Autism ADHD and so much more.

I am creating a new book exploring the amazing ways that we feel the world differently. If you have time to read my proposal and would like to collaborate, I can’t wait to hear from you.

As part of my MA study of Autism I have been researching sensory experiences and have realised that very little is written by us. Lots is written about us. And so, I’m going to compile a book of sensory experiences that includes as many of our voices as possible. Our voices; our way. Neuro differences from the inside out.

I am Tracy. I was late diagnosed 5 years ago at aged 50. I am autistic and ADHD, although I would prefer there was no need to use disorder or disability. The problem is that until we create a society more friendly to the ways we feel the world differently, we may well feel disabled and disordered by the environments we find ourselves in.

I teach and coach and tutor GCSE English exam skills and work with neuro different students and their families. I write and blog and vlog and and speak at neurodiversity talks. I work with The Wildheart Foundation and support hospitality in their implementation of better inclusion, diversity and equality policies and practice.

I have a PGCE in Education, a BA in English and Drama, a Post Grad Certificate in Autism Studies, an accredited diploma in Psychology and Counselling and am TEFL trained. I am currently in my 2nd year of an MA in Autism Studies at Sheffield Hallam University.

I have self-published a short guide to Feeling the World Differently that is available for free on Kindle Unlimited and a cost price in paperback. I am currently creating short videos and podcasts to accompany the book. Please do take a look if want to know more about me.

And this is me.
https://youtu.be/Srg8O8BVmOE?si=LLBA17PfhXNKa9uu

My last research project involved analysis of the question ‘Can Society Ever Be Autism Friendly’. A copy of which is available to anyone who would like to read it. But it had to sound a bit academic. Well, as academic as I could make it sound.

Instead of just autism I would now widen this to include the many other neuro differences including ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia, dis calculus and many more.

Rates of autism are thought to be around one in 60-100 and rates of neurological difference are at the very least 20% of us all. That means that at anytime, anywhere at least 20% of people are being forced into environments that are detrimental to them, and possibly even discriminate against them.

Is anyone doing this on purpose? Is anyone to blame for this? In most instances it would seem not because, in my opinion –
A – we may not even recognise and identify our own differences and the ways that we are feeling the world differently. I have discussed this in my book which is available free on Kindle Unlimited.

B – we may not feel able to discuss these differences for fear of being misjudged, rejected or worse.

C – The Predominant Neuro Type (PNT) tend to presume that we are all the same and they have an inbuilt navigation system for socialisation and hierarchy that we don’t. They are also biologically wired to include sameness and shun difference as a protection for the tribe and its culture – see next section on Double Empathy.

PNT was created by Dr Luke Beardon rather than neurotypical NT, to move away from a standard idea of ‘typical’. Bit too close to ‘normal’. Normal, in my opinion, is just a word. The problem only comes with the way that it is used. If to denigrate and segregate, then not ok.

But if just to point out something more frequently found, well fair enough. Language does matter, but I believe that the intention of the person ought not to be over-looked or judged, especially because that is exactly what they do to us when we speak with syntax or intensity that is different to them.

The Double Empathy Problem created by Dr Damien Milton date. Basically, it says, in much more eloquent language than me, that they don’t understand us, and we don’t understand them. But it is equal. So, we should all be making more effort both ways. Of course, there are far more of them, and they don’t need to. But with our translation guide we might be able to speak in a language and a way that they understand. And we might then create a society that is more friendly to those of us who feel the world differently.

As part of my research, I created The Autism Recognition and Identification course. My idea is that a team of us take this into businesses and schools and institutions until everyone understands the true picture of neurodiversity and neuro difference without lists of deficits and impairments, and without the stereotypes and stigma. A sort of ‘congratulations, you feel the world differently’. No more diagnosis of what is wrong with you; a celebration of what is right with you.’

Sensory experiences that result from internal and external influences and triggers are at the heart of the many ways that we feel, and see, and hear, the world differently. If we can recognise and identify what is happening, we may be able to find ways to avoid a complete meltdown, or at least we can confide in others and ask for understanding or support. If others understand how vastly different the experiences of those around them are, they might feel more inclined to accommodate, they might try to alleviate, and they might even embrace the difference. Idealistic? Me? Well, we have to start somewhere.

Presently there are very few guides to sensory experiences and virtually none that reach out of the communities affected by them. A scan of academic research yields tons of the stuff but firstly, it is only read by other academics and researchers, and secondly, it all seems to be suggesting medical interventions and changes in health care, but nothing that includes our real and present everyday lives.

And my hope is that you might join me in changing and challenging that.

I have been presenting at various neurodiversity talks and working with parents’ groups. I noticed that the way they speak to students and children is well intended but often not helpful because it starts and ends from a (PNT) Predominant Neuro Type way of being. They say, ‘calm down it’s not that bad’ and ‘just don’t worry about it’. They say, ‘it’s not a big problem if the plan has changed, stop overreacting’, and they say, ‘can’t you just do it properly, or just like I do it’. They are doing that PNT thing of trying to ‘normalise’ and stabilise everything and everyone with their own reference guide. We need to create our guide. Our voices in our way.

Normalisation is an interesting one. It is taught in psychology courses as a way to help clients. I think that they like it. I think that they think that everyone likes it. I think that that is why they say that I don’t look autistic, can’t be autistic, or that I am not to worry because no-one can tell. They are trying to be kind. It’s ok, you nearly fit in with us. But what I want them to understand is that I want to be seen and heard for my differences. I don’t want them invalidated; I want them validated. I am not the same, and that is exactly what I want them to know and recognise and accept and even embrace.

I am different but equal; equal but different.

So, where do we start?
Well first it would be great to hear from anyone who would like to contribute. I am creating a template of categories to get started, but we can extend as needed.

Also, I would like us to podcast and/ or live stream once we get going. I have created my own podcasts but am hopeful that someone else is far more tech savvy than me and can get involved or supervise or help.

I have been working with The Four Seasons hotel group who are keen to implement small but meaningful environmental changes. I suggested a symbol or logo that is recognisable and lets us know that they have had neuro difference training and awareness, so we feel comfortable to ask for small accommodations and are not scared to disclose. I would like to know thoughts on this please.

I am speaking with some autism charities to see if they want to partner and we would then publish with at least some, or all, profit going to them. If there are better suggestions for this then marvellous.

• Please email me at feelingtheworlddifferently@gmail.com
• WhatsApp me on 07710685021
• Find me via my website

http://feelingtheworlddifferently.co.uk

Thanks. Tracy.