Celebrating My Unique Brain: Why I Don’t Need Fixing
Understanding My Neurodivergent Identity My brain is wired in such a way that I fit the diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. A disorder, in most people’s minds, means that there’s something wrong that needs fixing or curing. But here’s the thing—I do not need fixing. In fact the idea of being ‘fixed’ or cured is terrifying to me. I don’t feel that there’s anything ‘wrong’ with me. I am just different from the norm. That’s all. I’ve never seen myself as someone with a disability, perhaps because I adjusted my expectations and desires to account for my challenges. What I want to do is what most nurtures me and mostly aligns with what I know I can handle. There are certain jobs I’ve always known were out of my reach because I couldn’t physically manage them. I look back now and realize that, yes, this…
Is Autism a Disability? What the Label Means (and Doesn’t) for Me
Is autism a disability? That’s a more complex question than it may seem given the vast range of levels of impairment and abilities in autistic people. But the words ‘disabled’ and ‘disorder’ are part of the baggage that comes with being labelled as autistic. As an extension on my last post on being careful with labels you apply to yourself, I’ve been reflecting on the impact of the ‘disabled’ and ‘disordered’ labels. I’m comfortable with the term neurodivergent, and 2eAuDHD (a gifted autistic with ADHD) fits me well. But ‘disabled’? This article explores why I, as a low-support-needs (i.e. high-functioning), late-diagnosed adult, don’t personally claim that label, and why I still value its importance for others. Disability vs Disorder Technically, in medical and educational settings, neurodivergent conditions like autism and ADHD are classified as disorders rather than disabilities. People often confuse the words ‘disability’ and ‘disorder’, but they’re not the…
Self-identity Labels: Be Careful What You Accept
The Weight of a Word What’s in a word? Quite a lot, actually, particularly in relation to self-identity labels. Words are not just mere sounds or scribbles on a page; they are vessels of intention, carriers of meaning, and shapers of reality. In the Bible, according to St. John, “In the beginning was the Word.” This underscores the power of words to shape our perception of our world. They stem from a desire to communicate or express ourselves and, as such, are tools for engaging with the world and framing our understanding of ourselves and others. If you’d rather listen to these ideas than read, watch here: Or read on … The Vibrational Quality of Words Every word we speak carries a unique vibration. Consider onomatopoeias like “swish” or “stomp”—words that sound like what they describe. This vibrational quality is why words can be so powerful. The tone, speed, dynamic…