My mum in a light grey tracksuit and sunglasses stands indoors in a shop, smiling warmly at the camera while holding a purse and a small item. She is wearing jewellery on her hands and wrist. Retail displays and signage are visible in the background.

Rest easy, mum. 🕊️

After recent events, here’s a little thought for everyone, leading up to the festive period.

Instead of worrying what’s under the Christmas tree, worry about who’ll be sat around the Christmas tree with you.

Life’s not a dress rehearsal, enjoy it while you can.

Sources:

1. Marco-Pallarés et al. (2010) - "Sensory processing in autism: A review of the literature" (Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders)

2. Green et al. (2015) - "Sensory processing and neural connectivity in autism spectrum disorder" (Molecular Autism)

7/7 By understanding these complexities, we can better appreciate the nuances of sensory processing in autism. Let's work towards creating a more inclusive and accommodating environment for all.

How do your experiences differ? #AskingAutistics #ActuallyAutistic

6/7 Research suggests increased neural excitability and altered sensory filtering might contribute to sensory overload. It's not just about being "sensitive" - it's about how my brain is wired. - 1,2.

5/7 As an autistic person, my brain processes sensory information differently. This can lead to unique preferences and sensitivities, like enjoying neon colours while struggling with sunlight.

4/7 Context and associations matter. I associate neon colours with positive experiences, like specific neon assault courses (special interest) or other relaxing entertainment. Sunlight can be overwhelming due to its intensity or the context in which I experience it.

3/7 Sunlight, on the other hand, can be intense and unpredictable, making it harder to manage. Colour temperature plays a role too - neon colours have a specific wavelength, while sunlight encompasses a broad spectrum.

2/7 It's a complex phenomenon, but it comes down to differences in sensory processing. Neon colours are often contained within a specific space or object, allowing me to control my exposure.

1/7 Today, I had a moment of sensory overload - stepping outside into bright sunlight left me feeling overwhelmed. But here's the thing: I love neon colours! I didn't understand at first what was going on?

Sending love to autistic people as we wade through another 'Autism Awareness Month'.
For many years, we've had organisations run it as a 'bewareness month', and promote the dreadful puzzle pieces & the colour blue. They also often support ways to enforce normalisation of autistic people/

FROZEN | Let It Go Sing-along | Official Disney UK YouTube video by Disney UK

While many Autistic people are *literally* not bothered by the cold ... even insisting on wearing shorts outside during Winter ...

even ignoring this literalism ...

The Song "Let it Go" is easy to interpret as an Autistic Anthem ... of embracing of our Autistic selves.

Situations that lack consistency can be stressful because unpredictability makes it harder to determine the best way to navigate them. Without a clear pattern to follow, it can be challenging to know what to expect or how to respond effectively.

A key part of my autistic experience is finding reassurance in consistency. I feel more comfortable when I have a clear approach, technique, or routine that reliably leads to a predictable and desirable outcome, even if not every time.

#ActuallyAutistic #Autism

I do love my spreadsheets!

Me too! Excel and MS Forms make a good combination!

Lists of books, websites and vids about autism on my site :)
Lists of books I want to buy one day.
Lists of things I have to do for maintenance of my house.
Lists of lists...

ListsFTW 💛

So relatable!

The tendency among autistic people (albeit, not all) to create and maintain numerous lists. Some of these lists may focus on essential tasks or things to remember, while others could be more casual, such as lists of songs, books, movies, or TV shows to enjoy when there’s time.

#ActuallyAutistic

Yup

The #ActuallyAutistic need to use precise words to avoid confusion, only for others to focus on your untypical facial expressions, tone, or body language instead, and still misunderstand you.

I organize meetings for peers. They give me joy, but also overstimulate me which costs me sleep. So I need some days to regain energy, as far as possible with a faulty internal battery.

I feel this, I often feel I overfill my days leading to similar feelings but a hunger to sleep.

One great aspect of being #ActuallyAutistic is my ability to maintain a deep, lasting passion for my interests, even over many years. I don’t give them up when they stop being 'cool' or 'trendy'. My connection to them is genuine, unwavering, and rooted in authenticity.

#ActuallyAutistic me: I feel lonely and want to spend time with others.

Also me: I'm completely drained, anxious, and overwhelmed. I don't have the energy, focus, or mindset to engage meaningfully or have positive interactions right now.

Yes but I'm done being quiet. I'll die trying if I must. Looks like I may 🤷🏻

Autism is having to understand other people before you understand yourself, and no one making the effort to understand you. Which even you don't understand, because all your effort has been spent understanding them.

#ActuallyAutistic

I relate to this so much, especially the part about being exploited and taken advantage of.

I try to fight the urge to help now as being taken advantage of repeatedly has been draining to the extent of affecting my health.

It's difficult though, as I worry people will think I'm lazy or uncaring.

The #ActuallyAutistic urge to help as much as possible, wanting to ease others' struggles and gain their affection, can backfire when some see you as 'too helpful' and suspicious or view you as someone they can exploit and take advantage of.