Autistic representation in the media is starting to become more normalised and we love to see it. Not all of it is great representation, but it is designed to strike a chord with viewers and help them to connect with the media. Sam (played by Keir Gilchrist), the central character in Atypical, is autistic, and some of his traits are recognisable even to those who are nuerotypical, such as the headphones Sam wears to soften noises.
Read MoreI am unsure of my place in the world, both in a physical and mental way. When I first started struggling to fit into an often ableist world, I realised that no one talked about how disabled people can’t exist in a way that makes sense to others.
Gay people can also be disabled! Shocking, I know. But I did once have someone say “how could you be both?” I am a Multitasking Qween. Sure, we are less common than non-disabled queers, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t here and full of pride.
Read MoreWhen you’re disabled, relationships have to look different. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be allowed them. The concept of being a ride-or-die is instantly put onto everyone within your circle. Would your friends come to the hospital at 1 a.m. to hold your hand when your parents couldn’t? Would they bring you juice while you wait for the crisis team?
Read MoreMy parents raised my siblings and I without gender stereotypes. Neither of my parents conform to traditional gender roles and they didn’t want to place limits on our expression, so they raised us the same. Until university, I wasn’t really aware that there were identities such as non-binary and gender fluid. No one in my life up until that point used these labels. Even if I heard about a celebrity coming out, it seemed very removed from me. I paid it no mind.
Read MoreMy brain does not work.
I have generalised anxiety, social anxiety, health anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder tendencies, severe depression, suicidal tendencies, sensory issues, and post traumatic stress disorder. Genetically, I most likely have ADHD and autism too. In all honesty, it’s not fun having my brain.
Read MoreThe last thing I’m thinking about when I’m in a pain flare is sex. I’m usually so out of it from painkillers that I don’t really know what’s going on. The only people who can touch me are doctors, and even then, they are on very thin ice. I tend to remove myself and hermit until the worst of the pain is over.
Read MoreI don’t think many people know that I was a professional martial artist. I was working in a dojo and training seven days a week.
Read MoreBeing disabled is really weird sometimes. If people don’t know of your bad days, they assume nothing is wrong. I don’t look sick.
Read MoreIn my culture, to show weakness is to lose face. The Chinese care too much about how others perceive them.
Read MoreI am not a picture of environmentally sustainable living because my life is centred around my health. Every medication I take comes in printed boxes, plastic capsules, or plastic bottles.
Read MoreI’m not endorsing drug abuse, but I think conversations about pain relief should be open so more people know what side effects to expect, and less people leave the hospital feeling clueless.
Read MoreWhen I say everyone benefits from paying attention to disabled people's rights, I mean that they directly impact you even if you aren’t disabled
Read MoreI love going out. My sister works at a bar that has a lot of shows and performances so I get half-price tickets.
Read MoreHello and welcome to TeaSpoonie! A column all to do with disabilities, but particularly hidden disabilities, as those are the ones that we experience.
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