Have you ever been told you’re weird? Do you identify as weird? You are invited to the third annual Weird Pride Day! Date: 4 March 2023Venue: International social media This is a day for people to embrace their weirdness, and reject the stigma associated with being weird, to publicly express pride in the things thatContinue reading “Weird Pride Day 2023”
Category Archives: Neurodiversity
Background on me
Having made it into Theo Smith’s list of Top 80 UK Neurodiversity Evangelists to follow, here is some background for my new followers. In 2018, I took my eldest child, who was 14 at the time, to see a psychiatrist about his extreme anxiety attacks. She listened and observed, then concluded that what he wasContinue reading “Background on me”
Leaders who dominate conversations
When a diverse group of individuals have a meeting, and a senior person (not openly autistic) dominates the conversation, clueless about how and why to be inclusive to introverts, who may have their own interesting backgrounds, ideas, stories to tell, but can only react politely. Don’t preach diversity and inclusion if that’s the best youContinue reading “Leaders who dominate conversations”
Neurodiversity and mental health conditions
An interesting debate from a LinkedIn group I’m in. Apparently there’s a TikTok trend from people with Cluster B personality disorders to identify as neurodivergent. Some people in the recognised neurodivergent community, with lifelong neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, are not sure how to feel about it. Here’s my personal view. Caveat –Continue reading “Neurodiversity and mental health conditions”
World Mental Health Day
My reflections for World Mental Health Day by Charlie Hart (Ausome Charlie) “It’s OK not to be OK”, so the well-meaning slogan goes. That slogan bugs my daughter Z, who suffers from moderate depression and severe anxiety. She cannot access treatment through CAMHS (apparently, she does not exhibit anxiety over and above what can beContinue reading “World Mental Health Day”
Finishing my CIPD Diploma in HRM
Conscious I have not been around much recently here, I thought it’s time for an update. At New Year of 2021, I somewhat foolishly decided that I have lots of free time due to working from home, so I resolved to update my professional qualifications (as HR has evolved in 20 years). 15 months ofContinue reading “Finishing my CIPD Diploma in HRM”
My hopes for an autism inclusive future
Autism is a common neurotype. Forget all those misleading stats – the majority go undiagnosed. I wasn’t diagnosed until my early forties, after struggling for decades. Many families with one diagnosed autistic have many more who unwittingly camouflage and fly under the radar. Yes, autism runs in the family. Don’t assume you’re neurotypical. Society mustContinue reading “My hopes for an autism inclusive future”
Autistic burnout
#AutismAcceptanceWeek Autistic burnout: Before my autism diagnosis, I didn’t understand why I kept getting depressed. I did notice a link between juggling conflicting priorities e.g. a pressurised project at work at the same time as problems at home (e.g. my eldest was a frequently unwell baby), or two big work projects at the same time.Continue reading “Autistic burnout”
Growing into my weirdness
Weird Pride Day 2022 When I was growing up, I was never average, standard, typical… and that should have been fine. But I was bothered at school by the cruel taunts of bullies, who mocked me, calling me “square”. I strived to prove them wrong, that I was not a “square”, getting myself into trouble.Continue reading “Growing into my weirdness”
My normal face, deal with it
I’m at a gig with my husband (he’s in a bunch of bands). I’m sitting or standing or dancing on my own, but I’m not a pity party, I’m fine. My evening is getting ruined by a pissed woman (presumably neurotypical) who keeps constantly coming up to me and asking me if I’m ok. SheContinue reading “My normal face, deal with it”
Ausome Charlie 