🐢🧩🐳

(he/him) - Autistic, adult, AAC user, moderate support needs age regressor/forever kid

[silentdreamystars]

I think it would be cool to share my experiences trying to medically transition as a minimally verbal/ semi speaking trans person who uses AAC. I don’t know if I will ever be successful because it’s proving to be very difficult right now, doctors aren’t sure what to make of me and my ability to consent. 

Currently hoping my family Doctor can get the trans clinic to accept my referral. Then I will have to get another doctor to understand me and respect my communication.

[silentdreamystars]

I’m starting T very soon. Nervous about how it will effect me mentally. (1st) Puberty was rough for me not just because dysphoria but I had a lot of meltdowns and my brain got very bad. Mostly excited but nervous. I will adjust and learn to cope. I will have to focus more on managing my anger,

[silentdreamystars]

Crazy I haven’t posted on here in years. But I’m a year and a half on T. I found another clinic and was on T within a month with them. It was so much better. T puberty has been rough physically but mentally and emotionally I’ve never felt better. Hopefully top surgery soon 🤞🏾. I don’t rely on AAC as much anymore and my catatonia isn’t as bad as it was, I still get burnt out but I understand my body and brain much more. I don’t age regress as much anymore since starting T - but I’m still a kid at heart . I’m going back to university, this time in my home city, and a different program. I am so so so so excited but also really nervous ofc. Hopefully I’ll make a little update at the end of Fall Semester or next Summer and see where I’m at with burnout and school and hopeful my damn b00bs are off by then.

Ooh also last summer I did a summer school program in Montréal and was on my own for 3+ weeks in a different city, although I’m quite familiar with, it was amazing and I realized that I’m quite capable of independence and I’m gaining back a lot of skills that I lost. It was hard and I definitely need support but being in a walkable city and downtown made every thing so much easier for me. I know that one day maybe I can live alone.

[bebsi-cola]

this obviously doesn't apply to every disabled person but one of the things you don't really hear about for being disabled or chronically ill is the boredom. being stuck in bed and like. not having the ability to do anything meaningfully intensive with your hands, not being able to sit up, not having the concentration to read or watch things (from pain or brain fog or something else) and just kinda. lingering around online and hoping for something to happen or someone to talk to even if you have nothing good to say bc nothing has been going on for like the last day, week, month anyway

[happyflappyfizzy]

People really not understand this . Some even say understand but then say something that show they really don’t .

[drakoma-deactivated20250406]

"i wish i was nonverbal :((( itd be so much easier if i just didnt talk :((" SO THEN BE NONVERBAL !! JUST STOP TALKING !!!

oh. whats that? u cant ? or u would but ppl r always being rude or making a big deal out of it or wont leave u alone or u dont have access to aac or aac is slower than speech or ppl make weird assumptions about u or-

so then u dont want to be nonverbal. u dont want to deal with what it is actually like to be nonverbal and everything negative that comes with it.

u want to have a choice not to speak, u want oral speech to not be seen as superior so you can communicate comfortably, u want better aac or better access to aac. and thats perfectly reasonable and good actually !! i want that too. but thats not the same thing as being nonverbal. so please dear god stop phrasing it like that.

[etherealspacejelly]

I'm autistic and I currently feel like shit checklist

Hi there. Are you autistic? Do you currently feel like shit and don't know why? Try this checklist to see if you can Fix The Problem!

When was the last time you used the bathroom? If you answered "I don't know" or "at least 3 hours ago", go now!

Do you need a drink? Go get one if you don't have one in front of you.

When was the last time you ate? If you haven't eaten yet today, consider eating A Meal, or perhaps A Snack. Something is better than nothing, eat whatever you feel able to!

Is there something in your immediate surroundings that is bothering you? If the light is too bright, turn it off. If there is an annoying sound, make the sound stop or reduce your ability to hear it (earplugs, headphones, etc.). If your clothes are bothering you, change them.

Is your space messy? Pick one area of your room and clean it up as best you can. Clean your whole room if you have the energy!

When was the last time you did An Activity? Scrolling on social media doesn't count. Try actively doing something fun! Play a game you like, read a book, make something, or go for a walk.

When was the last time you Spoke to a Person? Consider talking to a person you like if it has been a while.

How long has it been since you did something Special Interest related? Make some time to do that today. Infodump to a friend, have a nice long research session, look at related images or gifs, make art about it, whatever works best for you!

Try stimming actively! Put on some music and dance, spin in circles, go to the park and use the swings!

If you still feel like shit after trying all of these things, you might be tired or sick. Go to bed early and get some rest. Hopefully you will feel better tomorrow!

Hope that helps :)

[2003-playground]

Can we stop using "still lives with their parents" or "unemployed" or "doesn't have a drivers license" or "didn't graduate high school" as an insult or evidence that someone is a bad person? Struggling with independence or meeting milestones is not a moral failing.

[lauras-happy-place]

💫No wonder why our childhood seemed much more colorful.💫

As an adult we kinda kill all the colors out from our lives. Most people around us do anyway. I think that’s a shame.

Btw I used NO filters on this. Man, I miss the rainbow.

[classicfilmblr]

Cinderella dir. Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske, Ben Sharpsteen | 1950

[fallcozyaesthetics]

As summer draws to a close, my autumnal yearning intensifies 🍂🍁

[thedeadpoets-blog]

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are October’s.”

[a-sip-of-milo]

Hey, you are not an embarrassment for not knowing how to do certain household chores/basic self-care. They do not come naturally to us. A lot of it takes practice! Maybe you had a neglectful guardian. Maybe you had one that was very coddling and never thought to teach you. Maybe you haven't lived in a place where these things were available to you or needed. Doesn't matter. It's okay to not know and far more common than you might realise.

That said, this website provides very simple instructions on how to do everyday tasks such as making your bed, using a washing machine, cooking different foods, washing dishes, taking a shower, etc. All you have to do is use the search bar to find the task you're struggling with, and it'll come up with what you need + other related how-to's:)

If you're having trouble navigating it, let me provide you with some examples:

How to clean dishes by hand

How to make your bed (with visual demonstrations of each step!)

How to fold clothes (with visual demonstrations of each step!)

How to take a shower & dry yourself off (also provides ways to shave beards, armpits, legs and genitals)

How to shave legs, armpits, beards, pubic areas, etc. (a more in-depth guide)

How to mop the floor

How to sweep the floor

How to swallow pills

How to make small talk

How to make eye contact in different situations (or how to avoid it while still looking natural)

It's also perfectly okay if these don't help or aren't appealing to you. Unfortunately, nothing helps everyone.

[chompercroncher-deactivated2024]

Also if the reason you don't know is developmental , intelectual or learning disabilities making you struggle even if you've been taught a bunch of times , you are so cool and awesome too :^) [smiley face ]

[chrome-barkz-aac]

i made this instagram post !!! there isn't as big of a community of AAC users on instagram so I thought I would share this on my instagram (@cytochromesea).

EDIT: i got an ask that states that not everyone knows what AAC is which is an oversight on my part, it stands for alternative and augmentative communication!

Image ID:

A light blue background with a rainbow and a cloud and some stars. There is a blue border collie with wings holding an aac tablet that says I love you! Text reads: AAC etiquette. Do’s, Don’ts, and other stuff. By cytochrome sea.

The same background appears in every following slide. Text reads:

AAC is my voice! It is not a toy or accessory

Don’t touch my AAC without my permission

Don’t take my AAC away from me, for any reason (joke, punishment, etc)

Don’t press buttons randomly or flip through my communication cards without permission

How would you like it if I randomly poked you on the mouth and throat (or on your hands if you sign)? It would be unpleasant, so don’t do that to me

Some AAC users can speak sometimes. It is not your business why someone can or cannot talk

Don’t ask questions about why an AAC user cannot speak. 

Do let us communicate however is best for us in that moment

Don’t ask us if or when we will be able to speak verbally. It’s not your business 

Do not value verbal speech more highly than AAC. Any communication is good communication

Some of us never talk, either, and that’s ok! Those of us who can talk sometimes are not better than those of us who can’t. None of us owe you an explanation for our use of AAC.

Don’t look at my screen until I show you. It feels really invasive!

It feels like when someone is looking at your phone screen over your shoulder, so please don’t do this

This applies to low tech AAC as well, don’t look at someone’s cards or letter board until they show you

You have the dignity of forming your thoughts in your head before you say them, whereas my thoughts are all on display. Please afford me the same dignity that you get automatically.

Don’t shame someone for not being able to speak verbally. It makes us feel horrible

We are real people with thoughts and feelings. Please treat us with kindness. 

We are trying our best

Don’t shame someone if their device mispronounces a word. It’s quite literally out of our control.

Other Don’ts. Don’t

Don't Treat an AAC user as childish or stupid for not being able to speak. Our ability to speak does not define our worth

Don't Show frustration at the way someone communicates

Don't Make comments about how fast or slow we communicate

Also don’t…

don't Act surprised when we swear or talk about adult topics like sex, drugs, or violence. We are not pure uwu precious smol beans, we are normal fucking people

don't Assume what is “wrong” with us. There are about a hundred reasons for someone to use AAC and you probably aren’t the expert in any of them.

“OK, so what CAN i do?” im glad you asked! When interacting with an AAC user, DO…

Ask us how we prefer to communicate and support us as you are able

Assume that we are competent

Talk to us with the same respect, tone and vocabulary that you would for any one else

Give us money (this one is a joke)

Understand that AAC grammar isn’t perfect and we are doing our best

Is it rude if…

I can’t understand your device? Not rude! Misunderstandings happen all the time in any conversation, just be patient as you would normally. 

I want to complement your AAC? Not rude!

I ask to see your AAC and understand how it works? This isn’t rude if you are already talking about AAC, but don’t ask random strangers this. They don’t owe you an AAC tour. 

Thank you for listening! This post is for the community! If you are an AAC user, let me know if I missed something in the comments and I will pin it! I hope you are filled with peace and love and I hope something good happens to you today! End ID. 

[anautistic]

You won't hurt anyone by doing things that help you with your autism. Even if others make you think it's inappropriate or unnecessary or that people with your "level" of autism/disability Don't Need That.

You aren't taking anything from someone else by downloading an AAC app, stimming openly, buying ear defenders or plugs, acquiring and using accessible or adaptive versions of objects, using visual schedules, using communication cards, using mobility aids, reading plain language versions of texts, using large print size, using subtitles, using screen readers, utilizing sensory rooms, utilizing sensory friendly hours of businesses, or any other infinite thing that could help you that other people might make you feel bad for using, or wanting to try.

Even if someone doesn't think of themselves as disabled in any way, but that these things would help them live a safer, happier, or more fulfilling life, they should be able use them too. People should always have access to things that help them! Accessibility is about PEOPLE!

[hee-blee-art]

some e-cards you can send to help with distance communication ♡ free to use privately, if you’d like to repost them publicly please credit! 

[sycamore-seedling]

[ID: A series of images by hee-blee-art with various cartoon animals with a communication related caption.

1. A tired looking spotted hairless cat with the caption, “I don’t have enough energy to respond right now. I’ll get back to you when I can.”, on a tan background.

2. A green T-Rex wearing orange noise cancelling headphones with the caption, “I need some time to myself. I’ll talk to you some other time.” on a light green background.

3. A yellow dog wearing a purple Thundershirt (a wrapped vest to help dogs with anxiety) wags their tail. The caption says, “I appreciate you being patient with me. I really like talking to you.” on a light purple background.

4. A green creature (I can’t tell the animal), wearing gardening gloves, a sunhat, an apron, and a medical face mask, holds a spade in one hand while waving with the other. The caption says “I miss you! I know we haven’t talked in a while, but I hope you’re doing well!” on a light blue background.

5. A tired mouse sitting in a teacup and an outline of a spoon over their head with the caption “I’m all out of spoons. I need some time to recover.” on a light purple background.

6. A pink pig standing supported by a yellow cane with the caption “I can’t talk right now, but I would like to later. Can we set a date and time?” on a light yellow background.

7. A brown and tan ferret, wrapped loosely in a red phone cord, cuddles the attached headset with the caption “I’d like to call if you’d be up for it. When are you free?” on a pink background.

8. A brown bear wearing a black and white striped jumpsuit holds a pink card with a speech bubble on it. The caption says, “I’d like to cash in this ‘get out of forgot-to-reply-jail free’ card.” on a pink background.

9. A black and white penguin sculpts a heart out of a block of ice. The caption says “Icebreaker! Let’s talk about something you love!” on a light blue background.

10. The same photo as above, but the caption says “Icebreaker! Let’s talk about:” and a fill in the blank on a light blue background.

/EndID]

[positivelyqueer]

[Additional ID: the animal in image 4 is an anthropomorphic frog. /end ID]

[defectivegembrain]

don’t know what parent of an autistic child needs to hear this but as long as they’re not harming anyone your kid’s stimming is not a “problem behaviour”

[bowditch]

in our house we have a few categories of stimming behavior.

1. the no category. this is for things that are unsafe. hurting self (head banging, scratching), hurting others, chewing on choking hazards. i know this is excluded in OP’s post, but i’m putting it on my list because if you parent an autistic child and deal with this, you have to be aware that a key to off-limits stimming is redirection. stimming satisfies an important physical and neurological need for the autistic brain, and that behavior is sensory-seeking. if you must say no, please also offer options or help redirecting to appropriate outlets for pressure, motion, rhythm, chewing, etc.

2. the shared space category. listen, i get that a lot of people are assholes about things that aren’t hurting them. that’s not what this category is for. but we have a household with multiple autistic individuals and a work from home situation. “shared space” is the code phrase we use for “please take this stimming to a different location.” sometimes, aural stims like repetitive noises or physical stims like pacing can be legitimately distracting to other people in a room (or car!). in the case of other autistic people, it might even feel painful or mentally consuming. this category is no-judgment “please move to another location to continue stimming this way.” it’s not bad, it’s not wrong, you aren’t being shamed– just do your best to respect others and their needs or comfort, and leave the communal area or lower your volume.

3. the you do you category. it doesn’t matter that nobody else is doing this to feel comfortable or happy– you aren’t hurting anyone else, you aren’t being disruptive in a space other people are using together. go for it.

and in every single category, anger has no place in redirecting a stim. not even the no category. stimming isn’t malicious, there’s no actual moral requirement to be “less weird” or “like everyone else.” even reminders like “you aren’t the only person in this room and that’s very loud” don’t need anger. stims aren’t done at anyone. they’re just the body expressing a kind of neurological hunger, and whether the answer is “enjoy that!” or “this isn’t safe for you to eat (ie, do)” fury doesn’t help.

[fuckyeahstimming]

I like these categories. “Your autism is poking my autism” is a real thing, and the majority of times people have been concerned about my stimming have been Not That.

[gentleaffirmations]

Even if you were a difficult child, you didn't deserve to be hurt.

[gentleaffirmations]

I hope this message reaches all the neurodiverse and disabled people who were made to feel like their abuse was justified because they had "behaviors".

While this message is true for every child, you are who I had in mind when I wrote it.

[snakeautistic]

People underestimate how much it fucks you up to be subtly excluded as a kid. I would try to talk to my classmates and be met with disinterest or annoyance. The one friend I had, who I clung to and nodded along to his every word, had other friends he liked just as much or more. And his other friends didn’t care for me at all.

I look back at pictures from the time and see how separated I was from them. I remember knowing I was different. I remember posing questions about the world to the girls playing next to me and realizing that they had never asked the same ones to themselves. That the ways we thought couldn’t be more different.

I kept myself amused with my own fanatical stories and musings in my head. I would wander the playground on a circular path, imagining a friend and being sorely disappointed when it didn’t feel as real as I’d hoped.

There was a bubble separating me from everyone else, thin, and nearly invisible, but with a pearly sheen you could catch under the right conditions. I knew it was there, they knew it was there, and it changed me

[my-autism-adhd-blog]

I Need Screen Time at Night to Fall Asleep As an ADHDer

AJ’s Brain