Disclaimer time: All this is my view and may or may not reflect other’s experience as neurodiverse and is not the views of any organisation, or institution.
Mental health & wellbeing is a hot topic of late, especially due to increased isolation in covid-19 times. As a person who has not noticed much of a difference in terms of being isolated, usually by choice, wellbeing has always been a defining factor for everyday existence where a variety of demands on the self raises levels of angst. I may sound quite flippant and I don’t want to rant so this is a pondering text, exploring some of the issues that are present for me and probably others.
Navigation of systems to access support/help often angers me as I need support / help to access the support/help processes. The irony of this experience is another hurdle to manage. My best experience was actually going to my assessment for autism at the NHS Leeds Autism Diagnostic Service (LADS) and the website for directions to the place was so well thought out and reflected the needs and experience of navigating new places for an autistic individual.
Having had a positive and anxiety-reducing experience, other institutions and their websites proved glaringly not autism-friendly.
I have support now, thanks to an amazing Disability Advice Officer at my University and a great welfare support team in situ. They give me the strength to effect change by listening and exploring the issues with me. Lecturers are also supportive and patient. For that I am very grateful.
Exploration of Life as a Neurodiverse Creative 