It was around the time of my autism diagnosis that a name started to circulate around social media. Literally, my family, friends, followers on social media and strangers were all sharing speeches made by a young girl. She was from Sweden and was striking from school for the climate. Her protesting captured the attention of all. Many have sided with her, others mocked her on social media saying that she should stay in school and a few even going far to say nasty things about her Asperger's.
I am talking about Greta Thunberg, the person I would say is one of the most well-known in the world for not just having autism but being in the public eye for what I feel isn't something to mock her about. A school student myself in Geography lessons, I was well aware of fossil fuels and the impacts they were having on daily life around the world. Oil, gas and the worst for me... fracking. My city's MP has been very vocal against fracking and has sided with Greta for who she is and what she has done.
When I realised that someone like myself was getting recognised, I knew there were two sides to being famous. One is constantly being harassed, the other is being given many chances to speak to the world about your beliefs. I agree and have slowly started to accept that the world is changing. If you are reading this and have autism yourself, you may relate to the next section of this chapter. I'm going to discuss daily routines and what happens when changes happen.
Primary School was hellish at moments, particularly when the start of the school year happened and that resulted in each time in the following things...
- New classroom
- New teacher
- New seating plans (ie who was on your table)
Sometimes, my old teachers would come in on Monday mornings and announce that everyone was moving seats again into a new seating order. That used to frustrate me a lot.
I've been used to using the same kind of beauty products, eating and drinking the same foods for years however last year, that all changed. I noticed in the mornings that I was waking up, having some cereal and then starting to feel really sick. My tummy was often a little lumpy or bloaty. What was my body trying to say to me? Turned out it was a minor intolerance to cow's milk. How could this have happened when for years, I had eaten and drunk products containing cow's milk?
When I switched to almond and soya kinds of milk, the sickness went but then, the awkward questions started. Are you doing this as a protest against farmers? Did you do this to follow popular trends? The short answer to both was no. It was a genuine health reason. That led me to make even bigger changes for myself and the environment around me.581Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunGh36Iji0
Single-use plastic I detest. I will only use a product with plastic when I generally have to such as my favourite non-plastic product not being in stock at my local store of Holland and Barrett's. I stopped using bottle shampoo over six months ago and facial cleansers a year ago to this day. I use a facial soap bar called Carbon Theory and my bar has lasted for months. It's saved me time, money and... it's better for the environment. I changed to using bamboo toothbrushes instead of cheap and flimsy plastic ones. Also, using jars and then filling them with various fruits instead of running around and buying packets of them which then add to landfill waste.
What I'm trying to say is that I totally get the messages that Greta is saying across to the world. I'm autistic, she's autistic. There's a very strong chance that we both process information and the world in the same way. I admire her, even if people close to me who don't have autism find her strange and annoying. It was a lightbulb moment when I learnt the truth and also, the people who want to forget that the truth is the truth.
My generation are going to be the ones struggling with the aftermaths of climate change. Growing up with traditions, I've now had to scrap most of them and consign to history books. Pretty glad that I paid attention in both historical and geographical lessons as I got older. The facts and knowledge gained have really helped me to shape and form a love of academic and detailed perspectives on major issues.
I would never want to be a politician or a scientist, however, what I can be is in the know about the facts, not the fiction, not the lies. I can stand by a fellow person with autism and have someone I can relate with. That's a great feeling since now, you don't have to feel so lonely and afraid than ever.
Top tips from this section:
1, People can be cruel. Trolls roast the internet every day. Don't let some idiot throw you and dis-respect who you are.
2, If you are lucky enough to be able to travel close to where Greta is speaking at an event, do try to go. If you are too nervous to go on your own, don't be afraid to ask a supportive family member or friends to go with you.
3, Purchase Greta's collection of speeches. I literally sat outside in the March sunshine today and read every single one. She writes them all herself and English isn't even her first language!
4, Check out stores such as H+B if you are in the UK. Sales are in-store and on their website, all the time and I've found some of my new favourite products that way. If you would like some more plastic-free tips, don't be afraid to shoot me a message.
That's all for this section, thanks for reading!
Alice x
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