Thread by @courtney_erin_w

I've known I have #ADHD for 4 years. I've known I'm #dyslexic & Autistic for 2 months. This semester, I've spent enormous time/energy understanding what this means for me. I am relieved & unbelievably excited; I've found an incredible #ActuallyAutistic community through Twitter;

& for the FIRST time in my life (let that sink in) I'm seeing other people talk about experiences that mirror my own. I understand myself in a way that I have tried to find words for my entire life. (TY @SNeurotypicals @steve_asbell @autistictic @A_Silent_Child) #ActuallyAutistic

I'm also navigating grief. I now see the ways I'm called to & do invalidate, erase, & hurt myself in the "necessary" betrayal of my needs to exist in a neurotypical, "appropriate" way. Camouflaging causes negative health outcomes & creates #healthdisparities #NMHM2020 #Autistic

The pandemic adds a layer of grief. It highlights the #ableism that has denied "impossible" accommodations - now magically possible bc abled people need them; dominant #eugenic narratives that pervade healthcare, research, & society; & continued silencing of #neurodiverse voices.

Then there is the "awareness" month further centering eugenic ideology with puzzle logos & promotion of torturous ABA treatments. 1% of #autismresearch studies adults; 7% studies services. The rest focuses on pathology. Most does not involve Autistics. #AutisticAcceptanceMonth

Neurodiverse culture & subcultures enhance wellbeing & community. They are valid. They're also continually erased due to the assumption that people with "neurodevelopmental disabilities" lack autonomy and opinion. We are not consulted on our own needs. #AskingAutistics #NMHM2020

Navigating whether or not to disclose is exhausting. It doesn't help that I'm new to this & don't always know what'll help or if it would be feasible/believed. I know from coming out as bisexual that #stigma sticks, even in liberal & otherwise #inclusive environments. #neuroqueer

Hiding & disclosing are both exhausting and dangerous. But I'm done. I'm too exhausted to hide. I want to use my #neurodiverse skills and positionality to help redesign cultural climate, healthcare services, & the built environment to be accessible & affirming. #universaldesign

Now if you will excuse me, I have used all of my spoons & need to walk my dog.
(I need to read #wavesnotspoons.)
#ActuallyAutistic #AskingAutistics #neurodiversesquad