We call on the government to…
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Taking Autistic researchers seriously
The author’s experience as a neurodivergent research assistant at a UK university highlights challenges in navigating administrative processes exacerbated by Covid-19. Despite their qualifications, they faced bureaucratic obstacles that led to frustration and workplace insecurity. This experience reinforced the importance of support and understanding for neurodivergent individuals in collaborative environments.
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Resilience is a burden
The author explores the complex journey of healing from a traumatic past, emphasizing that happiness doesn’t require an absence of hardship. They highlight the struggle to release anger and the burden of resilience, asserting that survivors are more than their experiences. Ultimately, they stress personal agency in choosing which memories to confront.
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The jewellery I never get to wear
This post delves into the challenges faced by a chronically ill, anxious Autistic individual in attending social events, due to physical and mental considerations. The author highlights the complexities of preparing for outings, the impact on relationships, and the need for understanding from others. Despite missed opportunities, the individual prioritizes self-care and hopes for future…
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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 Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria?
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) causes intense emotional distress from perceived rejection or failure, possibly linked to neurodivergence. This may lead to interpreting ambiguous interactions as rejection, anxiety before rejection, and intense emotional responses. RSD may result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Symptoms include self-consciousness, depression, low self-esteem, and people-pleasing.
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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…