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**This year, a crucible of transformation, has demanded that we grapple with profound challenges, both political and personal. For me, it has been a pilgrimage into the labyrinthine depths of autism, unearthing the variegated facets of my neurodivergent identity. As I familiarize myself with the myriad traits that define my neurodivergence, I am acquiring coping mechanisms that, had I known of them earlier, could have illuminated my path. These newfound insights are unlocking doors I thought were forever sealed, offering an enlightening prism through which to understand the tribulations of my youth. It saddens me, however, that the seeds of this realization were sown during my kindergarten years, yet there was no tending to their growth. This neglect stunted my potential, leaving me to navigate an unforgiving landscape. Yet, as knowledge about the spectrum of ADD/ADHD/autism burgeons, those of us who share this neurodivergence are finding the resources and solidarity we need more readily. This awakening has been nothing short of a revelation, a metamorphosis of my existence. 🌱✨ #Neurodiversity #AutismAwareness #SelfDiscovery #MentalHealthMatters #Transformation**
**Politically, people are at odds with each other. It seems as if there is no longer a spectrum within the United States, only a polarity, and individuals are losing their humanity while they segregate. Even I have become quite angry, and in that anger, I've been very blunt and direct with people about my feelings on various topics. I do not intend to apologize for this, not because I am trying to be mean, but because the time has come for me to be assertive and not allow others to walk over me and my point of view any longer. It is time for people like me, who are neurodivergent, to make ourselves heard and to be treated with respect by those who have looked down upon us or displayed unsavory actions. Politically, it is our responsibility to uphold the Constitution and the rights of ALL people, whether they are men, women, or anything in between. ✊🗽 #Neurodiversity #HumanRights #PoliticalActivism #Assertiveness #RespectForAll**
**Equality and equity must be tempered with grace and mercy, but infused with justice and truth. 💫⚖️ #Equality #Equity #Justice #Truth #Compassion**
**So to those people who have left because of what I have written and said: I will miss you, because it is not as if I suddenly stopped loving you or don’t care; but if you are going to take a stance that hurts me or someone I love in any way, for any reason, I will reject you. I will not embrace people who accept the removal of my rights and the violation of my freedoms. I will not embrace those who accept the mistreatment of others based on the color of their skin and nationality. I will not embrace individuals who let their love of money determine who receives medical care and food. I will not embrace people who allow their religious beliefs to foster hate against anyone through their actions, words, or deeds. If this offends you, you likely need to evaluate your life, because you are probably bigoted in some fashion and need to make some changes. 🕊️✊ #LoveAndJustice #StandUpForRights #CompassionOverHate #EqualityForAll**
**This process I am going through is called unmasking. Unmasking in the context of autism refers to the process where autistic individuals let go of behaviors or expressions they have suppressed to conform to societal norms, allowing their true selves to emerge. This journey can be quite challenging; however, it can also be profoundly liberating and positive as individuals start to understand their own triggers, movements (ticks), self-stimulating behaviors (stims), and personal interests or passions. For instance, my intense love for frogs, my deep engagement in soap-making, or my ability to hyper-focus on specific tasks for hours, contrast starkly with my difficulties in managing tasks that I find overwhelming.
If you are not for the equal treatment and fair treatment of all living beings—because all deserve respect, regardless of your feelings—then, in my opinion, you are not a good person, and I do not want you in my life. This is a blanket, yet concrete statement, and it is one which I will not back down on. 🌈💖 #Unmasking #AutismAcceptance #EqualTreatment #LoveAndRespect**
### References
Baker, C. (2018). *The autism spectrum: What it is and how to live with it.* New York, NY: Penguin Random House.
Milton, D. (2012). *On the ontological status of autism: The significance of the unmasking process.* *Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders*, 42(9), 1983-1990. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-012-1467-8
Pellicano, E., & Stears, M. (2011). *Bridging the gap between the autism research community and the public.* *Autism*, 15(2), 121-134. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361310382532
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