Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity

Special Interest Week:[18] Seven Prompts to Help You Reflect on Autistic Joy Instructions: Every day for a week, set aside some time to reflect on one of the prompts below. In the fields provided, you can doodle, write about the topic, or even paste in photos relevant to the special interest. You may also wish to track down physical reminders of th

It’s not just that Autistics tend to be obsessive about hyperspecific subjects, and have the technical skills necessary to build these networks.[19] In fact, many masked Autistics focus instead on the social and practical aspects of connecting online and in person. They are often the ones to schedule the tabletop gaming sessions, tweak the forum se

Expand the time frame you use to gauge productivity and success. Take the “long view” of your life. Don’t be afraid to cycle back to old projects, or let a passion go when it’s not serving you. Slow down. Stillness helps neurodivergent minds process the huge quantities of data we take in.

Common Autistic Communication Needs Overall Need Some Accommodations You Might Request Clear Expectations • Specific plans with details about time, place, and what is likely to happen • A clear “yes” or “no,” no euphemisms like “I’ll think about it” • Meeting agendas that are handed out in advance, and then adhered to • Reading materials, questions

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Many neurodiverse people suffer from Autistic inertia.[24] The same heightened focus that makes us so good at studying our special interests for hours also makes it challenging for us to get off the couch and attend to the overflowing trash.

It’s pretty common to feel awkward or out of place the first time you meet someone new or attend an event. Unless a serious red flag occurs, I recommend giving a new space three visits before you conclude it’s a bad fit.

Sometimes what society (and the psychiatric establishment) considers to be an individual defect is in fact a perfectly benign difference that needs accommodation and acceptance instead. Though being gay was once classed as a mental illness, it never actually was one. Trying to “cure” gayness never worked, and only caused more psychological damage.

I value protecting other people and being principled and courageous more than I value fitting in or being invisible—but that I am often tempted to succumb to those desires anyway.