#autismactually

Working and studying part-time, and dedicated self-care days are a couple of ways I have honoured my needs as a Neurodivergent person. This has been a profound part of my journey towards self-acceptance, positive Autistic identity, and greater wellbeing. 🦄🌈🧠♾💛

#AskingAutistics: What does self-care look like for you?

[Image: Two hands are cupping a ball of energy.]

Our latest meme reflects on how active listening can present differently in autistic and neurodivergent individuals, and why the traditional views surrounding active listening such as maintaining eye contact and keeping still often do not apply in the same way. 🦄🌈🧠♾💛

I often need to stim, and move in order to concentrate. If I am trying to take notes I frequently need to stop talking until I have completed typing or writing.

[Text: Autism Actually. The way I actively listen probably looks very different to the way neurotypical individuals actively listen. Instead of looking towards the person, I need to look away in order to process auditory information. I may draw in order to concentrate. It's time to rethink active listening with neurodivergent individuals. Shadia Hancock. Copyright Autism Actually, 2021]

Today’s meme emphasises the importance of viewing Autism in a neurodiversity-affirming way, and moving beyond deficits-based and pathologising perspectives. 🦄🌈🧠💛♾

[Text: Deeming us as "naughty", "rude", "manipulative", and "attention-seeking" dismisses our emotional states and our possible intentions. Taking a deficit-based perspective when working with autistic and neurodivergent individuals not only prevents understanding, but has a detrimental effect on us as human beings. Our self-perception and emotions can be affected by others' attitudes towards us. Shadia Hancock, Autism Actually. Copyright Autism Actually, 2021]

Our team at Autism Actually wish our trans and gender diverse community members a very happy Trans Day of Visibility. We join in the celebration of trans pride, awareness, and achievements. We also recognise that many Autistic and Neurodivergent individuals in our community are trans and gender diverse, and this intersectionality comes with its own set of experiences and perspectives. 🦄🌈♾🧠🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

You can find out more about this event by visiting the TDOV website: https://tdov.org.au/

#AskingAutistics: For our trans and gender diverse community members, what is one thing you would like others to know about being autistic and queer?

[Text description: It is the most empowering feeling to be a proud autistic, queer person, and discover your authentic self. happy trans day of visibility. #beseen #TDOV Copyright Autism Actually, 2021.]

Whilst there are challenging aspects of taking care of an animal, in many ways having Freya has enhanced my life and motivated me to focus on self-care. As she relies on me to feed her, brush her, and take her out for walks, it is no longer an option for me not to engage in such tasks. When once I found it difficult going for walks and getting out of the house, with Freya's company this is starting to become an enjoyable experience. 🦄🌈🧡🧠♾🐕‍🦺🐾

#AskingAutistics: How do you feel taking care of an animal?

[Text: Being the guardian of an animal is a humbling experience. It has motivated me not only to provide my animal with care and love, but also learn how to look after myself better. Shadia Hancock. Copyright Autism Actually, 2021]

I find sometimes well meaning people ask me why I don't "get out more" or engage more socially. I have realised that this may be due to the fact that others may find these activities rewarding and help regulate themselves when feeling down or burnt out. I am in fact the opposite; when I am experiencing burn out, I need to switch off, reconnect to nature, and engage in solitary activities such as drawing, walking, and playing the piano to regulate my energy. 🦄🌈🧠♾🤗⚡️⏸🔋

#AskingAutistics: Are there certain things you find energy replenishing or energy depleting that others may not?

[Text: I have discovered that activities that I often find energy depleting, others find energy replenishing. For example, when I am experiencing burnout the last thing I want to do is go out socialising, whereas some of my non-autistic friends find this calming. Shadia Hancock. Copyright Autism Actually, 2021]