Ausome Charlie

Toxic Positivity

I’ve been hearing this phrase banded around on Twitter. Usually directed at the neurodiversity movement, or more specifically at “Pollyanna Autism advocates”, by our critics. I had a taste of toxic positivity yesterday, and now the meaning and consequences are clearer to me. I’ve been struggling with IBS worse than ever since my son IggyContinue reading “Toxic Positivity”

Iggy Rocks

“Iggy Rocks” are rocks painted in memory of Iggy, with things Iggy liked and symbols of things that mattered to him. Could be a Deadpool mask, could be a Pride flag or an autism acceptance infinity symbol. It doesn’t need to be complicated and impressive. Write “Facebook: Iggy Rocks” on the back. My Iggy RocksContinue reading “Iggy Rocks”

ABA for neurotypicals

Note: No neurotypicals were harmed in the making of this amusing anecdote. When I was 17, I had a job washing up in a pub (The Rose and Castle in Ansty). The manageress was an intimidating neurotypical. She would breeze in, look me straight in the eyeballs and ask “You alright, Charlie?”. I would alwaysContinue reading “ABA for neurotypicals”

On the spectrum

I used to be on the spectrum. Then some unqualified stranger on the Internet kindly advised me I was just unbalanced and disturbed. I fell right off

Animal magic

Being around wild animals never fails to soothe me, whatever my mood. This could just be feeding the ducks on the canal near our house or watching the squirrels try to get to the seeds in our garden bird feeders. If I see a woodpecker or a kingfisher, my spirits soar. Dudley Zoo isn’t exactlyContinue reading “Animal magic”

Ausome Charlie Rocks

I like to paint rocks. It is a visual and tactile stim for me, and helps calm me down (as I can’t just go out running every time I need to calm down, otherwise I would wear my feet out). This is surprisingly easy to do with Google images, metallic markers or acrylic paint pensContinue reading “Ausome Charlie Rocks”

Storm brewing

Does anybody else #ActuallyAutistic or #Neurodivergent feel quite unwell when there’s a storm brewing that never quite fully brews? The pressure this week has really knocked me about, got into my head and my sinuses. My dear nan used to say “ooh it’s close” (then she’d run around unplugging everything 🤣)

No outsiders in our school

Those who know me well know that I’m passionate about diversity and inclusion, and I think the only way to tackle hatred and exclusion is to bring up every child to celebrate and accept all differences in the human condition. This afternoon I had the opportunity to attend a talk at work by Andrew Moffat,Continue reading “No outsiders in our school”

Recognising ADHD in adults

Do you often experience these issues: Impulsiveness Disorganisation Problems prioritising Poor time management skills Problems getting started on a task Hyperfocus on one task, to the detriment of other tasks Excessive activity, restlessness (e.g. can’t just sit and enjoy a TV programme without checking your phone, pace up and down while talking on the phone)Continue reading “Recognising ADHD in adults”

Nothing planned

Me: “Glad I managed my 5K social run, but now I’ve nothing planned for the rest of the day” Husband: “What shall we do then?” Me: “No, you misunderstand I’ve nothing planned. It doesn’t mean I haven’t planned anything as yet. It means I’ve planned to do nothing”. Husband: “Really?!” I’m a little hyper andContinue reading “Nothing planned”