Lmst

[Harmony] Finding this video incredibly fascinating:

"Plural: Neurodiversity, Neurominority" by the Manifold Obscura

#Plurality #PluralResources #Neurodiversity #Neuroqueering

Trying to heed Nova's advice today. Had a change to my routine this morning after a couple of really hard weeks, and I feel like shit.

Exhausted, weepy, close to meltdown.

Feeling frustrated I can't just do what I want/need to, and so much shame that I can't just be a normal fucking person.

I hate this. I hate how autism impacts my life sometimes.

But I'm going to really try and remember this isn't my fault, that I don't choose this, and that looking after myself is not the same as being self indulgent.

I'm going to try and rest and be kind to myself 💜

#Autism #Autistic #AutismSucksSometimes #Meltdown #AutisticSelfCare #ShameGoblinBeQuiet #Neuroqueer #Neuroqueering #NovaSeilcheag

A pale green to blue gradient background with black writing that says: NOVA SEILCHEAG, THE NEUROQUEERING SNAIL, SAYS.. Being exhausted and emotional from doing new things doesn't mean you're not grateful for those experiences Being disregulated from changes to your routine doesn't make you a bad person You can enjoy new things AND find it challenging at the same time Beating yourself up for the things you find hard is a difficult habit to break but it is worth trying Try to be kind to yourself, you didn't ask to find these things so hard

Neurodivergent health and wellbeing can be even more complicated than it is for neurotypical people.

Which can be, at best, frustrating.

But, even if you feel you somehow did something to cause or exacerbate your health challenges (like me with dental matters) we all still deserve compassion, patience, and understanding. Especially from ourselves!

Yeah, maybe like me your depression made it hard to care for yourself and you're paying for it now. Doesn't mean we should be shitty to ourselves about it. Shame, self flagellation, cruel self talk, they don't help. They've never helped.

Learning to be compassionate to ourselves about this issue (well, ideally about everything!) makes it easier to actually face our problems.

We all deserve to live in the best health possible within the context of our own situation 💜

#Neurodivergent #Neurodivergence #Neuroqueer #Neuroqueering #Health #Wellbeing #NeurodivergentHealth #NeurodivergentWellbeing #SelfCompassion

A pale green to blue gradient background with a snail silhouette in the top left corner. In black writing it says:
NOVA SEILCHEAG, THE NEUROQUEERING SNAIL, SAYS...

Neurodivergent health and wellbeing can be bloody complicated

Executive dysfunction, sensory issues, comorbidities, and the fact we often don't respond to treatments in a "normal" way can all play a part in how challenging it can be

It's understandable to be pissed off/frustrated/sad/anything you feel about that!

It is NOT something to be ashamed of, though, please try not to beat yourself up about it

Each statement has a snail emoji at the start.

You don't have to know every single fact about your special interests for them to be special interests!
It's about how they make us feel and how we engage with them!

I don't know every fact about badgers, or Star Trek, but that doesn't mean they're any less an intensive autistic interest to me.

#SpecialInterests #Autism #Autistic #Nature #Comedy #Badgers #Plants #Knitting #Crafts #Neuroqueering #Neurodivergence #Snails #Reading #SciFi

A pale green to blue gradient background with the title "My special interests" in all caps black writing. Under that, it says:
I don't necessarily know everything about these subjects. Not all autistic folk engage with our SpIns in that way. For instance, despite my love of plants I cannot seem to remember their names or how to identify trees. It's a little frustrating sometimes!

I tend to collect pins, posts and items connected to mine. I enjoy pictures and videos of badgers, I watch and read sci fi and comedy. I knit and make things when I have the energy.

You don't have to know every detail of a special interest for it to BE a special interest!

A pale green to blue gradient background with "my special interests" at the top in all caps black writing. Under that, are clip art images for the following subjects: nature, comedy, badgers, plants, knitting and other crafts, neurodivergence and neuroqueering, snails, reading, and sci-fi.

A non comprehensive list of thoughts and examples of what neuroqueer(ing) *CAN* look like.

Although, as Nick Walker says...

"...any effort to establish an “authoritative” definition of neuroqueer is in some sense inherently doomed and ridiculous, simply because the sort of people who identify as neuroqueer and engage in neuroqueering tend to be the sort of people who delight in subverting definitions, concepts, and authority."

https://neuroqueer.com/neuroqueer-an-introduction/

#Neuroqueer #Neuroqueering #NeuroqueeringLife #Queering

A turquoise background with black writing that says:
NEUROQUEERING
Neuroqueering is the act of liberating ourselves from neuroconforming and cishet expectations. This can include.....
• Confronting "should" thoughts
• Challenging our assumptions and being open to having them challenged
• Thinking about differences rather than deficits
• ENDLESS self reflection!
• Authentic self care, based on our actual needs
• Seeking out the voices of those who have been "othered" by society
• Existing as a neuroqueer person in the world!

From a Rage Against The Machine themed wellbeing package I made a while ago. The package was focused on embracing identity and anger as a tool, using the recipient's RATM special interest at the core.

#RageAgainstTheMachine #RATM #FuckYouIWontDoWhatYouTellMe #AngerIsNotAnEvil #ItsWhatWeDoWithAngerThatMatters #SpecialInterests #SpecialInterestsHeal #SpIns #NeurodivergentHealing #Neuroqueering #Neuroqueer #Neurodivergent #Wellbeing #Emotions

The background is a generic shot of an audience at a gig, with raised hands and blue lights shining from the stage. In a black box in white writing in the middle it says:
In a society determined to control me because I am *Insert label as appropriate*, some of the most powerful words I can live by really are "FUCK YOU I WONT DO WHAT YOU TELL ME!"

Lots of common therapies, medications, and coping techniques don't work as well for neurodivergent people.

Which can definitely be frustrating and annoying. Especially because we don't know what will work til we've tried it!

But, just because standard treatments might not work, it doesn't mean NOTHING will. It just might take more trial and error than usual. Again, annoying!

It's also one of the reasons why having neurodivergent community can be so valuable. Seeing what HAS worked for others in similar situations can at least give us a starting point.

Neuroqueering this stuff, together!

#Neurodivergent #Neurodivergence #Neuroqueering #Neuroqueer #Therapy #MentalHealth #NeuroqueerCopingMechanisms #NeurodivergentCommunity #NeuroqueerCommunity

A background of mostly turquoise blue, with red, yellow, and dark blue blocks of colour on the left. Where the colours meet is a rainbow infinity symbol, and on the turquoise in white writing it says "Many sstastandard coping mechanisms and therapies won't work for me and that's OK, annoying but ok"

Lots of neurodivergent folk feel things VERY intensely. Which can be hard sometimes. But it doesn't make us lesser. It doesn't make us "drama queens." It doesn't make us wrong.

It can be overwhelming, tiring, and sometimes even embarrassing. But being shitty to ourselves about it doesn't make it easier to deal with. Accepting that we feel things super intensely can help us learn to cope when it happens!

And, sometimes feeling things super intensely can be freaking AWESOME! Not for all of us, we're not Borg, no one's experience is universal. But I wouldn't give up the enthusiasm, passion, and joy I feel so intensely just because I also feel less fun things just as strongly!

#Neurodivergent #Neuroqueer #Neuroqueering #Feelings #Emotions #MentalHealth #MentalWellbeing #FeelIt

A blue to purple gradient background with black writing that says: Neurodivergent Affirmations.
Under that is a rainbow infinity symbol. And under that in black writing it says: I feel things intensely and that's OK, difficult sometimes, but OK!

A green to yellow gradient background with black writing that says: Neurodivergent Affirmations.
Under that is a rainbow infinity symbol. And under that in black writing it says: I feel things intensely and that's OK, difficult sometimes, but OK!

A yellow to orange gradient background with black writing that says: Neurodivergent Affirmations.
Under that is a rainbow infinity symbol. And under that in black writing it says: I feel things intensely and that's OK, difficult sometimes, but OK!

A pale green to pale blue gradient background with black writing that says: Neurodivergent Affirmations.
Under that is a rainbow infinity symbol. And under that in black writing it says: I feel things intensely and that's OK, difficult sometimes, but OK!

@autisticrealms A UK based autism advocate and educator with loads of great articles and resources for autistic folk!

https://autisticrealms.com/

#Autism #Autistic #Neuroqueering #Monotropism

Sometimes our best is doing a whole bunch of stuff. Sometimes it's doing one thing that really needs done.

And, sometimes, doing our best means resting.

Doing our best can look different for everyone on different days, but especially for those of us who live with variable disabilities. Any number of things can impact our energy and capacity.

Doing our best every day doesn't mean pushing ourselves to breaking, or burnout!

Sometimes, doing our best looks a lot like doing nothing!

#Neuroqueering ##Neuroqueer #DoingMyBest #RestIsBestToday #Rest #SelfCare #SelfCompassion

A yellow to orange gradient background. At the top, in black all caps letters, it says "Neurodivergent affirmations." Under that is a rainbow infinity symbol. And under that, in black writing, it says "I do my best every day, and try to accept that my best may vary."

A blue to purple gradient background. At the top, in black all caps letters, it says "Neurodivergent affirmations." Under that is a rainbow infinity symbol. And under that, in black writing, it says "I do my best every day, and try to accept that my best may vary."

A light green to yellow gradient background. At the top, in black all caps letters, it says "Neurodivergent affirmations." Under that is a rainbow infinity symbol. And under that, in black writing, it says "I do my best every day, and try to accept that my best may vary."

A pale green to pale orange gradient background. At the top, in black all caps letters, it says "Neurodivergent affirmations." Under that is a rainbow infinity symbol. And under that, in black writing, it says "I do my best every day, and try to accept that my best may vary."

Battered and bruised and carrying on as best it can.

Got my first shift volunteering this morning. It was quite noisy when I went for my interview and I'm pretty nervous about what the sensory experience might be like.

So, I'll learn from the snails. I'll take it slow and steady and ease my own way with noise reducing headphones, stim items, sunglasses, and being honest if it is too much for me.

#SnailLife #Neuroqueering #Autistic #AutisticWellbeing

A snail hiding in dense leaves. Its shell it dark brown and yellow and is pretty cracked and damaged.

Embrace snail magic today and every day!

Go at your own pace.

Ease your own way where possible.

Hide if you need to, but remember to emerge when it's safe again.

Bear in mind that progress is progress, no matter how slow. And that progress looks different to everyone.

Try to forget "should" and deal with what IS.

Neuroqueer the hell out of your life and the world around you!

#SnailMagic #Neuroqueering #SnailsAreNeuroqueering

An old snail shell lying in leaf litter. The shell is dark brown round the outside and peeling/fading to grey in the centre.

Coming this Wednesday!

#psychedelics #psychedelictherapy #psychedelicscience #psychology #psychotherapy #therapy #mind #cognition #consciousness #neurodiversity #neurodivergence #autism #autistic #neuroqueering

https://open-foundation.org/events/online/autism-psychedelics-a-continuing-conversation/

We neurodivergent folks often need to approach things differently, but that doesn't make our way wrong.

If you're not hurting anyone, ideally including yourself, have at it!

Brush your teeth at a time that is convenient for you. Eat in the dark. Work in the middle of the night. Learn what works for you and to hell with what is "normal" 🤢

#Neurodivergent #Affirmations #DifferentNotWrong #Neuroqueer #Neuroqueering #Neurodivergence

A yellow to orange gradient background, with the words "Neurodivergent Affirmations" at the top in all black capital letters. Under that is a rainbow infinity symbol, under which is black writing that says "There is rarely one right way to do things. What works for me IS the right way in MY life!"

A pink to purple gradient background, with the words "Neurodivergent Affirmations" at the top in all black capital letters. Under that is a rainbow infinity symbol, under which is black writing that says "There is rarely one right way to do things. What works for me IS the right way in MY life!"

A green to yellow gradient background, with the words "Neurodivergent Affirmations" at the top in all black capital letters. Under that is a rainbow infinity symbol, under which is black writing that says "There is rarely one right way to do things. What works for me IS the right way in MY life!"

A blue to purple gradient background, with the words "Neurodivergent Affirmations" at the top in all black capital letters. Under that is a rainbow infinity symbol, under which is black writing that says "There is rarely one right way to do things. What works for me IS the right way in MY life!"

This is the exact kind of stuff I mean when I talk about neuroqueering our wellbeing.

Brushing our teeth when we damn well remember, or when it is convenient for us as individuals, instead of tying ourselves in knots trying to match some social standard that doesn't work for us!

The "right" way to do something is the way that works for the person in question. What's right for me might not be right for you, and vice versa.

#Neuroqueer #Neuroqueering #DoWhatWorksForYou

A tumblr text post by user 'bibliocharlie' from Nov 16 2023.
It reads:
the most helpful thing i have ever seen from
neurodivergent internet spaces is "THERE ARE
OTHER TIMES OF DAY TO BRUSH YOUR TEETH". this has genuinely saved me from executive dysfunction spirals so many times.

#mine #text post #random thoughts
#neurodiversity #neurodivergent
#neurodiverse stuff #neurospicy

Needing some self compassion right now. It's so hard. So hard to change the mental habits of a lifetime. Changing patterns of thought from self abuse to self compassion is HARD WORK. But, I'm tired of feeling ashamed of things I can't control.

Self compassion is a powerful antidote to that shame, but remembering to use it isn't easy.

#SelfCompassion #SwearingHeals #SwearingAffirmations #Affirmations #Neuroqueering #Wellbeing #Autistic

A starry sky background with the silhouettes of trees and hills at the bottom. In the sky, in white writing it says: Self compassion can be fucking hard to develop, but like most skills it gets easier with practice.

Here's the video of my 6/26 conversation on "Neuroqueering Somatics," hosted by the International Somatic Movement Education & Therapy Association.

#neuroqueer #neuroqueering #neurodiversity #somatics #psychology #consciousness #cognition #awareness #embodiment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RItPRHz0DhA

Life advice can come from many places!

Today, I'm listening to sloths and slowing down. I was so tired on my morning walk I was nearly crying, clearly I NEED to rest. And that's OK. It's not lazy to prioritise our own wellbeing.

#SlothLife #Sloth #Sloths #AdviceFromASloth #WellbeingThroughSpecialInterests #WellbeingAdvice #Neuroqueering #NeuroqueeringWellbeing

A sloth on a tree, with a grey sky behind. To the side of the sloth, in black writing, it says: Slowing down isn't laziness, it's essential for health sometimes.

We can learn so much from snails!

There's rarely one right/correct way to accomplish something.

Especially for neurodivergent folk. The way we need to approach things might be different from "normal," but that doesn't mean it's wrong!

#Neuroqueering #YouDoYou #AnItHurtNoneDoAsYouWill

A large brown snail attached to a branch upside down, from our perspective! Under that, in black writing on an orange background, it says: "Snails are 'gravity oblivious' and still get where they need to go - just because I do things differently from others doesn't mean I'm doing things "wrong"!

Many of us neurodivergent, neuroqueer folk have spent a lot of time having our experiences and feelings invalidated by those who don't, or won't, understand us. It can make us question and doubt ourselves, and in many cases absolutely destroy our self confidence.

An affirmation won't undo all that, unfortunately. But, it might help a little to balance the part of us that internalised it all!

#Neuroqueering #Neuroqueer #Neurodivergent #Queer #NeuroqueerAffirmations #SelfWorth

#Neuroqueering

Client Info