Advocate for Inclusion and Neurodiversity

https://elemental.medium.com/autism-is-an-identity-not-a-disease-inside-the-neurodiversity-movement-998ecc0584cd The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) annual gala in November (reference article link above) is a very good example of how a truly inclusive event and/or autism event should look like. Just to point out a few features/attributed. 1. Colour-coded badges for Communication Preferences Autistics have differing personalities; some love to talk to everybody (or for some, like me, is because I yearn for company and friendship), some prefer to stick to only those they know , while others prefer to be alone . "But isn't that the same for everyone?" Some non-autistics may prefer to be alone too", some may say. Well, there is more to that than meets the eye. It is not merely a matter of preference for us. It is due to some inherent autism traits or challenges. For example, those who prefer to be alone might need that to find solititude and calmness from t...

To all my beloved autistic friends, and caregivers of autistics, out there... it can be challenging adjusting to the changes/disruption to routines & lifestyle as malls,offices,tuition & childcare centres shut down operations with effect from Tuesday, as a circuit breaker to the COVID-19 spread. Some personal tips: ● If your routine involves going out to certain malls/places on weekends (or on any fixed days/timings), take this TRANSITION PERIOD to perform your comfort routine as usual (before they shut down on Tuesday) for the last time in some time. Malls are more quiet, with less people, this period [see 2nd picture for evidence] which may mean less sensory issues to cope with there. ● PRE-EMPT but making ADJUSTMENTS and PREPARING yourself for this transition... modify your routine to fit this "stay home" period. E.g. can certain routines/hobbies you like to perform outside, be performed/done at home (or virtually from home) instead? ...

I had a chat with two fellow ASD guys who started serving National Service (NS) only recently. I am heartened to hear that the Pes E Basic Military Training (BMT) programme has gone through major improvements since my time. The programme is a lot more robust now. Vocational training more in depth too. These guys have such a positive attitude toward NS, and that really encourages me! I did not have such community peer support during my time as I had no ASD community back then. That made life very tough for me. But I am glad today I can be part of the efforts to create that support for those who come after me. And with another ASD NSMEN on board, and with the first two ASD  NSFs guys (i.e. currently serving NS), who tap into this support, possessing such positive attitude... I believe this spells hope for us to be potentially be able to light the way ahead for others who come after us. There is hope. And if we can successfully create such a support system in future, then I would say ...