Tag: neurotypical

Autistics Performing Neurotypicality

June 21st, 2022

It’s been said that refusing to perform neurotypicality is like refusing to put on a mask. In a society that often values conformity, those of us who don’t conform can feel like we’re constantly swimming upstream. We’re different, and that can be difficult.

But it’s important to remember that being different is not a bad thing. In fact, it can be a good thing. It means we think outside the box, we’re creative, and we have the ability to see the world in a different way.

Those of us who don’t conform to societal norms often have to work a little harder to find our place in the world. But it’s important to remember that we have just as much value as anyone else. We just have to find our own way to shine.

In the book Unmasking Autism it is said:

“Refusing to perform neurotypicality is a revolutionary act of disability justice. It’s also a radical act of self-love.” Devon Price, Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity

Is it an injustice to try to be normal?

The pressure to become something you’re not is immense. It can come from others, or it can come from within. Either way, it’s a lot of pressure to deal with.

When the pressure comes from others, it can be because they expect more from you than you feel you can give. They may see potential in you that you don’t see in yourself, or they may just have different standards than you do. Either way, it can be very stressful to try and meet the expectations of others.

When the pressure comes from within, it can be because you feel like you’re not good enough as you are. You may feel like you need to change in order to be happy, or to be successful. This can be a very difficult pressure to deal with, because it’s coming from yourself.

The pressure to become something you’re not is a difficult thing to deal with. It can be stressful and overwhelming. But it’s important to remember that you are the only one who gets to decide who you are. You are the only one who gets to decide what you want to be. So don’t let the pressure get to you. Don’t let it change who you are.

Ask yourself the question, is not being yourself a form of discriminatory requirement?

People with autism may experience discrimination in many areas of their lives. They may be passed over for jobs or promotions, excluded from social activities, or teased and bullied by neurotypical people. In some cases, people with autism may be denied access to services or accommodations that would allow them to work while being who they are.

Discrimination against people with autism is often rooted in misunderstanding and ignorance. People with autism are not disabled or impaired in their ability to think or feel; they simply process information and interact with the world in a different way. With education and understanding, we can create a more inclusive society that values and respects people with autism for the unique individuals they are.

If being forced by external standards to not be yourself, the effects on your mental health should be self-observed. There is nothing wrong with being autistic, so be yourself.
Differences Between Autistic and Neurotypical Brains

June 21st, 2022
There are many differences between autistic and neurotypical brains. One difference is that autistic brains tend to be more sensitive to sensory input. This can lead to difficulties processing information and can be a source of anxiety. Another difference is that autistic brains typically have a higher degree of connectivity between the different regions. This may account for the special talents and strengths often seen in people with autism.

Recent advances in neuroscience have led to a greater understanding of how ASD affects the brain. Studies using brain imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have shown that ASD is associated with differences in brain structure and function. For example, some studies have found that the brains of people with ASD are larger than neurotypical brains, while other studies have found that they are smaller. Some studies have also found differences in the way autistic brains process information, especially information from the senses.

It is important to remember that every person with ASD is unique and will not necessarily show all of the brain differences typically seen in autism. However, researchers hope that a better understanding of how ASD affects the brain will lead to more effective treatments for this complex condition.

Autism and sensory input

Most people with autism are sensitive to one or more sensory inputs. This can include sounds, tastes, smells, textures, and lights. Many people with autism also have difficulty processing information from their senses. This can make everyday activities and experiences very overwhelming.

There are a few theories about why people with autism might be more sensitive to sensory input. One theory is that people with autism have a hard time filtering out information. This means that they take in all of the information from their senses without being able to filter it out. This can be very overwhelming for them.

Another theory is that people with autism might have different connections in their brains than other people do. This difference might make it harder for them to process information from their senses.

Whatever the cause, most people with autism need extra help when dealing with sensory input. There are many ways to help make sensory input more manageable for someone with autism. Some common strategies include:
- using noise-cancelling headphones or ear plugs to block out loud or overwhelming sounds
- avoiding strong smells or wearing a mask if necessary
- providing visual aids such as schedules or social stories to help prepare for new experiences
- avoiding bright lights or wearing sunglasses if necessary
Autism and connectivity between brain regions

There is a lot known about autism and the brain, but one area that is still being explored is the connectivity between brain regions. This is an important area of research because it can help to explain some of the symptoms associated with autism.

One theory is that autistic people have difficulty integrating information from different parts of the brain. This can lead to problems with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Some studies have found that autistic people have abnormal connectivity between the amygdala and other parts of the brain. The amygdala is involved in processing emotions, and this abnormal connectivity may be responsible for some of the social difficulties seen in autism.

Other studies have found differences in connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and other parts of the brain in autistic people. The prefrontal cortex is involved in planning and decision making, and this difference in connectivity may explain some of the repetitive behaviors seen in autism.

This research into brain connectivity is still in its early stages, but it has already provided valuable insights into autism. It is possible that future research will uncover even more differences in brain connectivity between autistic and non-autistic people.

Autism and talents

Some people with autism have amazing abilities and talents in specific areas. They may be able to memorize vast amounts of information, or they may have perfect pitch. While the exact cause of these abilities is unknown, they may be related to the hyper-focused attention that some people with autism can maintain.

Whether or not someone with autism has extraordinary abilities, everyone on the spectrum has unique strengths and gifts such as the ability to hyperfocus.

Tag: neurotypical

Autistics Performing Neurotypicality

Differences Between Autistic and Neurotypical Brains