Author: Lyric Holmans

Lyric Rivera, an Autistic self-advocate from Texas, runs the the internationally recognized neurodiversity lifestyle blog Neurodivergent Rebel. Neurodivergent Rebel was opened in 2016, as a way to introduce people unfamiliar with autism to neurodiversity. The blog, which is sometimes released in written format and also via YouTube video, explores the ideology of neurodiversity and the creative expressions of autistic people. Riveras’ blog pushes for acceptance of neurological differences and respect for the autonomy of neurodivergent people. Lyric is also known as the pioneer of the #AskingAutistics hashtag, which is often accompanied by a short question about everyday autistic experiences. This simple hashtag connects neurodiverse people who would not otherwise have a reason to engage with each other to foster understanding of the autistic experience.
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Autism and Meltdowns: I am an Autistic Adult and I Still Have Meltdowns (and probably always will)

Lyric Holmans

AskingAutistics – What are YOUR meltdown Triggers? Any tips for safer meltdowns?
Continue reading Autism and Meltdowns: I am an Autistic Adult and I Still Have Meltdowns (and probably always will)

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a blocky question mark drawn in white chalk on a black board with white text that reads: If an Autistic Person isn't Struggling "Are they Autistic?" To be qualify as Autistic Person in a medical context, you must be have Autistic traits that cause "clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important area of functioning".

If an Autistic Person isn’t Currently Struggling “Are they still Autistic?”

Lyric Holmans

On Twitter, there was an interesting discussion I dropped in on recently talking about the medical model of Autism and how, technically (under the medical model), to be defined as an Autistic Person in a medical context, you must be someone whose Autistic traits “cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of current functioning.”

Due to the language above, this person suggested if you’re not struggling, you might not be Autistic in a medical context (regardless if you were diagnosed previously and met the criteria). “Are they Autistic?” they asked. Continue reading If an Autistic Person isn’t Currently Struggling “Are they still Autistic?”

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NeuroDivergence, Surviving Capitalism as an Autistic ADHD Human, and Finding a Career Path that Works for YOU

Lyric Holmans

NeuroDivergent people’s differences are cognitive and invisible and impact how we interpret the world, process information, and interact with others.

Our differences also impact our strengths and weaknesses, what tasks and environments will drain us, and what tasks and environments will invigorate us. Continue reading NeuroDivergence, Surviving Capitalism as an Autistic ADHD Human, and Finding a Career Path that Works for YOU

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NeuroDivergence Time & Hyperfocus – Managing Time & Hyperfocus as an NeuroDivervgent Person so it Doesn’t Ruin Your Life (an Autistic ADHD Perspective)

Lyric Holmans

Our individual brains’ combination of NeuroTypes (because people seldom have only one measurable brain difference) heavily influences our reality, including our experience of time (and space). Continue reading NeuroDivergence Time & Hyperfocus – Managing Time & Hyperfocus as an NeuroDivervgent Person so it Doesn’t Ruin Your Life (an Autistic ADHD Perspective)

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Abused at School: Why Autistic Kids May Not Speak Up When They’ve Been Harmed by a Teacher

Lyric Holmans

I’d been told to listen to these adults and do what they said, and they had said I was “bad,” and I believed them. Since I thought I was “bad,” I felt I deserved all the punishment (abuse) I received.
Continue reading Abused at School: Why Autistic Kids May Not Speak Up When They’ve Been Harmed by a Teacher

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The FUTURE is Inclusive (By Design): Asking Businesses and Organizations to do MORE when Considering NeuroDiversity, Universal Design, and Inclusion (Because it Benefits EVERYONE)

Lyric Holmans

These “disability hiring initiatives” often put those they’re supposed to serve on display, so organizations can look good by “offering jobs to people with disabilities,” but often leave us behind.
Continue reading The FUTURE is Inclusive (By Design): Asking Businesses and Organizations to do MORE when Considering NeuroDiversity, Universal Design, and Inclusion (Because it Benefits EVERYONE)