We can RESPECT the differing needs of Autistic people similar to my son, while not trying to ERASE them. My son is significantly disabled, which affects not only speech, but his body movements and physical abilities. This is a neutral fact, but it is an important one. He needs one on one support. He needs a support person with, or near, him at all times. Even on his BEST DAYS (because Autism is, indeed, a dynamic disability) he needs someone there to provide him food, drink, clothing and more. Again, NEUTRAL FACTS.

I work with a lot of young children, and I am trying to make my positive feedback something mentally healthy and avoid looks based comments, as well as the term 'good'. So, here are some of the things I've been using: First and foremost, I say THANK YOU to children. I don't care how young they are. 'Thanks for helping today, I appreciate you!' or 'Thanks for being part of the team, that was really fun'. Offering high fives (if desired) and sweet dance moves as well.

I'll say it again, the world needs to understand more about dyspraxia and it's very common alignment with neurodivergent folks. Here are some common physical struggles for SOME neurodivergent folks: - Understanding bodily bathroom cues. This is a BIG ONE. Your child is NOT 'lazy' or 'stubborn' if they're struggling using the toilet reliably. Shaming only makes it worse.
- Handwriting issues, either very 'messy' handwriting or refusing to practice/use writing tools.

A common topic among the 'severe autism' groups is physical behavior from some Autistic/Disabled people that can cause harm to themselves, or others. Often referred to as 'violent' behavior, and used as justification to vilify 'severe autism'. But, wait. Here's the thing, yes, this is a difficult thing to deal with for the people involved on both sides. But, there is a serious lack of nuance in the discussions revolving around 'violent' behavior from Autistic/disabled people who are struggling.

So, this is something that's been on my mind for a while now, and perhaps someone can point me in a good direction.. My 15 yr old nephew is Black, and being raised by my in laws (v. long story). My in laws are wonderful and have done the best they could with a hard situation. Here's my concern, and this has been my concern, as he gets older and he looks like a man now. Let's be honest, as much as it makes me absolutely sick, as a Black man, he is going to be at risk. I have no idea what talks, if any, my in laws have had with him. And, I worry.

Bipolar in my teens. Late 90s. It's 'funny' to me, because in that time period, everyone was talking about being bipolar. The thing is, I was put on a lot of heavy duty medication, and it never worked.. because I'm not bipolar. But, nobody LISTENED to me and MY feelings.

https://twitter.com/hannaweeen/status/1599270790100582401

After that, when I finally faced my trauma from my teen years and looked for help in my early 30s, my current pysch was like, yeah no way you're bipolar, and then it was simply 'GAD' and yet, again, I kept switching medications, raising medications, and still struggled.

Fantastic post from Shannon. We don't force holiday participation. Normally, it takes O a while to get through gifts, because he gets overstimulated, so we take it at his pace. Nor does he want to sit at the 'fancy' table for a 'fancy' dinner, he wants HIS spot at the reg table.

https://twitter.com/shannonrosa/status/1599462289677070337

Are you truly going through the motions because you WANT to, because it brings YOUR FAMILY joy? Or because media tells us we are all supposed to act a certain way? Screw that. The biggest gift is letting go of social expectations, and celebrate the way YOU want.