Latest Posts
An Autistic gymnast’s thoughts on Netflix’ “Athlete A”
I recently watched the Netflix documentary “Athlete A” detailing the sexual and emotional abuse of suffered by hundreds of young gymnasts at the hands of USA Gymnastics’ doctor, Larry Nassar. As a former gymnast and late-Autistic diagnosed Autistic adult, this documentary disturbed me, but did not at all surprise me. This film is a much-watch as it vividly highlights how reputable institutions, therapies and organizations designed to help children and develop excellence, like USA Gymnastics, can systematically condition vulnerable youth to be chronically obedient, and to value perfectionism over personal and emotional wellness.
Things That Cause Me Stress as an Autistic…
Autism itself isn’t stressful- it’s a neurological condition which impacts sensory perception and brain processing. However, for Autistics conforming to and tolerating “normal” conditions can not only be overwhelming but can cause lasting trauma. We have all heard of, or unfortunately experienced, the highly-stigmatized Autistic meltdowns. We usually hear about them from the perspectives of parents and teachers of Autistic children about just how difficult and disruptive they can be. But what about for Autistics?
5 Phases of Autistic Burnout
Autistic burnout is the loss of self-motivation and control over our lives due to a combination of physical and emotional exhaustion, social pressures, and sensory overload. While anyone can suffer from burnout, neurodivergents are more at risk due to our sensory sensitivities, differing social needs and work preferences. While burnout is experienced differently by each individual autistic, the warning signs can be similar.
Growing Through Grief
I went out ice fishing yesterday and spent some time with a friend I don’t normally hang out with. One thing about living in a tiny arctic town like Iqaluit, Nunavut is you can’t be too selective with your social group, especially when you’re out on the land at -30C. She was grateful to have company after spending two weeks in isolation alone, having just returned from the exciting tropical vacation she’d been planning all year. We took our snowmobiles out across the sea, over the black mountains and frozen river to a secluded bay, Nunngaruk.
5 Facts About Autism I Wish I Had Known Growing Up
I made a collage of all the names, adjectives and disorders I have been labeled throughout my life while just trying to go to school, play and be a “normal” kid. Turns out I am actually Autistic. Knowing what I know now, I wish I could go back and give the childhood me a big hug. Here are the 5 Facts that could have changed my childhood, but are now changing my life positively now!
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