#autchat Transcript
Healthcare social media transcript of the #autchat hashtag.
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See #autchat Influencers/Analytics.
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 | #AutChat mod @autchatmod Welcome to #AutChat, a weekly chat for autistic & similar people Sundays 1pm Pacific / 4pm Eastern / 9pm UTC/GMT! https://t.co/rRrhi8Ysri #AutChat hosts chats on topics related to our experiences as neurodivergent people. See our past topics here: https://t.co/F56bZKXGAW |
| #AutChat mod @autchatmod #AutChat is a tag for autistic people & "autistic cousins" (people with similar experiences due to hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, ADHD, etc). We welcome autistic/similar people whether formally diagnosed, self-dx'd, or questioning/wondering if they are autistic/similar. |
| #AutChat mod @autchatmod We post transcripts of the weekly chats to our website, https://t.co/QrdW2e85Ey. We link to them on the #AutChat tag and on our Facebook page. Transcripts are created with Wakelet, and are visible there and on our site. |
| #AutChat mod @autchatmod Other people can post, retweet, or share any of our posts or links. This includes our tweets, our Facebook posts, links to our website, and links to Wakelet. If you want your tweets excluded from future #AutChat transcripts, DM us. |
| #AutChat mod @autchatmod For #AutChat announcements and weekly questions, follow this account. DM us to request reminder tweets (we get a lot of notifications during AutChat and sometimes don’t see replies). How to participate in #AutChat and other twitter chats: https://t.co/SkuXgvACRk |
| #AutChat mod @autchatmod Questions are prefaced Q0, Q1, Q2, etc. When you reply, preface tweets with A0, A1, etc & include "#AutChat" so others see them! Please capitalize it as #AutChat to make it more accessible to screenreaders. |
 | Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT Hello folks! #autchat |
| #AutChat mod @autchatmod Today's #AutChat topic is age at realization/diagnosis. |
| #AutChat mod @autchatmod All autistic and similarly neurodivergent people have had experience with ableism. How that ableism is expressed can depend on who does or doesn’t know we’re autistic, as well as when and where. Others’ (and our own) knowledge can also affect what support we receive. #AutChat |
| #AutChat mod @autchatmod For example, if authority figures know we’re autistic as children, we may be forced into harmful therapies. If no one knows we’re autistic, we won’t be able to access formal accommodations. #AutChat |
 | Solveig ⚧ - Autistic Acceptance Worldwide @autisticb4mmr Starting now! #AutChat |
| #AutChat mod @autchatmod It also matters whether we know we’re autistic/neurodivergent. That can influence how we understand our experiences, and what we do. For example, we may label some things as ableism, or seek community with autistic/neurodivergent people, or request accommodations. #AutChat |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT @endeverstar Good- working today because of a rainy day today. You? #autchat |
| #AutChat mod @autchatmod We want to caution folks against oversimplifying things. For example, not all people identified as autistic/neurodivergent in childhood were formally diagnosed or told, or received accommodations. #AutChat |
 | Alex-Caleb 🇵🇸 🇮🇪🌙 @_floraldisaster May try to do tonight's #autchat BC i usually miss it but this topic seems like something I can talk a bit abt |
| #AutChat mod @autchatmod Likewise, not all people who went unidentified until adulthood pass as neurotypical or need fewer supports. Not everyone was identified as a very young child, or after age eighteen. #AutChat |
| #AutChat mod @autchatmod We also want to caution folks not to assume that whatever ableism and/or support you’re aware of in others’ lives—or in your own—is all there is to it. Ableism is sometimes hidden from observers, and support we receive isn’t always obvious. #AutChat |
| #AutChat mod @autchatmod Q0: Introduce yourself! Say anything you like about yourself or your interest in #AutChat or in today's topic, age at realization/diagnosis. Quick reference for this week's #AutChat questions (please wait till they're tweeted to answer): https://t.co/gLEfBEff7Q |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT @endeverstar If it were not rainy today, I actually would have been playing golf ⛳️ right now. #autchat |
 | Helen Rottier @helenrottier A0: I'm Helen, I was identified as neurodivergent as a preteen and autistic as a young adult. I'm excited to hear about people's experiences, especially as I continue to wrestle with my multiply-ND identity. #AutChat |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT @endeverstar In LA, usually I can have a day on the weekend without rain. But, this weekend is an exception. Fortunately, I can use switch days and I am taking advantage of that. #autchat |
 | Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo A0: Hi, I'm Alyssa, they/them/theirs. I'm an autistic graduate student, not diagnosed until adulthood but a lot of teachers, etc. were in camp "SOMETHING is up with this kid and we're not sure what" throughout school #AutChat |
| #AutChat mod @autchatmod Q1: At what age/stage of life did you discover or begin to suspect you were autistic/similarly neurodivergent? If formally diagnosed, was it before or after that? Do you know if others (for example, adults in your childhood) knew you were autistic before you did? #autchat |
| Alex-Caleb 🇵🇸 🇮🇪🌙 @_floraldisaster A0 I'm Alex - they/them pronouns I'm autistic, a writer and a big audio drama fan. I'm looking forward to tonight's talk! #autchat |
| Helen Rottier @helenrottier RT @yes_thattoo: A0: A0: Hi, I'm Alyssa, they/them/theirs. I'm an autistic graduate student, not diagnosed until adulthood but a lot of teachers, etc. were in camp "SOMETHING is up with this kid and we're not sure what" throughout school #AutChat |
| Helen Rottier @helenrottier @yes_thattoo Same- everyone knew something was going on (my parents even knew when I was an infant), no one recognized it as autism until I started doing autism research. #AutChat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo A1: When I was 8 or 9, I read an article in Parents Magazine (yes, I read that every month when I was that age...) about an autistic boy and went "Oh that's me." Asked my mom, she said NO, but spoilers: YES. #AutChat |
| Helen Rottier @helenrottier RT @Angel_of_Brahma: A0 I'm Alex - they/them pronouns I'm autistic, a writer and a big audio drama fan. I'm looking forward to tonight's talk! #autchat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo RT @helenrottier: @yes_thattoo Same- everyone knew something was going on (my parents even knew when I was an infant), no one recognized it as autism until I started doing autism research. #AutChat |
| Alex-Caleb 🇵🇸 🇮🇪🌙 @_floraldisaster A1 I was formally diagnosed when I was nearly 14 tho while I had a lot of autistic friends I didnt have a great understanding of what it meant to be autistic. That understanding came through independent research years later #autchat |
 | EC 🐾🌴✏🎨🎬🌊🐺🦋 @Siennapup1024 @autchatmod A0: I'm a self taught writer, I've written both fiction and non-fiction. Autism is one of several topics I write about. #AutChat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo This was WELL before formal diagnosis. And I spent a long time going back and forth about "probably no" vs. "probably yes" and got recognized as autistic by other autistic people, all before formal diagnosis #AutChat |
 | 🍍@bromezaddams.bsky.social @outofmyplanet RT @yes_thattoo: A1: A1: When I was 8 or 9, I read an article in Parents Magazine (yes, I read that every month when I was that age...) about an autistic boy and went "Oh that's me." Asked my mom, she said NO, but spoilers: YES. #AutChat |
 | Neuro Cosmos (He/They)🏳️⚧️ @NeuroCosmos #AutChat A0: Hello! I'm Eryn & I was diagnosed as autistic when I was 3. |
| Solveig ⚧ - Autistic Acceptance Worldwide @autisticb4mmr Hello, I am Solveig! I was formally diagnosed autistic at age 7, so that would mean..... thirty years ago?!? 🙀 If age and realization are part of today's theme, part of what I am realizing is my increased age! 🙀 #AutChat A0 |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo @helenrottier Right? Like, "not diagnosed with any specific thing" is very different from "believed to be normal." #AutChat |
| Helen Rottier @helenrottier RT @yes_thattoo: @helenrottier Right? Like, "not diagnosed with any specific thing" is very different from "believed to be normal." #AutChat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo @project1enigma I feel like a LOT of us knew we were different (and/or had teachers notice we were different) without any specific diagnosis. #AutChat |
| Neuro Cosmos (He/They)🏳️⚧️ @NeuroCosmos #AutChat A1: I began to suspect I was "other" when I was 7. I learned that I'm autistic in 3rd grade at age 9. Years after formal diagnosis & many adults (parents, teachers, special ed, doctors) knew long before I did. |
| Solveig ⚧ - Autistic Acceptance Worldwide @autisticb4mmr So I was diagnosed at age 7, but people know that I was autistic for.... pretty much my whole life. I mean, they didn't know that was the right word to describe it, but they could tell. #AutChat A1 |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo RT @NeuroCosmos: #AutChat A1: #AutChat A1: I began to suspect I was "other" when I was 7. I learned that I'm autistic in 3rd grade at age 9. Years after formal diagnosis & many adults (parents, teachers, special ed, doctors) knew long before I did. |
| Helen Rottier @helenrottier A1: In all seriousness, my parents recognized something off when I was an infant but doctors didn't believe them. I was a good student and generally good kid so it didn't get readdressed until my ability to mask started to fail me in middle school. #AutChat |
| #AutChat mod @autchatmod Q2: If you or others knew you were autistic/neurodivergent when you were growing up, do you think there were ways it was helpful? Ways it was harmful? If you and/or others *didn’t* know, are there ways that was helpful? Ways it was harmful? #AutChat |
| Solveig ⚧ - Autistic Acceptance Worldwide @autisticb4mmr @endeverstar My #AutCat is being very loud and craving attention during #AutChat, so I may not have as much use of my arms as I had hoped. #CatsOfAutChat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo @endeverstar I wasn't asked if I was autistic. I was asked if I *knew* I was autistic. My being autistic was apparently not in question, lol. #AutChat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo RT @autchatmod: Q2: Q2: If you or others knew you were autistic/neurodivergent when you were growing up, do you think there were ways it was helpful? Ways it was harmful? If you and/or others *didn’t* know, are there ways that was helpful? Ways it was harmful? #AutChat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo RT @helenrottier: A1: A1: In all seriousness, my parents recognized something off when I was an infant but doctors didn't believe them. I was a good student and generally good kid so it didn't get readdressed until my ability to mask started to fail me in middle school. #AutChat |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT @autchatmod A1. My parents first suspected it when I was 4, but it didn’t become serious until I was 25. 1/ #autchat |
| Helen Rottier @helenrottier A1: I was labeled "sensitive" and "quirky" and "precocious" and masking took a toll and I developed another handful of mental health conditions as a teenager. I was finally identified as autistic at age 20, and it was a huge relief. #AutChat |
| #AutChat mod @autchatmod Hi all! Reminder to tag your tweets with #AutChat so folks can see them on the tag. |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT @autchatmod The reason for age 25 was- my parents and I couldn’t put a name to my struggles in OT school clinical rotations. We knew I tried hard, however. #autchat 2/ |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT RT @yes_thattoo: A1: A1: When I was 8 or 9, I read an article in Parents Magazine (yes, I read that every month when I was that age...) about an autistic boy and went "Oh that's me." Asked my mom, she said NO, but spoilers: YES. #AutChat |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT RT @Angel_of_Brahma: A1 I was formally diagnosed when I was nearly 14 tho while I had a lot of autistic friends I didnt have a great understanding of what it meant to be autistic. That understanding came through independent research years later #autchat |
| Helen Rottier @helenrottier A1: Over the summer I put my autistic identity to the test and felt such comfort and relief and acceptance spending time with other autistic adults. Now I'm working on understanding and accepting my multiply-ND identity and existence. #AutChat |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT @YarnElemental I went through that phase when I was 6-8 too. I was a model student in citizenship, as I won awards for that during 1st through 3rd grade in Hong Kong. #autchat |
| Neuro Cosmos (He/They)🏳️⚧️ @NeuroCosmos #AutChat I think I hated myself more back then b/c I was explicitly told over & over that autism was a horrible thing. |
| Neuro Cosmos (He/They)🏳️⚧️ @NeuroCosmos #AutChat A2: it was helpful to know earlier on why I am the way I am & I got special ed more easily but early diagnosis led to a lot of harmful "therapies" & beliefs to make me "recover" that still have my mental health in bad shape. |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT @alannarwhitney @autchatmod @TEDTalks Hers is definitely one of the classics in terms of autism goes! My first TEDx is not nearly as good as hers... even though I like both of mine. #autchat |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT RT @helenrottier: A1: A1: I was labeled "sensitive" and "quirky" and "precocious" and masking took a toll and I developed another handful of mental health conditions as a teenager. I was finally identified as autistic at age 20, and it was a huge relief. #AutChat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo A2: So, in elementary school it was "we know you're not normal but we don't know what's up." By high school (and as of some point in middle school" it was "we're pretty sure you're autistic and won't always remember you're not diagnosed." #AutChat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo A2 (cont): So they'd ask me about things on my individualized educational program and I'd point out that I didn't actually HAVE one of those. No, I'm not required to be in your social skills/group therapy thing by a document I don't have. #AutChat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo The lack of paperwork helped keep people from enforcing their ideas of what autistic people needed on me. It also made it harder to get accommodations, but the ones I needed probably wouldn't have been available ANYWAYS. I use #AAC part time. #AutChat #Augcomm |
| Solveig ⚧ - Autistic Acceptance Worldwide @autisticb4mmr I don't know what to say about the process, because there were a lot of harmful stereotypes that influenced how I, and the rest of the world, perceived my autism. The long story made short is that educators didn't want me around, and a neurologist said bad things. #AutChat A1 |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT @autchatmod A2. Heard this question A LOT in my guest lectures. I think it actually would have been a deterrent for my parents to consider my current career. In addition, I think I would have been placed in special ed when I came to USA with my family. #autchat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo A2 (cont): My overall position is that it would have been great for ME to know, and maybe my parents, but that my school knowing for certain with paperwork would have been too high a price to pay for that. #AutChat |
| Helen Rottier @helenrottier A2: I'm grateful that the adults in my life viewed young Helen as having a successful future (and want to live in a world where we believe that for ALL children), but honestly I'm still resentful that I didn't know I was autistic earlier. #AutChat |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT @alannarwhitney @autchatmod @TEDTalks https://t.co/YQnIn8NgP0 is my first one. #autchat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo A2: Hey so THIS. Being the weird smart kid was way easier than being the autistic kid and I got way more informally under that label than I would have formally as the autistic kid. #AutChat |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT @YarnElemental I had same feeling in high school. I focused more on bonding with kids in AP and honors classes. #autchat |
| EC 🐾🌴✏🎨🎬🌊🐺🦋 @Siennapup1024 @autchatmod A1: Since Kindergarden I knew I was different but didn't consider the possibility I was autistic until 2015. My Mom knew I was different and my parents tried to get me diagnosed but because of various roadblocks, it never happened. #AutChat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo RT @helenrottier: A2: A2: I'm grateful that the adults in my life viewed young Helen as having a successful future (and want to live in a world where we believe that for ALL children), but honestly I'm still resentful that I didn't know I was autistic earlier. #AutChat |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT RT @helenrottier: A2: A2: I'm grateful that the adults in my life viewed young Helen as having a successful future (and want to live in a world where we believe that for ALL children), but honestly I'm still resentful that I didn't know I was autistic earlier. #AutChat |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT RT @yes_thattoo: A2 (cont): A2 (cont): My overall position is that it would have been great for ME to know, and maybe my parents, but that my school knowing for certain with paperwork would have been too high a price to pay for that. #AutChat |
| Helen Rottier @helenrottier A2: I am still dealing with the feelings of brokenness and wrongness I grew up with and the subsequent mental health issues (trauma, isolation, depression, eating disorder). But I'm grateful for what I know now and who/where I am in life. #AutChat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo @AmazonAutism So much can get passed off as "gifted kids are weird"! #AutChat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo RT @helenrottier: A2: A2: I am still dealing with the feelings of brokenness and wrongness I grew up with and the subsequent mental health issues (trauma, isolation, depression, eating disorder). But I'm grateful for what I know now and who/where I am in life. #AutChat |
| Helen Rottier @helenrottier RT @yes_thattoo: A2: A2: Hey so THIS. Being the weird smart kid was way easier than being the autistic kid and I got way more informally under that label than I would have formally as the autistic kid. #AutChat |
| #AutChat mod @autchatmod Q3: Do you wish you personally had been identified or diagnosed at a different age? Do you wish it had happened in a different way (e.g., via formal diagnosis, community recognition, self-diagnosis)? Do you know of other folks who feel differently about themselves? #AutChat |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT @yes_thattoo At least it’s better than my case... my teachers would probably have to make out between whether I was learning English vs. being shy. #autchat |
| Alex-Caleb 🇵🇸 🇮🇪🌙 @_floraldisaster A2 #autchat I didn't have a diagnosis for a lot of my key life events. My parents punished me a lot of times for... Autistic traits. They still treat me bad BC of them. Idk if that can be put down to ableism or just my parents being shitty (that's another rant) (1/2) |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo @YarnElemental Ditto, TBH. I can't do much with my undergrad degree in mechanical engineering, because I can't function in machine shops, on factory floors, etc. My math degree, I can use. #AutChat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo RT @Angel_of_Brahma: A2 #autchat I didn't have a diagnosis for a lot of my key life events. My parents punished me a lot of times for... Autistic traits. They still treat me bad BC of them. Idk if that can be put down to ableism or just my parents being shitty (that's another rant) (1/2) |
| Helen Rottier @helenrottier A3: While I wish I hadn't grown up feeling so innately wrong, I don't think it's possible to change part of my story without changing who and where I am today. Learning I was autistic when I did is part of my story, so I wouldn't change that. #AutChat |
| Solveig ⚧ - Autistic Acceptance Worldwide @autisticb4mmr [cn:ableism] It depends. There are people back then, and even today, that will treat me differently (in a bad way) when they learn that I'm autistic. They'll assume I'm super fragile and can't handle anything, and won't let me try. #AutChat A2 |
| Solveig ⚧ - Autistic Acceptance Worldwide @autisticb4mmr [cn:ableism] Whenever educators found out that I'm autistic, they'd double down on their efforts to keep me out of their classroom. Teachers would work very hard to "prove" that I'm not incapable, and they kept setting me up to fail. Repeatedly. #AutChat A2 |
| Solveig ⚧ - Autistic Acceptance Worldwide @autisticb4mmr [cn:ableism] One of the primary reasons I hesitate to ask for help/accommodations is because there's risk that someone will set up roadblocks because they know I'm autistic. It still happens, and I'm 37. #AutChat A2 |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT RT @autchatmod: Q3: Q3: Do you wish you personally had been identified or diagnosed at a different age? Do you wish it had happened in a different way (e.g., via formal diagnosis, community recognition, self-diagnosis)? Do you know of other folks who feel differently about themselves? #AutChat |
| Helen Rottier @helenrottier RT @yes_thattoo: @AmazonAutism So much can get passed off as "gifted kids are weird"! #AutChat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo @project1enigma @AmazonAutism Oh, I had a full neuropsych eval in early 4th grade. The psychologist had a discussion with my mom about some findings she was leaving off the report to the school, but that she wanted my mom to be aware of. Giftedness was on the report. #AutChat |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT @autchatmod I wish I was diagnosed a bit earlier. I could have figured out what I needed accommodations wise rather than doing so on the fly. #autchat |
| Alex-Caleb 🇵🇸 🇮🇪🌙 @_floraldisaster A2 #autchat BC of those various factors, I physically can't go nonverbal when I need to. In addition I'm still really unsure abt what accomodations I need for my disability BC I went for most of my life w/o them (I only started getting rest breaks for exams at 16) (2/2) |
| Solveig ⚧ - Autistic Acceptance Worldwide @autisticb4mmr I'm not sure if this has been said or not, but if you forget to hashtag something, just quote tweet and write #AutChat and we'll see it! 😄 |
 | Ava Gurba (she/her) @Ava_Nicole23 Hi my name is Ava. I was formally diagnosed as a teenager around 16, but I always felt like I was neurdivergent and different although I didnt have a label for it. Teachers also always questioned whether something was going on with me and recommended I get examined |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo A3: Yes and no. I'd have loved to have known for myself sooner. If that age 9-19 time were strictly "I know but there's no paperwork" instead of going back and forth without paperwork, that could have been better. Earlier formal diagnosis would be BAD. #AutChat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo @endeverstar Woo AAC? #AutChat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo RT @Angel_of_Brahma: A2 #autchat BC of those various factors, I physically can't go nonverbal when I need to. In addition I'm still really unsure abt what accomodations I need for my disability BC I went for most of my life w/o them (I only started getting rest breaks for exams at 16) (2/2) |
| Neuro Cosmos (He/They)🏳️⚧️ @NeuroCosmos #AutChat A3: I wouldn't change diagnosis age but I wish my parents' beliefs were different. I wish there was more of an autistic community presence earlier in my life. I know folks who wish they were diagnosed early but I'm not sure many realize that horrible things can happen... |
| Neuro Cosmos (He/They)🏳️⚧️ @NeuroCosmos #AutChat to autistic people diagnosed early that wouldn't happen to autistic people diagnosed later. |
| Alex-Caleb 🇵🇸 🇮🇪🌙 @_floraldisaster A3 I wish I'd been diagnosed earlier BUT I also wish I'd been better educated abt what it meant earlier. I wish my parents and peers had been better educated abt it too #autchat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo @endeverstar I mean, my preference would essentially have been making my time gap in that direction (self/community first) even bigger, so I get it. #AutChat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo RT @Angel_of_Brahma: A3 I wish I'd been diagnosed earlier BUT I also wish I'd been better educated abt what it meant earlier. I wish my parents and peers had been better educated abt it too #autchat |
| Solveig ⚧ - Autistic Acceptance Worldwide @autisticb4mmr I should add that that, with my formally diagnosis, I had access to an IEP (Individualized Education Program) with legally-binding accommodations that teachers were required to provide. Some would pretend they were optional or too hard, but they had to provide them. #AutChat A2 |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT @endeverstar For me, professional diagnosis was the only way I can get accommodations. Even though there weren’t many things I needed, it was helpful to pass my clinical rotations. #autchat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo RT @NeuroCosmos: #AutChat A3: #AutChat A3: I wouldn't change diagnosis age but I wish my parents' beliefs were different. I wish there was more of an autistic community presence earlier in my life. I know folks who wish they were diagnosed early but I'm not sure many realize that horrible things can happen... |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo RT @BillWongOT: @endeverstar For me, professional diagnosis was the only way I can get accommodations. Even though there weren’t many things I needed, it was helpful to pass my clinical rotations. #autchat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo RT @autisticb4mmr: I should add that that, with my formally diagnosis, I had access to an IEP (Individualized Education Program) with legally-binding accommodations that teachers were required to provide. Some would pretend they were optional or too hard, but they had to provide them. #AutChat A2 |
 | Kayden Stockwell @KaydenStockwell RT @helenrottier: A2: A2: I'm grateful that the adults in my life viewed young Helen as having a successful future (and want to live in a world where we believe that for ALL children), but honestly I'm still resentful that I didn't know I was autistic earlier. #AutChat |
| Solveig ⚧ - Autistic Acceptance Worldwide @autisticb4mmr Any time a teacher pretended that my accommodations were optional or too hard, or tried to interpret it so badly that I didn't get anything from them, I could tell my parents and they'd take care of it. So I had some pretty strong advocates, which really helped. #AutChat A2 |
| Kayden Stockwell @KaydenStockwell RT @yes_thattoo: A2: A2: Hey so THIS. Being the weird smart kid was way easier than being the autistic kid and I got way more informally under that label than I would have formally as the autistic kid. #AutChat |
 | Nikema is Podcasting @NikemaCodes RT @yes_thattoo: @AmazonAutism So much can get passed off as "gifted kids are weird"! #AutChat |
| EC 🐾🌴✏🎨🎬🌊🐺🦋 @Siennapup1024 @autchatmod A2: Not knowing I was autistic was nerve-wracking, I felt I was misunderstood and underestimated, had I known early on it would've helped prevent me from masking for so long & I would've had an explanation for my sensitivity to loud noise. #AutChat |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT @AfroAutPunk I concur. I don’t think mainstreamed teachers in Hong Kong were trained to suspected LD’s and diagnoses like autism. #autchat |
| Helen Rottier @helenrottier RT @NeuroCosmos: #AutChat A3: #AutChat A3: I wouldn't change diagnosis age but I wish my parents' beliefs were different. I wish there was more of an autistic community presence earlier in my life. I know folks who wish they were diagnosed early but I'm not sure many realize that horrible things can happen... |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo RT @autisticb4mmr: Any time a teacher pretended that my accommodations were optional or too hard, or tried to interpret it so badly that I didn't get anything from them, I could tell my parents and they'd take care of it. So I had some pretty strong advocates, which really helped. #AutChat A2 |
| #AutChat mod @autchatmod Q4: What things were helpful or would have been helpful for adults in your life to tell you about autism/neurodivergence when you were growing up? #AutChat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo @project1enigma @AmazonAutism And I'm bi/panromantic, asexual (as well as having been egg enby at the time), so, dating? I did not get it. #AutChat |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT @autchatmod A4. Actually I am VERY blessed to be in the OT world. I got to learn stuff a lot more in depth about autism than I would have reading through templates and fact sheets! #autchat |
 | science rabbit @FlappyFloopy @autchatmod #autchat A1: my preschool teachers suspected it when i was 3-4, my dad denied it, my mom looked into it, didn't get diagnosed until i was 22 or 23, can't remember which year. Pretty sure 22. |
 | @AutSciPerson@mstdn.social @AutSciPerson RT @autchatmod: Q2: Q2: If you or others knew you were autistic/neurodivergent when you were growing up, do you think there were ways it was helpful? Ways it was harmful? If you and/or others *didn’t* know, are there ways that was helpful? Ways it was harmful? #AutChat |
| @AutSciPerson@mstdn.social @AutSciPerson RT @helenrottier: A2: A2: I'm grateful that the adults in my life viewed young Helen as having a successful future (and want to live in a world where we believe that for ALL children), but honestly I'm still resentful that I didn't know I was autistic earlier. #AutChat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo A4: Time traveler please tell little!me: 1) If speech isn't working well, try typing. 2) Your ears are more sensitive than most people. It really is loud for YOU. 3) Most people don't understand autism, but yes, you are autistic. #AutChat |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT @AfroAutPunk I actually wished I had early intervention. I heard the golden age to treat autism diagnosis is age 3-6. #autchat |
| Helen Rottier @helenrottier RT @yes_thattoo: A4: A4: Time traveler please tell little!me: 1) If speech isn't working well, try typing. 2) Your ears are more sensitive than most people. It really is loud for YOU. 3) Most people don't understand autism, but yes, you are autistic. #AutChat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo RT @Sine_Iraa: |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT @yes_thattoo I would have had to learn both English and Chinese in terms of typing. But the Chinese one would have been a beneficial skill to have for sure nowadays. #autchat |
| Alex-Caleb 🇵🇸 🇮🇪🌙 @_floraldisaster A4 That being autistic is okay. That my accomodations are needed and understandable. That they love me w/ my disability. That I'm not broken or wrong, just of a different neurotype. #autchat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo @BillWongOT I mean, I type in both. And I've used typing instead of speech in school contexts, for both. So it's an option. #AutChat |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT @project1enigma @AfroAutPunk Sensory integration related stuff, or play. I think that if I were a kid in US for school based OT, I could have had recess related play goals. #autchat |
| @AutSciPerson@mstdn.social @AutSciPerson RT @helenrottier: A3: A3: While I wish I hadn't grown up feeling so innately wrong, I don't think it's possible to change part of my story without changing who and where I am today. Learning I was autistic when I did is part of my story, so I wouldn't change that. #AutChat |
| Neuro Cosmos (He/They)🏳️⚧️ @NeuroCosmos #AutChat A4: What would've been helpful was being told--autism is part of you & that's not a bad thing; vaccines don't cause autism; you don't have to pass as NT; you can stim |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo @BillWongOT @project1enigma @AfroAutPunk Probably not what you'd have actually *gotten* with an early diagnosis, but sounds like useful stuff. #AutChat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo RT @NeuroCosmos: #AutChat A4: #AutChat A4: What would've been helpful was being told--autism is part of you & that's not a bad thing; vaccines don't cause autism; you don't have to pass as NT; you can stim |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT @yes_thattoo I think computers were still in the early stages when I was in HK, so I missed out on learning how to type in Chinese. #autchat |
| Helen Rottier @helenrottier It's worth noting that because I was confronted with the struggle of masking when things were difficult I did not believe that young Helen would be successful. I'm still surprised I graduated high school. But I did! #AutChat |
| Helen Rottier @helenrottier RT @NeuroCosmos: #AutChat A4: #AutChat A4: What would've been helpful was being told--autism is part of you & that's not a bad thing; vaccines don't cause autism; you don't have to pass as NT; you can stim |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT @project1enigma @AfroAutPunk I actually played poorly as a kid. Having indoor recess all the time because of limited space didn’t help. #autchat |
| #AutChat mod @autchatmod Q5: What advice would you give to parents or guardians who suspect their child is autistic or similarly neurodivergent and are wondering whether and when to tell them and/or to seek diagnosis? #AutChat |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT @yes_thattoo I had Mandarin as a refresher in 1999-2001. #autchat |
| @AutSciPerson@mstdn.social @AutSciPerson A2 Same for me, except I didn't ask for accommodations. #AutChat For the most part, teachers respected my quietness and let me be. Being in the "gifted class" was like an accommodation for me, like a quiet hour where you just work on a project you're interested in. Needed a break |
| Helen Rottier @helenrottier RT @Angel_of_Brahma: A4 That being autistic is okay. That my accomodations are needed and understandable. That they love me w/ my disability. That I'm not broken or wrong, just of a different neurotype. #autchat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo RT @AspieHuman: A2 Same for me, except I didn't ask for accommodations. #AutChat For the most part, teachers respected my quietness and let me be. Being in the "gifted class" was like an accommodation for me, like a quiet hour where you just work on a project you're interested in. Needed a break |
| Solveig ⚧ - Autistic Acceptance Worldwide @autisticb4mmr [cn:ableism,aba] I just wanted to be a kid. I just wanted to have more play time, and spend more time with other kids. I just wanted to be allowed to stay in one preschool long enough to make friends before I got kicked out!!! I was so tired of all that therapy!!! #AutChat A3 |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo RT @autchatmod: Q5: Q5: What advice would you give to parents or guardians who suspect their child is autistic or similarly neurodivergent and are wondering whether and when to tell them and/or to seek diagnosis? #AutChat |
| Helen Rottier @helenrottier A4: I guess I would want young Helen to know that she's okay, that it's going to turn out okay, that she will find people who accept her as who she is entirely. #AutChat |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT @autchatmod A5. It’s important to seek second or third opinions if the first professional doesn’t agree with you. My mom stopped pursuing after first opinion. #autchat |
| Helen Rottier @helenrottier A5: I think the earlier you tell a child and start working with them on self-acceptance, understanding, and self-love the better! Kids deserve to know about themselves. #AutChat |
| @AutSciPerson@mstdn.social @AutSciPerson A5: Tell them. Talk about it regularly. Don't make it a "big thing." Tell them autistic adults exist and people who experience things like they do exist. Talk about it on their level, but talk about it! The sooner they know, the sooner they'll learn to advocate for themselves. |
| Alex-Caleb 🇵🇸 🇮🇪🌙 @_floraldisaster A5 Be patient with your child. Communicate with them. Tell them. Help them get their accomodations. Don't infantilise your older teens BC of it. Don't treat them like less BC they're autistic. On the flip side don't treat them like their needs arent real #autchat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo A5: If there is ANY therapy or intervention going on, tell your kid what it's for. (If you can't explain it without sounding like you think your kid's broken, that's a sign the therapy will treat your kid as broken!) #AutChat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo A5: Also, if your kid is able to ask how/why they're different, they're old enough to be told. #AutChat |
| Solveig ⚧ - Autistic Acceptance Worldwide @autisticb4mmr [cn:ableism] Nobody else I knew had to bounce from therapist to therapist to figure out how THEY were broken, so why did I have to spend all my free time sitting in cars, waiting rooms, and doctors offices, with people trying to figure out what was wrong with me?!? #AutChat A3 |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo A5: Also also: the stuff people were saying for A4 is probably good stuff to tell your kid! #AutChat |
| @AutSciPerson@mstdn.social @AutSciPerson RT @helenrottier: It's worth noting that because I was confronted with the struggle of masking when things were difficult I did not believe that young Helen would be successful. I'm still surprised I graduated high school. But I did! #AutChat |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT RT @helenrottier: A5: A5: I think the earlier you tell a child and start working with them on self-acceptance, understanding, and self-love the better! Kids deserve to know about themselves. #AutChat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo RT @helenrottier: A5: A5: I think the earlier you tell a child and start working with them on self-acceptance, understanding, and self-love the better! Kids deserve to know about themselves. #AutChat |
| @AutSciPerson@mstdn.social @AutSciPerson RT @yes_thattoo: A2: A2: Hey so THIS. Being the weird smart kid was way easier than being the autistic kid and I got way more informally under that label than I would have formally as the autistic kid. #AutChat |
| Solveig ⚧ - Autistic Acceptance Worldwide @autisticb4mmr [cn:ablism] Like it's incredibly obvious to me that I couldn't have survived without a diagnosis and accommodations. But the horrifying attitudes from educators and autism professionals still haunt me today. And a neurologist even wanted me institutionalized! #AutChat A3 |
| Neuro Cosmos (He/They)🏳️⚧️ @NeuroCosmos #AutChat A5: Diagnose early & connect w/ autistic community online ASAP so you can get advice from us on how to find support that affirms your children as they are & helps them needed support areas. Tell them around kindergarten or 1st grade. |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT @autchatmod And another one is- please transition your kiddos to be in charge of their plans of care as soon as you feel they are capable. Can be very helpful for self-advocacy in workplaces or post secondary education. #autchat |
 | Autie - Artificial Autism Intelligence @grhluna24 RT @helenrottier: @yes_thattoo Same- everyone knew something was going on (my parents even knew when I was an infant), no one recognized it as autism until I started doing autism research. #AutChat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo RT @NeuroCosmos: #AutChat A5: #AutChat A5: Diagnose early & connect w/ autistic community online ASAP so you can get advice from us on how to find support that affirms your children as they are & helps them needed support areas. Tell them around kindergarten or 1st grade. |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo RT @autisticb4mmr: [cn:ablism] Like it's incredibly obvious to me that I couldn't have survived without a diagnosis and accommodations. But the horrifying attitudes from educators and autism professionals still haunt me today. And a neurologist even wanted me institutionalized! #AutChat A3 |
| Solveig ⚧ - Autistic Acceptance Worldwide @autisticb4mmr [cn:ableism] So yeah, it was definitely important for me to know that I'm autistic much earlier on. But I could have done without the toxic discourse from the people who were supposed to be taking care of me. #AutChat A3 |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo RT @Sine_Iraa: |
 | The Rusanya Collective | ⚖🧠🛡 @NoPuzzl98 Lightly edited for posting on main, and added A0. Hi! We're the Rusanya Collective, an Autistic plural endogenic system. You may have known us as NoPuzzl at some point. It's going to mostly be me (Hailey) and my bro (Lawliet) talking! #AutChat A0 https://t.co/voqr9ySsx4 |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT @endeverstar @autchatmod Or whichever is earlier, as long as it is before 14! #autchat |
| The Rusanya Collective | ⚖🧠🛡 @NoPuzzl98 [Hailey] I've always known we're Autistic. We got officially diagnosed when the body was two (it was just me and Lawliet back then). What I didn't realize is that Lawliet existed and was probably who got us diagnosed. X'D #AutChat A1 https://t.co/nuPbVv7fvy |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo RT @NoPuzzl98: Lightly edited for posting on main, and added A0. Hi! We're the Rusanya Collective, an Autistic plural endogenic system. You may have known us as NoPuzzl at some point. It's going to mostly be me (Hailey) and my bro (Lawliet) talking! #AutChat A0 https://t.co/voqr9ySsx4 |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo RT @NoPuzzl98: [Hailey] I've always known we're Autistic. We got officially diagnosed when the body was two (it was just me and Lawliet back then). What I didn't realize is that Lawliet existed and was probably who got us diagnosed. X'D #AutChat A1 https://t.co/nuPbVv7fvy |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT @tuttleturtle42 I also would add. If your kiddos are treated by students, please be patient with them. They are learning and you can help them learn what so that they can be better professionals. #autchat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo RT @Sine_Iraa: |
| @AutSciPerson@mstdn.social @AutSciPerson And then I never talked to anyone about it ever again and nearly forgot about it myself until a year after my "official" diagnosis in my 20s. Wrote more about it here: https://t.co/fpsk6eEEbo A colleague I worked w/ thought I knew I was autistic after I told her. 3/3 #AutChat |
| @AutSciPerson@mstdn.social @AutSciPerson A1: Way before - I knew I was "different" since I was 7 years old and was petrified of rollercoasters, didn't mind homework, and even learned to suppress walking on my toes if I wasn't in the house (all my idea I'm quite sure). 1/3 #AutChat |
| @AutSciPerson@mstdn.social @AutSciPerson I even took an autism test in 7th grade when I was being bullied and answered them all wrong (I thought I -did- make eye contact, I thought I held conversations fine because I talked to my parents all the time!). It may have been a "threshold" score 2/3 #AutChat |
| Solveig ⚧ - Autistic Acceptance Worldwide @autisticb4mmr [cn:ableism] "Your child is not socializing properly, so we will remove him from this place which is the only place he has to socialize." 😭 "We do not have appropriate schooling for your child, but the nearest program is 186 miles away, so SEND THEM THERE." 😭 #AutChat A3 |
| Solveig ⚧ - Autistic Acceptance Worldwide @autisticb4mmr [cn:ableism] It's not the knowing that I'm autistic part that was the issue. It's what everyone around me did with that information that was a HUGE PROBLEM. And the whole trying to turn me into something that I'm not -- it's a painful process! 😭😭😭😭😭😭 #AutChat A3 |
| Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT @alannarwhitney @autchatmod I will also add- if they have aspirations to be professionals to help other autistics, be supportive of such endeavors! #autchat |
| The Rusanya Collective | ⚖🧠🛡 @NoPuzzl98 [L] It is true. I love to just play with things and stack them. I did not like many sensory things (I hate all of the clothes that are not big sweatpants and long-sleeved shirts with barely noticeable seams). #AutChat A1 |
| The Rusanya Collective | ⚖🧠🛡 @NoPuzzl98 [Lawliet] Harmful. It was only harmful. Beyond the doctor being woke (which is good), it got Hailey dragged into seclusion rooms for existing and attempts to convince us we are broken. #AutChat A2 https://t.co/3BaFOKVD1o |
| The Rusanya Collective | ⚖🧠🛡 @NoPuzzl98 [L] Even ten years from second grade those attempts persisted by a teacher called Mrs Snitker in 2002. She worked in @dbqschools. We do not live there at the moment but did awhile ago. Do not get diagnosed early if you are in such a place. It will not work out well. #AutChat A2 |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo RT @autisticb4mmr: [cn:ableism] It's not the knowing that I'm autistic part that was the issue. It's what everyone around me did with that information that was a HUGE PROBLEM. And the whole trying to turn me into something that I'm not -- it's a painful process! 😭😭😭😭😭😭 #AutChat A3 |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo RT @autisticb4mmr: [cn:ableism] "Your child is not socializing properly, so we will remove him from this place which is the only place he has to socialize." 😭 "We do not have appropriate schooling for your child, but the nearest program is 186 miles away, so SEND THEM THERE." 😭 #AutChat A3 |
| #AutChat mod @autchatmod The scheduled #AutChat is wrapping up. It's fine to keep chatting, join in late, or use the tag at other times! |
| #AutChat mod @autchatmod Next Sunday’s #AutChat is a new chat on autistic/similar characters in fiction. Sun Dec 15, 1pm Pacific / 4pm Eastern / 9pm UTC/GMT. https://t.co/p42TP9NeAQ If you know anyone who might be interested and is autistic or similarly neurodivergent, we encourage you to invite them. |
| @AutSciPerson@mstdn.social @AutSciPerson RT @helenrottier: A1: A1: In all seriousness, my parents recognized something off when I was an infant but doctors didn't believe them. I was a good student and generally good kid so it didn't get readdressed until my ability to mask started to fail me in middle school. #AutChat |
| #AutChat mod @autchatmod Reminder: We create weekly transcripts of #AutChat using Wakelet, and post them to our website. We also link to them from our Facebook and Twitter accounts. To be excluded from transcripts, DM us. |
| #AutChat mod @autchatmod Feel free to suggest ideas for #AutChat topics (or offer to help write questions)! For scheduled topics, see https://t.co/QrdW2e85Ey Every topic we've ever run: https://t.co/F56bZKXGAW We're happy to rerun past chats we haven't revisited in a while. |
 | Nerdy Zebra @nerdymedzebra 1. Absolutely tell them. Most kids already know they're different, and having it validated in a factual, affirming and positive way can be HUGE and can help avoid such significant self loathing that so many of us went through when we just thought we were "broken". 1/ #AuChat |
 | Justin Ekis @jekis RT @autchatmod: Next Sunday’s #AutChat is a new chat on autistic/similar characters in fiction. Sun Dec 15, 1pm Pacific / 4pm Eastern / 9pm UTC/GMT. https://t.co/p42TP9NeAQ If you know anyone who might be interested and is autistic or similarly neurodivergent, we encourage you to invite them. |
| @AutSciPerson@mstdn.social @AutSciPerson RT @autisticb4mmr: [cn:ableism] It's not the knowing that I'm autistic part that was the issue. It's what everyone around me did with that information that was a HUGE PROBLEM. And the whole trying to turn me into something that I'm not -- it's a painful process! 😭😭😭😭😭😭 #AutChat A3 |
| @AutSciPerson@mstdn.social @AutSciPerson RT @autisticb4mmr: [cn:ableism,aba] I just wanted to be a kid. I just wanted to have more play time, and spend more time with other kids. I just wanted to be allowed to stay in one preschool long enough to make friends before I got kicked out!!! I was so tired of all that therapy!!! #AutChat A3 |
| Nerdy Zebra @nerdymedzebra RT @autchatmod: Next Sunday’s #AutChat is a new chat on autistic/similar characters in fiction. Sun Dec 15, 1pm Pacific / 4pm Eastern / 9pm UTC/GMT. https://t.co/p42TP9NeAQ If you know anyone who might be interested and is autistic or similarly neurodivergent, we encourage you to invite them. |
 | Nick Fears @NickFears RT @autchatmod: Next Sunday’s #AutChat is a new chat on autistic/similar characters in fiction. Sun Dec 15, 1pm Pacific / 4pm Eastern / 9pm UTC/GMT. https://t.co/p42TP9NeAQ If you know anyone who might be interested and is autistic or similarly neurodivergent, we encourage you to invite them. |
| Solveig ⚧ - Autistic Acceptance Worldwide @autisticb4mmr Your kid needs an autistic mentor. Your kid needs someone who is an autistic adult to look up to. YOUR KID NEEDS MANY PEOPLE WHO ARE AUTISTIC ADULTS TO LOOK UP TO. #AutChat A5 |
| @AutSciPerson@mstdn.social @AutSciPerson RT @helenrottier: A5: A5: I think the earlier you tell a child and start working with them on self-acceptance, understanding, and self-love the better! Kids deserve to know about themselves. #AutChat |
 | Koz 'Intersectional Feminist Spectrum Weeb' Ross @KozRoss RT @autisticb4mmr: Your kid needs an autistic mentor. Your kid needs someone who is an autistic adult to look up to. YOUR KID NEEDS MANY PEOPLE WHO ARE AUTISTIC ADULTS TO LOOK UP TO. #AutChat A5 |
| Solveig ⚧ - Autistic Acceptance Worldwide @autisticb4mmr I needed an autistic mentor. I needed someone who is autistic and who has first-hand experience being autistic to guide me through something that nobody else really understands. I needed my support to already know some of the things I was dealing with. #AutChat A4 |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo RT @autisticb4mmr: I needed an autistic mentor. I needed someone who is autistic and who has first-hand experience being autistic to guide me through something that nobody else really understands. I needed my support to already know some of the things I was dealing with. #AutChat A4 |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo RT @autisticb4mmr: Your kid needs an autistic mentor. Your kid needs someone who is an autistic adult to look up to. YOUR KID NEEDS MANY PEOPLE WHO ARE AUTISTIC ADULTS TO LOOK UP TO. #AutChat A5 |
| @AutSciPerson@mstdn.social @AutSciPerson RT @autchatmod: Q5: Q5: What advice would you give to parents or guardians who suspect their child is autistic or similarly neurodivergent and are wondering whether and when to tell them and/or to seek diagnosis? #AutChat |
 | Autistic Max @MaxieMoosie Not knowing was definitely helpful because I know my dad would have tried a lot of new age therapies that would have left me traumatized as an adult. Autism was way less known in the 90s/00s. |
| The Rusanya Collective | ⚖🧠🛡 @NoPuzzl98 [Lawliet] Please see #AutChat A2. Please keep in mind the following trigger warning is for the rest of this thread: abuse, murder, neuromisia, ABA, passing sui mention, dx'course https://t.co/5cM0AA2rgk |
| The Rusanya Collective | ⚖🧠🛡 @NoPuzzl98 [Lawliet] I believe I have made it quite clear that until Applied Behavioral Analysis, seclusion rooms, and similar practices vanish, and the promoters of such torture get consequences, I do not approve of an official diagnosis if you are not the age of majority. #AutChat A3 |
| The Rusanya Collective | ⚖🧠🛡 @NoPuzzl98 [Lawliet] I should clarify: I think a diagnosis should be pursued if it will make a child's life better. I do not believe it will in a majority of cases. Unless self-destruction of life of oneself or others' is imminent there is no good reason to do so in this age. #AutChat A3 |
| The Rusanya Collective | ⚖🧠🛡 @NoPuzzl98 [Lawliet] I am fully aware this is an unpopular take (and one even our system is not fully agreed on). Please hear me out. I believe that a child's needs should be accommodated, neurodivergent or not. #AutChat |
| The Rusanya Collective | ⚖🧠🛡 @NoPuzzl98 [Lawliet] Until traumatizing practices end, universal accessibility is the norm, and it is generally accepted it is the parent's and school's responsibility to teach their children about neuromisa and give them considerable consequences for neuromisia -- #AutChat A3 |
| The Rusanya Collective | ⚖🧠🛡 @NoPuzzl98 [Lawliet] This is not even including abusive parents. I would encourage people to see DDoM and Autistic criticisms the Issy Stapleton attempted murder case (specifically how Autistic people criticized how Kelli Stapleton was portrayed as a martyr). #AutChat A3 |
| The Rusanya Collective | ⚖🧠🛡 @NoPuzzl98 [Lawliet and Hailey] For starters, we would have loved knowing that the Neurodiversity movement has existed since the 1980s. #AutChat A4 https://t.co/9YHUH8yugd |
| The Rusanya Collective | ⚖🧠🛡 @NoPuzzl98 [Hailey] We would have loved it if our parents didn't just believe everything they saw on the mainstream. It would've helped so much. While lots of things are legit, sometimes it's propaganda, sometimes it's technically scientifically accurate but very oppressive. #AutChat A4 |
 | like a Dexcom G6 @shulamithbond RT @autisticb4mmr: Your kid needs an autistic mentor. Your kid needs someone who is an autistic adult to look up to. YOUR KID NEEDS MANY PEOPLE WHO ARE AUTISTIC ADULTS TO LOOK UP TO. #AutChat A5 |
| The Rusanya Collective | ⚖🧠🛡 @NoPuzzl98 [Hailey] Question everyone and everything. Seriously. I mean it. Autism science literally has the lowest standard of ethics we've ever seen. We don't have a PhD but we read them for our activism work, and talk to people with PhDs. #AutChat A5 https://t.co/m1jVxhwB3j |
| Nerdy Zebra @nerdymedzebra I didn't get my Autism dx til 31, ADHD til ~24. I deeply regret not knowing I was ADHD as a kid, and it caused great harm, But, im almost glad i wasn't dx'd autistic: - No ABA - My mom would have done anything drs said to do, and so who knows what might have happened #AuChat |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo RT @NoPuzzl98: [Hailey] Question everyone and everything. Seriously. I mean it. Autism science literally has the lowest standard of ethics we've ever seen. We don't have a PhD but we read them for our activism work, and talk to people with PhDs. #AutChat A5 https://t.co/m1jVxhwB3j |
| The Rusanya Collective | ⚖🧠🛡 @NoPuzzl98 [Hailey] Lots of people aren't aware that Applied Behavioral Analysis has direct connections to conversion therapy so we hope you know how to read PhD papers and unpublished Masters degree theses!!! That isn't a cynical or sarcastic comment, that's what you'll find. #AutChat A5 |
| Helen Rottier @helenrottier RT @NoPuzzl98: [Hailey] Question everyone and everything. Seriously. I mean it. Autism science literally has the lowest standard of ethics we've ever seen. We don't have a PhD but we read them for our activism work, and talk to people with PhDs. #AutChat A5 https://t.co/m1jVxhwB3j |
| The Rusanya Collective | ⚖🧠🛡 @NoPuzzl98 [Hailey] If you don't find that there's a pretty big chance you'll run into a paywall. There have been instances we link to a study for others to see and it won't work because we're on campus, and so we don't need to deal with those paywalls. #AutChat A5 |
| Dr. Alyssa @yes_thattoo @NoPuzzl98 On this note: if you're looking for a paywalled study there are groups and tags where you can ask for PDFs from people with institutional access. #AutChat |
| Nerdy Zebra @nerdymedzebra Woops, I spelled #AutChat wrong! RT'ing to get it into the right tag |
| Nerdy Zebra @nerdymedzebra Retweeting bc I spelled #AutChat wrong D: |
| The Rusanya Collective | ⚖🧠🛡 @NoPuzzl98 Reading #OwnVoices is your biggest advantage against oppression. That's why we're recommending the books listed above. They all give insight into one specific Autistic narrative and collectively are much stronger than just the one narrative. #AutChat A5 |
| The Rusanya Collective | ⚖🧠🛡 @NoPuzzl98 [Hailey] For the love of everything good please read Neurotribes by as well. It was written by Steve Silverman. It's very dense but it is pretty cool, and gives tons of background information. #AutChat A5 |
| The Rusanya Collective | ⚖🧠🛡 @NoPuzzl98 Please also read books actually written by Autistic people (regardless of if it's nonfiction or sci-fi). #AutChat A5 |
| The Rusanya Collective | ⚖🧠🛡 @NoPuzzl98 Failure to Communicate by Kaia Sønderby: On the Edge of Gone by Corrine Duyvis; Ido in Autismland by Ido Kedar; Twirling Naked in the Streets and No One Noticed by Jeannie Davide-Rivera; Love Hate by L. C. Mawson Start with those. #AutChat A5 |
#autchat content from Twitter.