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I think this time of year can be very overwhelming for Neurodivergent people with social expectations, confusing customs, and the sensory overwhelm that comes with the festivities.

Here is a basic guide on making an environment more Neurodivergent-Friendly for the festive season, whether at school, work or home. Note that not all of these tips will apply to every ND person, in fact, some might like a ton of blinking lights for example whilst others might hate it - therefore, it is key to understand and ask how best to make your ND family member, friend, colleague etc feel comfortable and safe for the holidays.

If you are non-Autistic or neurotypical then please make these changes where possible. It is a privilege to not be bothered by the feeling of tinsel or the overwhelming crowds in stores and to sacrifice this privilege just to make a neurodivergent person feel comfortable is a kind thing to do.

[There is also a downloadable PDF version on my website]

We were selected as an honourable mention! Read more and contact us if you’re interested in supporting the project 👀

Announcing the MaRS and CIBC Inclusive Design Challenge: Support at Work Winners - MaRS Innovation Challenges MaRS and CIBC are pleased to announce the winners of the Inclusive Design Challenge: Support At Work, on this Global Accessibility Awareness Day....

Paid opportunity for BIPOC and non-speaking autistics:

Open Call: PERFORMERS WITH DISABILITIES-TALENT SEARCH (PERFORMERS WITH DISABILITIES) ABOUT THIS SEARCH: Nickelodeon Live-Action Casting is auditioning young performers for upcoming live-action projects via self-tape from the safety of their own homes. We look forward to watching talent from all over North America through this online open call. {PERFORMERS}: Can play 18 years old or....

TW: electric shocks being demonstrated in the video

Use your platforms. This needs to be stopped.

Controversial Shock Device Used To Modify Behavior In Massachusetts Facility | TODAY A residential facility in Massachusetts using a highly controversial device that delivers an electric shock to modify behavior. Many of the families of resid...

OMG ARE YOU STILL POSTING ABOUT THIS?? yes.
Yes I am, and it is relevant to neurodiversity and it is necessary. Remember how I mentioned a strong sense of justice not that long ago? Yeah, well that's exactly what you're looking at right now.

If you don't know, I am Māori. "White passing" but still Māori. In our culture, it doesn't matter how you look, what matters is that you carry the whakapapa (lineage/DNA/blood) of your tūpuna (ancestors). So yes, I stand strong in my cultural identity as an indigenous person BUT I acknowledge that my skin colour means when I experience life, it is a much easier experience than if I had darker skin.

All of that to preface the fact that it is a complicated line that I walk, but I don't shy away from it.

I also won't shy away from the fact that I can talk about accepting your autistic/neurodivergent identity but I need to acknowledge that my passion for this will no doubt be viewed with a white lens. I think we collectively need to acknowledge that...
When we say and , we need to acknowledge that this can be extremely risky for BIPOC to do in public.

💜🧠💜🧠💜

[Image text: "We must acknowledge that the ability to be your authentic autistic self in public is a privilege.

To stim freely and be exactly who you are without apology is less risky when you are white."]

Call for Solidarity with Autistic BIPoC and Autistic People with Intellectual Disabilities – Open Letter Call for Solidarity with Autistic BIPoC and Autistic People with Intellectual Disabilities Leave a Comment / ASAN / By morenike Demands presented to the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN) Ahead of their June 20 Board of Trustees Meeting To: Meg Evans, Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) Board o...