When I did this shoot last year, I was mentally preparing myself for my autism diagnosis test that would take place the same week.
I got the official diagnosis a little later that I have Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AuDHD).
This wasnāt the biggest surpriseāthere were clues that had been adding up for a few years that I was probably autisticābut still, getting a professional diagnosis was a huge relief. It was like stepping back from being too close to a huge painting and seeing that things finally made sense when I had a proper viewpoint.
I chose my Helaena Targaryen cosplay for this post because sheās autistic-coded, and I immediately felt a strong kinship with her character when I watched the show.
Long before my diagnosis, cosplay and conventions have been a place where Iāve felt accepted and supported by my peersāfellow nerds, that is, whether they be neurodivergent or neurotypical. Even when I go solo to a con, like RICC most recently, it feels like Iām home. This is partly due, I think, because of all of the wonderful, weird, and unexpected encounters and collaborations that can come from interacting with other fans and cosplayers.
Unfortunately, I have resting serious face, so if you ever see me at a con and I look very serious/sad/mad, Iām actually having the time of my life 99% of the time. The other 1% is when Iām under caffeinated and plotting my route to the nearest Dunks. I also rarely wear my glasses at cons, so if you see me frowning, I promise Iām just squinting and trying to make sure Iām not waving at the wrong Superman.
Iām very fortunate to have fantastic family and friends that have supported me the whole way. I wish all neurodivergent people could have that kind of support; I know not all do.
Anyway, nothing has really changed day-to-day, and I didnāt create this to try and garner any sympathyājust wanted to say hi to any other neurodivergent cosplayers out there!
[p.s. while helaenaās special interest may be bugs, mine is definitely not. The ones in the photos are fake. See the second photo for my real reaction. š]
stormborns
gamechangershow
izzy806
tangentwithtanner
gummygunk
kianamaiart
areudirty