Advocate for Inclusion and Neurodiversity

A note from the Poet, Wesley Loh: This Poem is dedicated to my beloved autism community. I intend to capture/express some of things we go through inside us.  To our non-speaking autistics counterparts: We feel your pain of the misconceptions people have of you. It is tough living in a world where your way of communication is different from the mainstream.  This poems also seeks to be a voice for you to some extent (especially the 2nd segment), debunking common myths of non-speaking autistics and helping the world understand the inner thoughts and feelings that are going on inside you that you otherwise don't vocalise.  Given that I am a speaking autistic, I don't think my poem does justice to fully represent you and your thoughts, but do know I tried my best and that we are all a part of each other as fellow autistics from the same beloved community. The Neurodiversity Movement need not divide us, on the contrary, it unites us! Title: I May Not Look At You But I am Listen...

Autism Acceptance 2020 Poem This month we celebrate Autism Acceptance This annual occasion never turns into one of obsolescence But is one we await with renewed expectance What does this really mean in essence Awareness is already omnipresent What we need so dearly is acceptance Kindness, love and affection All too often we autistics find others keeping a distance Or denying us into that their social circle an admittance Because they don’t understand our difference Must our interaction with the world be met with so much resistance Causing this to accumulate within us a sense of sadness and resentment? Everyone has differing personalities and needs, we are no exception Exercise some patience, compassion and forbearance That we may reciprocate likewise, instead of in vengeance Pardon a bit of awkwardness when into social events we make an entrance Like a party or a wedding reception We are sincere in showing our support through our attendance ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qvvrme5WIwA This video (link above) from a real life story and perspective of an autistic lady of the RICHNESS   which  NEURODIVERSITY can bring to the world, and the acceptance & embracing of the autism part of every autistic.  We have a lot to bring to the world due to our unique experiences which are perhaps unique to the (Neuro)divergent. Some of the great inventions which has moved our society/world forward by autistic brains. To me, the pivotal milestone for this woman is captured starting from 07:50 part of the video. She talk about her discovery of Asperger's Syndrome .  This reminded me of myself - diagnosed late in life (so was she), then able to look back at my life with a different view, from a different lens, with a clearer vision ,  to be able to make sense of my experiences (be it the good, the bad or the ugly, the rich and the poor, the usual and the unique, the ordinary and the o...

To my readers, you might have read articles or watched videos of such similar popular titles of what not to say to autistics. Well, this is my version, based on my own real life experiences , they are not copied/adapted from other sources. They are not listed in any order of priority/importance. All are important for our well-being, mental health, respect and for us to build bridges in human relationships 1ST THING NOT TO SAY: "why do you <description of behaviour>?" Example: "why do you take what I say so literally". Isn't the answer obvious? Because I am autistic. This question may also hint to the autistic person that you don't accept him/her and wish for him/her to not exhibit such autistic behaviours. Do you realise in some cases we can't help it? Moreover, our autistic brains are wired a certain way. What to say instead : "Let me try to <description of accommodation >". An example: "Let me try to explain it ...

This real life story draws many lessons for caregivers and autistic adults - click this URL link, or copy paste to your internet browser, to read the story: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2019/10/16/how-listening-autistic-adults-helped-me-understand-support-my-son/ LESSON 1: Change Our Perceptions The author states " now know that the despair was caused more by my exposure to negative stereotypes about disability, and less by my child’s reality . "  Don't keep viewing yourself (as an autistic or a parent) or your child as a defect or an unfortunate event. Sometimes such views stem more from society-created stereotypes , discrimination , skewed perceptions etc. in relation to your child's autism, and not just autism in and of itself. By Design, not Defect. Bright, not Broken  Blessing, not Burden LESSON 2: Walked the Tough Road? Leave a Trail and Lead Others Who Come After You  Many of the autistic adults this parent spoke to were able to help "war...