#neuroqueering

Crying. Stimming. Time alone. Engaging with my special interests.

When I forget these, everything in my life suffers.

Sometimes, it's not possible to do them all. But lately, I've been forgetting everything altogether.

David Gray-Hammond interviews Dr. Nick Walker on her new book, Neuroqueer Heresies. "My hope is that the book will inspire readers to explore of the infinite realms of creative potential that lie beyond the walls of normativity."

Every so often, our community is gifted a piece of work so important that it changes the lives of those who engage with it. For me, this was the recently-published book, Neuroqueer Heresies, by Dr. Nick Walker. This book is vitally important, and I recommend that every person with an interest in Autistic people read it. I was honoured to have the privilege of interviewing Dr. Walker about her…

Based on imoga--pride's neurodivergent queer pride flag

A description for and background of "neuroqueer"

I have to remember, I may not be autistically burnt out any more, but I am still autistic!

Change fucks me up.

Changes to my routine, or to plans, is incredibly disregulating.

It sucks.

I've not exactly forgotten I'm autistic lately, but I have forgotten to look after myself as an autistic person. Forgetting my needs.

And it shows. Been having meltdowns a lot, been back on reddit doomscrolling, losing interest in anything that usually brings me joy. Depression? Burnout? Both? Both is good lousy.

Got to get back into some nourishing autistic habits....routine, compensating for disruption, safe foods, engaging with special interests again.

Hiya, I'm Rachel.

I'm 44, Scottish, queerly married. I'm also...

A massive nerdlinger - books, TV, films*

Witch, Punk, Stoner

Autistic (diagnosed at 36)

Neuroqueering advocate

Sweary, Scottish, probably perimenopausal

Slavering leftie

Science respecting holistic wellbeing encourager....

I love knitting and other crafts, gardening and houseplants, dog walking, reading, cooking, board games, and generally just trying to live my best wee Hobbit life and connect to folk like me!

I believe crying is punk, swearing heals, and that blocking numpties online is both self and community care.

* Sci fi

Fantasy

YA

Queer forged family

Alternate history

Steampunk

Star Trek (especially Lower Decks!)

Futurama

Stargate (especially Atlantis!)

Middle Earth

Discworld

Tortall

Comedy

Now, I'm just trying to take my own advice...

Going to try to rest, now. Take some painkillers to deal with where I hurt myself, and for the muscle tension pain.

Then, I will try to eat something.

Nasty, insidious, sneaky word

Catching me coming and going

What IS is never enough

There is only the eternal Should

Trying to heed Nova's advice today. Had a change to my routine this morning after a couple of really hard weeks, and I feel like shit.

Exhausted, weepy, close to meltdown.

Feeling frustrated I can't just do what I want/need to, and so much shame that I can't just be a normal fucking person.

I hate this. I hate how autism impacts my life sometimes.

But I'm going to really try and remember this isn't my fault, that I don't choose this, and that looking after myself is not the same as being self indulgent.