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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