Blogs by 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 Iggy Read more

  • 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 Rocks Read more

  • 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 always Read more

  • 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 Read more

  • 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 exactly Read more

  • 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 pens Read more