Thread by @stand_for_all

My long running attempt to write a book on refugees, and how universal open borders are as close to a silver bullet for a number of global issues as you'll get, has also morphed into an insight into how I find being autistic helps me work in the sector and be good at policy. 1/

The thing is being #ActuallyAutistic is all part of how I think. My brain is wired differently, and that actually helps when seeing links and solutions. The downside is that I then need to explain these to my audience, which means delving into how my autistic brain works. 2/

So, what I am ending up with is a book which on one side explains things I find perfectly logical, if you have global freedom of movement then you allow for better use of resources, helping reduce climate change, maximisation of skills, creating better employment prospects etc 3/

Or, for example, how open border systems already exist and have demonstrated that they can boost economic growth when used effectively. Then there is how when you have open borders you help reduce conflict, and on and on. It's a book after all not a twitter thread. 4/

When I was first diagnosed I fought against. I couldn't possibly be autistic, I was never that great at maths at school for one thing. Nowadays though I have realised that while it may not be the cause of what I am good at, it is so much part of me that it contributes. 5/

That's not to say there are not some monumental drawbacks. Working in, and writing about, people's experiences, war, persecution, famine etc, when you hyper-empathise can be physically painful, and drains you to the point of burnout. 6/

There is also so much joy. The level of pain I feel when dealing with the harsh stuff is reflected in the joy when dealing with the happy. All of this feeds into who I am, if not into how I analyse policy and advocacy. 7/

I have considered starting a substack on the same subject to keep me focused, because my executive function can be... unreliable at times, but also I am just enjoying writing something which I hope people will read, understand and be able to see where the thinking comes from. 8/

Not only I am hoping it'll help people see why universal open borders are a good thing which should be supported, or how we need stronger protection mechanisms for refugees, and for states to stop denying them rights, but also how at least one #ActuallyAutistic person thinks. 9/