Interest focus

There are two defining features of autism which are key to the diagnostic criteria and this blog and my PhD research are both about demonstrating that they are far from deficits and way more like differences.

1. Social communication (not social communication difficulties) - These blog pages, my Instagram and Twitter accounts all provide evidence of my ability to communicate using a online social media platforms. I will not deny that I am going to struggle at the beginning of the each term having the same, "how were your holidays?" conversations with numerous people because this is the polite social convention for working in education but I do not believe I am alone in this. And my emotions can be very large. There are often emotional storms. They are a little bit like the Kraken attacking a ship. I do have difficulties but these are not static or fixed in the tragedy of Susie. I also have strengths and can express myself in so many creative ways that it seems a bit dismissive to judge me on my bad days.

2. Interest Focus (repetitive but not restricted or restrictive behaviours) - There are times when I can't speak at all though. I can't tell anyone how I am feeling or what is going on or how they can help and that is because there is never just one thing for me to tell. I withdraw entirely into myself and this is when creativity and my interests are my solace. Sometimes I can do nothing but watch my plants, their shapes, colours, textures and the way the light frames them. Other times I knit and am soothed by the rhythmic repetitive continuous spiral of sock knitting. In contrast there are days when my interests are my passion and I share them with the world. That is after all the reason I started this blog, the inspirations for my TikToks and why I have chosen to do a PhD. Focussing on my interests is how I look after my mental health and wellbeing. Being autistic and ADHD is sometimes challenging and these interests help with the struggles that I do experience, but who I am is what makes me creative and passionate about the things I love.

My Interest List (please see labels to identify relevant posts)

Running

Knitting

Sewing

Crochet

Gardening

Cooking

Art

Craftivism

Vintage

Made in England

Plastic free

Chernobyl

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The Pink Ladies

As we sat in our classroom inspired horseshoe, designed to encourage conversation, there was a slightly uneasy silence. Those of us who knew each other, stole furtive glances, others returned our smiles politely although they were not privy to the planning and discussion that had occurred in preparation for the evening. The time had slowed, 8pm seemed an age away. The silence was intermittently interspersed with brief attemps at small talk and the rants of a drunk outside on the city streets. The commanding presence of our WI advisor Dorothy, had the air of an experienced headmistress or well respected senior relative which in the event of such formalities made me feel foolish in my .....excitement. Some of us stifled giggles as advice was provided on the process, as we had already made the majority of our formal decisions but it was with noticeable nerves, that I raised my hand to the question of who wished to be President. So that's it, another new chapter has open

Ridgeway Cottage Anyhow - How to add social media buttons to your blog

I know not everyone is excited by learning code and techie stuff but in my quest for website geekiness, this post is just one step closer. For all my lovely friends and family who do not care one hoot about what goes on behind the scenes of Ridgeway Cottage, here are some lovely photos of October life. (Those who do want to know about the buttons, social media and coding, please read on.) Social Media Buttons Anyhow You will need. Your blog open in layout The URL of your social media places you want to link to Some lovely pictures of social media icons that you would like to use as your buttons A photobucket account which you can easily open here A small understanding of how the coding works A rather large smattering of patience unless you are super clever at all techie stuff What social media icons are you going to use? You can find some very lovely ones by searching on the internet or there are some here, here , or here . I liked these one because I do r

Granny square Christmas

When I was younger I fell in love with the granny square blanket my Nan had made. It was in her tiny little Welsh cottage near the mountains and was one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen. So many colours and combinations of colours, it was just truly amazing. I'm not sure if it's the happy childhood memories or my ever increasing passion for crocheting, but granny squares (and doilies) are something I could fill me life with. Even more delightful are the variations on granny squares. Star burst blanket, which used to be my favourite, but I have recently had a go at African flowers. They are quick and easy to make and so very pretty. Thanks to the brilliant free pattern that I found here , I have managed to make a little crochet Christmas stocking made out of 16 1/2 motifs. I am happy with the how the little Christmas stocking turned out and am now rather fond of African flowers, star burst and granny squares, well actually, all

Ridgeway Cottage anyhow

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Interest focus

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