Autism Resources
~What is Autism?
Some brains are different enough that there's a word for it, and that's Autism. You see, the structures of the brain developed very differently in the Autistic brain. Pruning, where the brain removes unneeded connections, doesn't happen at nearly the same rate in the Autistic brains while the baby is developing in and outside the womb. This means that an Autistic person generally has more connections than the non-autistic, or 'allistic' brain.
~What Autism looks like
-sensory issues with body and most/all senses
-exaggerated movement and noises for stimulation, also called Stimming
-issues determining body sensations, like when we have to go to the bathroom, also called Interoception
-struggles with identifying emotions of oneself and others
-strong sense of empathy, justice, and morals
-hyper-fixation and special interests are important
~Self Diagnosis
Self diagnosis is not only valid, it is widely accepts amongst Autistics. The biggest common factor Twizzl has come across is the life-long feeling of being different - maybe you've felt like an alien or a weirdo. Using the diagnostic tools from Embrace Autism (listed below), one can diagnose oneself. Finding out you're Autistic allows you to find your tribe and the name of what makes you so different.
~Food & Drink
Many Autistic people prefer to stick to a smaller list of food and drink items since taste, texture, and overall quality of each substance can have a greater effect on the senses of an Autistic person. Twizzl herself chooses to eat the same meals over and over again. For more information, look into "tasters and non-tasters".
~Clothes
Due to the fast-fashion, capitalistic ways of corporate America, no stores are really worth buying clothes at. Low wages, poor working conditions, mandatory overtime, child labor, pollution from all the shipping of items between stages of production, should I go on? The best bet for quality, comfortable, affordable clothes may be thrift shopping. At the second-hand store, some of the product has never even been worn before. You can check each item for sensory issues and wear and tear. Items without inside seems or tags are best.
~Special Interests
Activities that excite and interest the Autistic will be a very important part of their life. These things should be celebrated and encouraged.
~Stimming
Moving our bodies in physically appealing ways has always been important to humans, and physical stimulation is a favorite among all people. Whether it be tapping your pen, singing instead of talking, or repeating a phrase just because it sounds nice, stimming is a way to release excess energy.
~Hyper Focusing
Time blindness and hyper focusing are two other issues Autistics have to face. They may seem like superpowers sometimes, but they can always be detrimental when done in unwanted circumstances.
~ADHD & ADD
Attention Deficit and Hyperactive Disorder or ADHD (ADD existed before they were combined into one term) involves overstimulation in the brain and body. The three types include Attention Deficits, Hyperactivity Issues, or a combination of the two.
Medication is not necessary for most children, and many adults benefit from one type of medication or another. Stimulants affect those with ADHD differently and can be a vital part of some people's work regimens.
~Questions?
Email Twizzl (who's Autistic) with questions or concerns about Autism at theTwizzl@twizzlindustries.com. She is here as a resource to help you navigate Autism and its challenges.
