An overview of autism

For me, Autism is another identity which is recognised as part of the Neurodiversity Spectrum which also includes ADHD, Down’s Syndrome, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and more.

Similarly to many others who identify as Autistic, I may relate to others, perceive and respond to situations differently. Our brains may be wired slightly differently from Neurotypicals, but we can still become just as independent and contribute just as much value to society if we are trusted with the same opportunities as Neurotypicals.

Although there is great variation among us, we do often have shared features specific to our Autism, including empathy for different people, passion for diverse issues like diversity, equity and inclusion. We ‘also have many intense and focused interests, which can include art, music, animals, postcards and numbers’ (National Autistic Society).

My own special interests

Personally, I am interested in creating promotional content for different charities. Last year, I wrote a blog article where I talk about my first job, and express gratitude to Ambitious About Autism (A.A.A) an amazing autism advocacy charity who supported me while applying for, and working in my first paid job, fresh after graduating university.

Likewise, this year I have been fortunate enough to write some content for United Response, including a LinkedIn post celebrating International Day of Education and blog articles for International Race Equality Week and International Woman’s Day. In fact, all the opportunities United Response have provided me helped me to secure a new SEN Business Support Apprenticeship with Ealing Council, so I am immensely grateful for the generous and supportive team at United Response.

I also like volunteering for diverse causes, spending time with family, and learning more about our natural world through books, blogs and documentaries.

I enjoy engaging in these interests, as they help me recover from burn out, reassess my life goals by reminding me what matters most (e.g., family, gratitude, mental health etc.) and recharge for busier days ahead.

Thinking in pictures

Many Autistic people are also known to have incredibly unique and special talents. For instance, Temple Grandin was famous for her creativity, photographic memory and visual thinking.

I am proud to say that I too can ‘think in pictures’ and ‘make meaning’ out of seemingly abstract ideas:

I like to visualise reflecting on my achievements and experiencing life’s sweet joyful moments (e.g., watching comforting, feel-good movies) as ‘splashing in a sweet rose-milk sea’ an idea inspired by the popular drink in India, my home country.

I also imagine enduring life’s tough moments and learning it’s bitter truths as pushing through a river of wild, icy bitter gourd juice. This quirky image again inspired by India and the popular idea of swallowing bitter pills lightens up my mood and pushes me to stay positive, adapt faster and think more creatively when solving problems.

I imagine the sweet, nice, inspiring words we hear from each other as the sweet perfume plants effuse, which energises and inspires other plants to blossom, bloom and grow further. If we keep spreading them, we can cultivate a garden of beautiful, successful and diverse flowers that continue growing and nurturing us all.

Likewise, I imagine the meaner words we hear from each other as the poison that can harm our mental health and delay our growth. Continual spread of poison will eventually compel us to mask more of our unique identities and ideas from the world, which will further destroy our shared sense of wonder, wellbeing, beauty, biodiversity, and interpersonal connection.

The Perfume Vs Poison Analogy reminds me the power of expressing kind words in everyday interactions – they can boost people’s confidence and drive to achieve more.

Curious for more creative thoughts, poems and mental pictures? Then, please check out my creative writing blog: My Mini Musings.

Words of advice

Please actively listen to us with open minds and hearts, free from assumptions and doubts. Not all of us will conform to the ideas you may have learnt at school, watching TV or reading books.

Ask questions to understand us better – we too love talking about our special interests and values just like everyone else.

Read more blogs, social media posts, autobiographies and other content created by Autistic people, to better understand our diverse identities, interests, talents, needs and challenges.

As I mentioned earlier, please choose your words wisely and be kind. The words you choose can immensely impact people’s confidence and drive to achieve more.

  • Rithika Nadipalli is a content contributor for United Response