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  When you think of a spectrum, do you visualize a linear gradient from 0-10, or from white to black, or from low to high ‘functioning?’ People are not generally brilliant at everything or nothing, and that’s especially true for Autistic people. It seems like people are expected to be at least 'average' at 'most things,' especially in school. I felt bad about struggling in math and physical education until I learned that dyscalculia and dyspraxia are common in Autistic people. I excelled in English, French and Art classes, but that never felt to me like it made up for my struggles, until I learned (in adulthood) about this uneven distribution of abilities and began to understand the 'spiky profile' of Autistic abilities and struggles. Many artists, authors, scientists, engineers, doctors, and inventors over the years were likely Autistic (never diagnosed), based on descriptions of their ‘quirkiness’ and their hyper-focus on their passions or intense interest

As I have found, obtaining an adult autism diagnosis can be elusive for a variety of reasons including:  Out of date stereotypes about what autism looks like.  Stigma and deficit-based terminology in diagnostic manuals. A lack of knowledge and confidence in diagnosticians.  Autism traditionally not being recognized in women, trans and non-binary folks. Camouflaging/masking to fit in and be accepted by others.  Dismissal/invalidation of discomfort in childhood, leading living with constant discomfort and believing everyone else does too. Lack of accessibility for patients to diagnosis (location, cost, and wait times). Isolation and lack of digital literacy. Autism - Barriers to Late Diagnosis for Adults The inaccessibility of official diagnosis is one of the main reasons that self-diagnosis is acceptable within the Autistic community. But without an official diagnosis, many of us may continue to feel a bit of imposter syndrome. In Calgary in 2022-23, there were no known specialists who

At age 53, I was diagnosed with autism and ADHD, so I’m ‘AuDHD.’ That last part of my identity was the key to understanding, self compassion, healing, self-confidence and leaning in to my strengths. I’m a middle-aged-ish white woman, descendent of Irish, English and Norwegian settlers on Turtle Island. I was born and raised in Mohkinstis (also known as Calgary) near the Tsuut'ina Nation on Treaty 7 territory. My prounouns are she/her and they/them.  I’m live with my Hubby and Bestie with 2 big dogs and 3 cats. I obtained my B.Ed long ago (in French) but work as a support staff member in technical support with online learning. Like many people who weren’t diagnosed until later in life, I struggled with the demands of my career in spite of excelling in university. My volunteer experiences bring me joy and include an animal shelter, and working with equity deserving groups such as the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, the Autistic Community and taking action on Reconciliation with Indigenous

  ​​Autistic Burnout - What Helped Me I’d like to share about my experience with autistic burnout. It’s different than depression. Some depression can be alleviated by doing something different, like exercising or socializing. Autistic burnout often requires doing the opposite; that is, doing nothing and isolating in a quiet place all alone, in order to recover. I experience autistic burnout most often from sensory overwhelm, and from masking.  When I’m in autistic burnout, I’m shut down, unable to focus or find my words. I feel depleted, exhausted, sleepy, and incapable of taking care of my basic needs, subsisting on comfort foods like yogurt for days or weeks. I don’t want anyone to talk to me, ask me questions, or make me do anything during these times. Sensory overwhelm is from trying to hear my own thoughts in a loud distracting environment, with multiple conversations, music, or other noises, or people coming and going. That makes it difficult to concentrate on technical writing

Choosing Medical Assistance in Dying Content warning: death, dying, medical assistance in dying Today, the full film “ In My Own Time ” was released. I have wanted to attend an in-person screening but never made it to one.  This film “follows the emotional stories of people across Canada who chose to end their suffering through medical assistance in dying (MAID). Navigating this decision leads to life-affirming realizations with family and friends. Internationally recognized medical and legal experts explain why access to MAID is worth protecting. ” I watched it today and also heard from a dear friend struggling with grief for someone they knew accessing MAID.  I feel such empathy.  There is no one right answer here.  No one right way.  We have to each decide what is right for us each day and in the end. I respect those who feel it’s a moral issue they can’t support because of their beliefs or values. Because of the timing of all of this today, I decided to write about what I learned a