Tag: stigma

SubstackLeave a comment
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?”

Videos5 Comments

Society’s Attitudes Towards Autistic and Other NeuroDivergent People Can Be Deadly

Lyric Holmans

There are a lot of obstacles that Autistic and NeuroDivergent People face, from sensory challenges, communication challenges, and misunderstandings with NeuroTypical people, and sometimes even other Autistic and NeuroDivergent People. There’s also the challenge of not having people respect and understand the way you process information.
With all of these obstacles that NeuroDivergent People face in the world, for many of us, one of the biggest obstacles that we can face, unfortunately, is often going to be the attitudes that other people have about NeuroDivergent People and NeuroDivergent traits.
Continue reading Society’s Attitudes Towards Autistic and Other NeuroDivergent People Can Be Deadly

LGBTQIA+Leave a comment
A pale skinned nonbinay human wearing shorts, a fanny pack, and black star pasties is in the ocean leaning back facing the blue sky as the water crashes into their back.

Of Breasts & Chests – Criminalization, Sexualization, & Nipple Politics

Lyric Holmans

Even though going topless is allowed for anyone in Austin, the person with breasts cannot draw attention to themselves, or they may risk other charges, such as public lewdness or disorderly conduct.

If an arresting officer decides an individual was intentionally “lewd or obscene” or if there are minors around, a topless individual with breasts may face serious felony charges and could potentially be registered as a sex offender. Continue reading Of Breasts & Chests – Criminalization, Sexualization, & Nipple Politics

Uncategorized1 Comment

Secret Stims – Can Autistic People Hide Their Stimming? – an Autistic Perspective

Lyric Holmans

I spend a lot of time talking about being out and proud and not hiding who you are, and trying not to hold in stims, and take the mask off and all that good stuff, but I haven’t always been in this place.  This has been a journey and before I was diagnosed autistic, my experience was very different.  Continue reading Secret Stims – Can Autistic People Hide Their Stimming? – an Autistic Perspective

Videos26 Comments

Autism, We Have a Problem – Let’s Talk about Stigma

Lyric Holmans

We’ve got a problem. With the way autism is represented in the media. 

Parents of autistic children are fed stories that “autism is a horrible tragedy that will destroy lives, families, & marriages”. Big organizations and people have made lots of money spreading this mis-information, drowning out autistic voices who speak up against them. 

There is real damage done by well meaning parents, determined to rid their children of their autistic nature. Imagine if your parents were determined to reshape your entire identity because your natural way of being has been deemed “socially unacceptable”.

Autism is not a tragedy it is a difference, despite what most of the world has been led to believe. Autistic people are not broken or in need of fixing. 

When parents get divorced, people tend to remind the children that it’s not their fault their parents are separating – because  this type of blame would not be good for a child’s mental health. How is blaming a child’s autism for running a marriage / family any different?  Continue reading Autism, We Have a Problem – Let’s Talk about Stigma