Yes, writing is well under way for my semi-autobiographical comedy novel about my early adulthood as an oblivious undiagnosed autistic young woman, blundering through life. Originally titled ‘Alice in Blunderland’, but that title has been used before and also I am a huge fan of the Bradford-based band Terrorvision, whose song ‘Alice, What’s the Matter’Continue reading “Alice, What’s the Matter?”
Category Archives: Autism
My ADHD assessment is today… yikes!
This morning I have my assessment for ADHD, with Psychiatry UK, and I expect to be diagnosed with ADHD, although my imposter syndrome is worried I’m wrong. If I’m wrong, I may have to publicly eat my words, as I have been describing myself as ‘AuDHD’ for several months. A ‘queer AuDHDer’ in fact, asContinue reading “My ADHD assessment is today… yikes!”
Neurodivergent self-labelling and identity
Neurodivergent self-labelling and identity: The Power and the Paradox An informal discussion between Charlie Hart and Georgina Shute, exploring the complexities of neurodivergent self-identifying and labels, delving into the validity and impact of self-diagnosis. Gina: Neurodivergent self-labelling and identity can be both powerful and paradoxical (something with two meanings that don’t make sense together). MyContinue reading “Neurodivergent self-labelling and identity”
Order and chaos in our AuDHD household
You might recall, I shared a couple of extracts from my school reports for ADHD Awareness Month. Some of you may be surprised I still have them, that they were not lost years ago. I found my school reports quite by chance, in the bottom of an old carrier bag full of jumbled up photos,Continue reading “Order and chaos in our AuDHD household”
Exclusion from University
I have been watching TEDx talks on YouTube recently, especially from other neurodiversity advocates in the UK. My most shout-out-loud relatable moment yet was from Alex Partridge. Like Alex, I also experienced my parents turning up unexpectedly at my student accommodation bearing a recorded delivery letter confirming I had been excluded from university. For me,Continue reading “Exclusion from University”
Neurodiversity inclusion tips
We all have unique strengths and challenges, so understanding these is key because everyone has specific accessibility and support needs. Autism, for example, is a spectrum condition, which means that it affects people in different ways. It is unhelpful to stereotype people based on their neurological condition, so please do not make assumptions about whatContinue reading “Neurodiversity inclusion tips”
Human not Waxwork
Make-up free Monday, no filter. Have you ever wondered why I’m such a fan of TikTok filters and FaceApp etc? Well, I am not good at applying make-up, and I never have been, and don’t always have the spoons. I am also somewhat self-conscious about the scars around my left eye and eyebrow, from gettingContinue reading “Human not Waxwork”
Definitions
Understanding what is meant by ‘neurodiversity’ and ‘neurodivergent’ and some of the associated terminology. ‘Neurodiversity’ short for ‘neurological diversity’ is a portmanteau word coined in the 1990s. The concept ‘neurodiversity’ acknowledges that each human brain is wired uniquely; an incontrovertible biological fact. ‘Neurodivergent’ is an adjective to describe an individual, or a group of people,Continue reading “Definitions”
5 Years of Ausome Charlie Transcript Extract
Extract from my nostalgic monologue at the start of the 5 Years of Ausome Charlie online event with David Gray-Hammond, Katie Munday and Quinn Dexter on 8 June 2023 (see YouTube link at the bottom). “I have been flicked through the old tweets on my Ausome Charlie Twitter. I had been on Twitter longer, butContinue reading “5 Years of Ausome Charlie Transcript Extract”
Neurodivergent school kids with interoception and proprioception issues
Neurodivergent school kids with interoception and proprioception issues. I received this message this morning, from my friend Angela Loynd, of Umbrella Alliance: ‘I heard yet another story today about a young autistic girl refused a toilet break during class time at school, who then ended up wetting her pants as a result. I’m so sickContinue reading “Neurodivergent school kids with interoception and proprioception issues”
Ausome Charlie 