Category Archives: Neurodiversity

Neurodivergent or neurospicy?

‘Neurospicy’… This word is again a hot topic in the neurodiversity scene. Some people love it, some do not like it. And some don’t like the word ‘neurodivergent’. Here are my thoughts: ‘Neurodivergent’ is a deliberately vague and inclusive socio-political term that expresses in non-medicalised language that one’s mind works in some way differently fromContinue reading “Neurodivergent or neurospicy?”

Support Local Artists over AI Art

Rather than flooding social media with AI art, why not commission a local artist to create your images? Here, Piper Strange Arts captures one moment when I felt truly seen during my autism diagnostic appointment, and the moment I informed my employer. Yes, I texted the good news to my line manager, the HR SharedContinue reading “Support Local Artists over AI Art”

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”

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”

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?”

Client List

Clients who have previously booked Charlie as a speaker include: AECOM Technology Corporation, AGCO Corporation, Atelier Ten, Barclays Bank Plc, Brain in Hand, Clyde & Co, Colt Technology Services, Convatec Group Plc, Creased Puddle, Dods Events Diversity and Inclusion, Evolving HR, County FA, Freeths LLP, Galop, Good Shout, Heathrow Airport, Horizon Blockchain Games, Institute ofContinue reading “Client List”

‘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”