On neurodiversity (the uniqueness of all human brains) and intersectionality: We are each an individual product of our neurology and physiology and our life experiences. No human fits any neat pigeonholes, so let’s treat all individuals humanely, whatever their characteristics. Why not offer “reasonable adjustments” to all individuals, so they can all thrive at work. Continue reading “Neurodiversity and intersectionality”
Category Archives: Autism
Alexithymia
Alexithymia: Difficulty experiencing, identifying, describing our feelings. This is common with autism and ADHD. My emotions can be buried deep under the surface, then bubble up suddenly, engulfing me. I can feel nothing, and compartmentalise my feelings. I lock them up in a box, and do whatever I can to feel something. Often for me,Continue reading “Alexithymia”
What I enjoy doing outside work
I enjoy singing guest vocals in my husband’s band from time to time. I play acoustic guitar and sing. I am a keen run leader (England Athletics-qualified Leader in Running Fitness) and I teach people to run (Couch to 5K) and help them keep running regularly, in my village social running group Alvechurch Running Buddies.Continue reading “What I enjoy doing outside work”
Autistic burnout at work
I can get easily overwhelmed, eventually tipping into autistic burn out – especially when I have to work on two different projects at the same time, with conflicting priorities, too many instructions communicated verbally, and long project meetings in which I am self-conscious of my meeting behaviours, which is draining. Autistic burnout manifests exactly likeContinue reading “Autistic burnout at work”
How my neurotype affects me at work
I have what you call a spiky profile, which means instead of being competent at everything I am highly skilled in some areas of work and challenged in other areas. Autism and ADHD (AuDHD) are “dynamic” disabilities for me, so some days I am on very good form (hyper-productive, in a “flow state”) and otherContinue reading “How my neurotype affects me at work”
My neurotype and diagnoses
I was diagnosed on the NHS with Asperger’s Syndrome in 2018, aged 42. I reject the wording of this diagnosis, and I just call it autism. I am autistic. I also have ADHD, self-identified in 2021. My GP referred me for ADHD diagnosis in 2022 through Psychiatry UK via NHS “right to choose”, and IContinue reading “My neurotype and diagnoses”
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”
Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week is upon us. Personally, I handle this by self-advocating away any toxic positivity. I don’t plaster on a fake smile like this one. Instead, I tell people how I really am. If they don’t care, why ask? We need to tackle the causes of mental health challenges, not jolly our mentalContinue reading “Mental Health Awareness Week”
Unregulated neurodiversity bandit
I am one of those unregulated neurodiversity advocates, neurotic to the bones no doubt about it. You have been warned! Only follow me if you are interested in my lived experience of:– Autism, ADHD and C-PTSD– The double rainbow intersection of both the AuDHD and LGBTQIA+ spectrums– Surviving bullying and discrimination in education and work–Continue reading “Unregulated neurodiversity bandit”
Autism month brain dump
Questions from Carol Jean Whittington for her Mind Your Autistic Brain website. Question 1 – What does accessibility mean to you? Reducing or eliminating barriers to inclusion or success, which requires conscious inclusion. Question 2 – What is your big “why” for advocating for autism inclusion in the workplace? Workplace inclusion is my niche becauseContinue reading “Autism month brain dump”
Ausome Charlie 