Embracing Neurodiversity: Unmasking My Autism

🌟Being Māori and autistic, the speaker highlights the importance of embracing neurodiversity and challenging societal norms and expectations.

♾️Autism is a way of processing the world, not a disability or disorder. The speaker emphasizes the need for understanding and acceptance instead of labeling.

💪Autistics have unique strengths and abilities that should be recognized and celebrated. The speaker encourages embracing individual differences and potential.

🤝Loved ones of autistic individuals are praised for their support and understanding, making necessary changes to accommodate their sensitivities and uniqueness.

🌏The speaker urges everyone to recognize that everyone, regardless of their differences, belongs in this world and has their own special gifts to offer.

What is neurodiversity?

—Neurodiversity is the understanding that humans are diverse in their brain function, including conditions like ADHD, autism, and Tourette's, and it should be accepted and respected.

What is the difference between meltdown and shutdown?

—A meltdown is a temporary loss of control often accompanied by physical outbursts, while a shutdown is a result of sensory overload and can cause temporary withdrawal or extreme fatigue.

Is being autistic a disability?

—Being autistic is not a disability or disorder; it is a unique way of processing the world. Autistics have strengths and abilities that should be recognized and celebrated.

How can we support autistic individuals?

—Support can be provided by accepting and accommodating their sensitivities and uniqueness, understanding their needs, and fostering an inclusive and accepting environment.

What is the importance of embracing neurodiversity?

—Embracing neurodiversity promotes inclusion, understanding, and appreciation of the unique strengths and perspectives that individuals with different brain functions bring to society.

00:00The speaker shares her personal journey as a Māori autistic, highlighting the importance of embracing neurodiversity and challenging societal norms and expectations.

15:18She emphasizes that autism is a way of processing the world, not a disability, and encourages understanding and acceptance instead of labeling.

15:39The speaker celebrates the unique strengths and abilities of autistic individuals and encourages embracing individual differences and potential.

15:57Loved ones of autistic individuals are praised for their support and understanding, making necessary changes to accommodate their sensitivities and uniqueness.

16:23The speaker urges everyone to recognize that everyone, regardless of their differences, belongs in this world and has their own special gifts to offer.