Thread by @KarenAnnTimm

It occurred to me that some may think I “waste” time on Twitter (as I primarily Tweet during my evenings/weekends when I am not working). As a #Hyperlexic , my first & most natural language is actually writing because I take in such inordinate amounts of sensory data… 🧵

…so, when I Tweet I am actually doing a number of things which folx may not realize: 1) I am processing my 💡ideas 💡, some of which are incorporated into my 📕 projects: they may be saved for later or might even inspire a cathartic impromptu writing session…

2) I am engaging with a global community of advocates & amazing humans of multiple ages, across all time zones & representing diverse intersecting lenses specifically because my specialization is understanding perspectives which are different from my own, and this enriches me…

3) While I forge new neural pathways, I am am also always setting my sights on the next learning opportunity & experience to grow & make the 🌍 a better place (in the last year alone via Twitter: have met Autistic adults all around the world, on social media & Zoom…

Connected w/ #Autstanding folx including @Autistic__Teach @aidensots @autistamatic @MathsAkbar @MorenikeGO @KieranRose7 @NeuroRebel @jornbettin @johnnyprofane1 @soundcube @peleshoksteph @PDSBmrsglover @ekverstania @AskAutistics @LillianCarrier0 @ExistentialAut1 @Communica1st

4) I have been honoured, and continually motivated through these connections to continue on my perpetual self-reflective journey through online courses such as #TheInsideOfAutism @KieranRose7 by viewing films like #Listen and #ThisIsNotAboutMe @jordynbzim , digging deeper into

the powerful work of those like @NeuroClastic @AutisticTyping which continue to amplify voices of those who are multiply marginalized within the #AutisticCommunity 5) I have been humbled by the opportunities which these connections have afforded me & in recognizing my…

..my privilege as White, Cis, relatively able bodied Adult Human & Educational Leader, (who can usually find my words verbally), I have learned how to also find my #Voice as an #AutisticEducator & possibly even an #AutisticElder (dare I say it) who can & is determined to make…

…a difference that goes beyond a title, that manifests outside of a 📦, that happens beyond walls and across borders. 6) I have shared my voice as an author & as an amplifier by initiating learning that challenges ableist bias because
#RepresentationMatters @scbwi & our stories

…must be told. 7) I know to #Listen to #NonSpeakers because their voices have been presumed incompetent for far too long, & through this journey, I am indebted to them for helping me to discover my #FirstLanguage is not #MouthSpeak,& this revelation has impacted not only..

my own self acceptance/ healing, but the trajectory for a number of families, staff & especially non- or minimally speaking students for whom 🚪’s that weren’t even visible before, are now being shattered at the hinges because their communication differences are being validated

8) I have challenged myself in new ways by redefining relationships & connecting w/ #Ausome new global friends like @AskAutistics, @MathsAkbar, hosting/supporting @Clubhouse Rooms & #TwitterSpaces, opening up my 💜 by designing/implementing PD to shift thinking…

by #ReframingAutismThroughEducation & accepting opportunities to embrace & share my vulnerabilities when doing so is for the greater good & ha potential to start a new ripple or bring momentum to a 🌊(wave) (e.g., in typing this,I just realized I had not used alt text-so sorry!)

9) and finally (for now), I also recognize that for me, writing is also #Stimming which brings me great joy; I am releasing ideas, noting patterns I have discovered or been exposed to, connecting with others, documenting my reflections and learnings and processing my environment

And yes this happens on @Twitter; for it is here where I have found the #AUsome #AutisticCommunity, found such phenomenal #AutisticExcellence & gratefully discovered my own #AutisticPride. For those who choose not to read, I hope you seek authentic voices different from your own

For those who do read, I sincerely hope something within my words/reflections/wonderings resonates w/ you, gives you hope, opens up a door, or ignites a spark that empowers your #Phoenix to rise. If so, I hope you will share it with the world,in your own way, & in your own time.

@threadreaderapp unroll please