There are many adults realizing they have had Autism all along, and thinking about getting a diagnosis. I am diagnosed. For me the pros outweighed the cons. But it’s important that you know the cons as you’re deciding whether or not to get an Autism Assessment.
Don’t make ANY decisions based on this information. Talk with your doctor and lawyer to figure out what is best for you.
**This is not medical or legal advice.**
“Autistics are making content about our lives and experiences because our input has been ignored in studies. It’s always been about what others think of us, how they want us to be different. We’ve learned we were just right all along. We just want to be valued as much as other humans and included in this world that was designed to exclude us.”
-April Marie Mai
[Image description: above quote in the middle with pastel watercolor in the background and 6 different flowers in different colors.]
I took a mindfulness guide and turned it into an Autism Guide!
It’s short and sweet, but it includes a lot of things I’ve learned along the way that might help you whether you’re autistic or you love someone who is autistic, or if you just want to be ready to be a better friend. Remember our brains are wired differently, and every single one is different, so what helps me might not help others; but here are some ideas on where you could start.
**This is representative of my own experience. All autistic people have different experiences and needs. This does not represent them all, or even all of my own.**
***Please do not call it the ’tism unless you are autistic. It is a slur reclaiming type of situation, and only autistic people can reclaim it.***
(Today’s News) Autistic moment: I realized I have to turn music down in order to eat. – April Marie Mai (Keep on Autisticing. The best way to Autistic is to just do it.)
Text on a grainy abstract orange, pink, blue, black, fuchsia, and peach background.
**This is my own experience as an autistic person and is in no way a representation of all autistic people, nor is it saying that non-autistic people may not experience this, too. It was just a super autistic moment that made me laugh, so I’m sharing it.**
A sneak preview of a new painting in polaroid style, Color Explosion Series palette knife abstract impasto painting in green, orange, yellow, and white with chameleon glitter, taped to a torn brown kraft paper background. Words: “You’re gonna get more! (of my weirdness) You lucky person! (also art) -April (April Marie Mai)”
Being autistic can be rough…and it can be a lot more difficult because of how we’re treated. If you’re autistic, please take a moment to celebrate yourself today! If you’re not autistic, please tell an autistic person you care about how important they are. For what they bring into your life, for what they bring into the world, and just for being themselves. Want to give a special autistic person in your life a gift? A gift card to a place where they can buy a stuffie, stim toys, or their favorite foods is always a good idea! Let them pick out their own squishmallow if possible rather than picking for them, as they’re each a different squish experience.
Remember you are important, you’re beautiful and you bring joy to this world just by existing and being yourself. Please be kind and loving toward yourself.
![[Image Description:"Sunset on the Lake" by April Marie Mai A vertical rectangle impasto (thick paint) acrylic abstract painting with teal, seafoam, blue, neon orange, yellow, green, metallic gold and white combining in an expressive palette knife movement style. The colors are scattered all over with neon orange popping. Each swipe of the palette knife is different and contains multiple colors. Part of my Color Explosion series. Acrylic on Canvas. 48″ x 36″ x 1.5″]](https://i0.wp.com/www.aprilmariemai.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Sunset-On-The-Lake.jpg?fit=800%2C1075&ssl=1)
Don’t make assumptions.
Don’t talk down to us, talk about us as if we’re not there, etc. Even if you think we’re not listening or understanding, we probably are.
