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Double Empathy and misgendering
Autistic people must often meet others more than halfway in conversations and social expectations. Social interactions are often dotted with unanswered questions, unknowable facial expressions and nonsensical terminology which we are expected to translate, understand and appropriately respond to within seconds. When things are misinterpreted it is usually seen as the Autistic person’s fault, as…
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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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Autistic Burnout: What is it, and why does it happen?
Autistic burnout is a heightened state of stress, affecting energy, emotions, and sensory management. It’s often triggered by social and work-related factors, leading to emotional dysregulation, sensory overload, and brain fog. This can result in a sense of isolation, frustration, and an overwhelming feeling of responsibilities without the energy to address them.
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The ARC is at it again
CW: suicide, ableism, Simon Baron-Cohen Another study suggested by Cambridge’s Autism Research Centre (ARC) has been paused. The new study by Professor Simon Baron-Cohen planned to read and pick apart the diaries of CSL*, a young Autistic girl who killed herself. The intention was that researchers could use her diaries to improve their understanding of…
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No road map for trauma recovery
Trauma recovery is heavy but for me it has become lighter over time. Every day I feel lighter, a bit more myself, closer to actualisation. Then the doom comes. There’s not always a trigger, or a warning. There isn’t necessarily a road map from ‘good’ to ‘bad.’ It just comes. The anger. The sadness. The…
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“I’m a little OCD” and other nonsense
Content warning: Intrusive thoughts, mention of HIV / AIDS, Sexual assault, death. I have often heard people say “I’m a little OCD” as in they like to keep things tidy, and that it bothers them if items aren’t where they’re supposed to be. It’s one of those microaggressions people don’t realise is harmful. It seriously…
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It’s not ok to not be ok
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I won’t be unbiased in the face of violence
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Mental health crisis: Reaching out and checking in
Content warning: mental health struggles, mention of incarceration, death and estrangement. It is consistently suggested that people who are in mental health crisis need to ‘reach out’ for support. This is problematic as the onus of support and help is put on the person who is struggling, this individual must be able to have the…
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Learning to regulate my emotions
