I highlight this because people tend to believe that I will have problems adapting or being flexible due to my autism, when I believe I have become exceedingly good at these to survive, especially at work.
A turning point: Supporting another child
Some years ago I worked supporting children with special educational needs. No one there knew about my neurodivergence. In particular, I supported one pupil who was experiencing social exclusion. I heard parents instruct their children to avoid this child, just as I had once experienced. I made it my quiet mission to structure classroom interactions so that all children would work with the child. It was not immediate, it required persistence, but something remarkable happened. The children began to include the pupil naturally. They defended the child when older peers mocked. They did not need me constantly present. I realised that children often have not yet fully absorbed the stigmas their parents carry. They can choose differently. In that moment, I saw that change does not always require confrontation. It can emerge through scaffolding environments that allow inclusion to grow organically.
Joining the staff neurodiversity network
When I joined a Neurodiversity Network in DPT, I also joined an Ethnic Minority Network. I noticed that microaggressions in the ethnic minority group were sometimes more overt, while in neurodivergent contexts they appeared in subtler ways, through language that pathologised traits or through implicit exclusion from opportunity. I hesitated before joining. Cultural factors and prior experiences had taught me to be cautious. However, the network lead took time to talk with me and I felt a kind and thoughtful individual who was supportive and welcoming of differences. Joining was one of my best decisions. In that space, there are no “silly” questions. Cameras can be on or off. Pace can be adjusted. Contributions can be spoken or written in the chat. Meetings account for energy fluctuations and processing differences. There is room for “mistakes” and for “excellence.” There is scaffolding, encouragement, peer support, shared expertise. This environment models my values, relational and strength-based.
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