Introduction Post for New Followers

Introduction from me: I am Charlie, my pronouns are she/her or they/them. I am bisexual, pansexual, and gender non-conforming. I am also multiple neurodivergent (autistic, ADHD, complex PTSD). I have been a social media neurodiversity advocate since my autism epiphany in 2018, under the name ‘Ausome Charlie’ with an ‘Au’ for ‘Autistic’ in addition toContinue reading “Introduction Post for New Followers”

Reflections on WSPD2024

As many of my friends and followers here will be aware, the time around 8th to 10th September is hard for me. 8th September is Iggy’s birthday. He would have been 21 this year, but he will forever be 15. 10th September is World Suicide Prevention Day, which I find hard, because Iggy’s death, likeContinue reading “Reflections on WSPD2024”

Autistic Identity

When I discovered that I was autistic in 2018, aged 42, I set up the Twitter account @AusomeCharlie and there I found a thriving mutually-supportive community among the hashtags #ActuallyAutistic and #Neurodiversity. After feeling like an outsider and broken, for so many years, the labels #Autistic and #Neurodivergent helped me to accept myself, and learnContinue reading “Autistic Identity”

Grief Awareness Day

Grief Awareness Day, 30 August 2024. My experience of grief is atypical. Yes, I know the grief curve is only indicative, and it’s not a smooth line for anybody, but… For neurodivergent people, especially those with Alexithymia and Complex PTSD, it can be unrecognisable and baffling. People wonder: – How can I talk about suchContinue reading “Grief Awareness Day”

Autism and Correlating Physical Health Conditions

Have you heard of Dupuytrens Disease or Contracture? https://dupuytrens-society.org.uk/information/dupuytrens-disease/ Dupuytrens is more common in type 1 diabetics, and type 1 diabetes is far more common in autistic people. If you have type 1 diabetes, it is more likely you are autistic. We autistic people seem to me more likely to go around oblivious that thereContinue reading “Autism and Correlating Physical Health Conditions”

Final Thoughts for Disability Pride Month

Some final thoughts for Disability Pride Month. I am neurodivergent, and I am also disabled. Not every neurodivergent person identifies as disabled, but I do. I am able in many ways. That does not mean I have ‘super powers’; it means I have a ‘spiky profile’. I have learned to lean into my strengths andContinue reading “Final Thoughts for Disability Pride Month”

Is self-identification of neuro-differences valid?

After my autism epiphany in 2018, I set up the Twitter account AusomeCharlie and discovered a plethora of relatable tweets bearing the hashtags #ActuallyAutistic and #Neurodiversity. This online community of (mostly) mutually supportive people on my wavelength helped me to realise I was not alone in my struggles. Reading about the ‘Neurodiversity Paradigm’ helped meContinue reading “Is self-identification of neuro-differences valid?”

‘Double Rainbow’ webinar for Sunshine Support

On Thursday 15 August, from 8pm to 10pm UK time, I will be teaming up with Ollie Roscoe to deliver a webinar for Sunshine Support sharing our lived experience insights and practical tips about understanding and supporting young people who are both neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ and answering your questions. To attend, please register via EventBriteContinue reading “‘Double Rainbow’ webinar for Sunshine Support”

Introduction for my newer followers

I seem to have quite a lot of recent followers, and it is lovely to meet you all 🙂 Here is an introduction: I am Charlie Hart, also known as ‘Ausome Charlie’ which has been my social media handle since I first realised I was autistic in Summer 2018. That September, I was diagnosed autisticContinue reading “Introduction for my newer followers”