I want to look at some of the strengths and advantages of the being autistic. I say autistic rather than neurodiverse because that is my lived experience. The term neurodiverse encompasses a wide range of abilities that are different to neurotypical ways of thinking. In the paper by Livingston et al (2019), a study ofContinue reading “Moving forward”
Category Archives: neurodiverse
Writing a Dissertation as a Neurodiverse Visual Artist.
Photograph by Babs Cooper. Edited by Jill Boyd. My premise was that accessibility should be one of the themes of my MA Photography, alongside justice, social engagement and equality. I envisaged an MA done on a mobile (cell) phone which represented an accessible resource that has a familiar presence in wealthy countries. The devices themselvesContinue reading “Writing a Dissertation as a Neurodiverse Visual Artist.”
Be Brave. . .and go for it. Take a risk.
I’d like to talk about fears for the neurodiverse individual which can affect functioning and how theses fears could originate. Vance (2020) describes uncertainty as a significant stressor for an autistic person. She states that “Knowing what to expect, or why things happen, and being prepared for what makes them stressful gives the autistic personContinue reading “Be Brave. . .and go for it. Take a risk.”
The ‘What is your need?’ question
Is it enough to just type ‘Autism’ when told by the Arts Council email that the ‘participant’ (me) has to state what their need is when applying for money to pay someone to help me apply for an Arts Council ‘Developing Your Creative Practice‘ grant for round 11. Then it wants me to identify whatContinue reading “The ‘What is your need?’ question”
Actor or Self?
I have been thinking about my late diagnosis and how I have managed in life up until then. Of course, l haven’t exactly metamorphosed into a different being but I have become less controlled in my emotions and anxiety levels. At 55 years old I am going through, abet a rapid, journey of being oneselfContinue reading “Actor or Self?”
Recognising ‘blind spots’
I have several confessions. I find it quite funny really. For example, I didn’t understand how to leave school so I stayed on to do A levels then art foundation and a fine art degree. A teacher in the 80s said you should go to art college. Oh, ok says I. I confess I didn’tContinue reading “Recognising ‘blind spots’”
Understanding Terminology in Education
I have an experience of listening in school and lectures in university and colleges. The interpretations I glean from the dialogue amongst a group in educational and academic arenas can be a challenge but once I feel orientated and comfortable in the group I am able to ask specifically what is meant by a certainContinue reading “Understanding Terminology in Education”
Neurodiverse rather than Autistic.
Thank you Judy Singer for liberating me and creating a word with new positive connotations of a presentation that was once a ‘disorder’. Nah, I am not that individual who wants to fit in to unfittable space anymore, or has to become a chameleon to appear to communicate with apologies for not getting ‘it’, whateverContinue reading “Neurodiverse rather than Autistic.”
Let’s look at some of the issues.
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 aContinue reading “Let’s look at some of the issues.”
A Day in My Life
Processing one day at my university, studying part-time as a mature student who is neurodiverse. Please note that these photographs are intended to display my personal experience, personified through the figure in the photographs. The texts confirm the intention for the viewer. These are not intended as any criticism of anyone or any organisation. IContinue reading “A Day in My Life”
Exploration of Life as a Neurodiverse Creative 