The Wildflower Mind

This is The Wildflower Mind, a space for honest thoughts, unfiltered observations, and real talk about what it's like to be neurodivergent in the modern world. Written by a neurodivergent woman who spent her whole life caught between two worlds, this is a place where different isn't a problem to fix. It's something to celebrate. This is where I write about my life, my experiences, and the little things I notice that nobody else seems to. No filter. No masking. Just notes from a different kind of mind.

[thewildflowermind]

Red, White and Overstimulated

The Fourth of July and similar holidays can easily cause neurodivergent sensory overload. How do we make them more inclusive?

With the Fourth of July this Saturday, I thought I'd share what popular American holidays and their traditions can feel like for neurodivergents. They can be very overwhelming for us! So how do we include neurodiversity in the celebrations?

[thewildflowermind]

Neurodivergents aren't "broken". Our world is.

The problem was never that neurodivergents are broken, it’s that we live in a broken world! If we spent less time viewing neurodivergence as a defect or a problem to be solved, and more time solving the actual problems of ableism and exclusion, then neurodivergence and other disabilities wouldn’t be a “problem” at all, just another way of life!

[thewildflowermind]

Stephen Miller Said to Drive DOJ Memo Eroding Disability Rights

White House adviser Stephen Miller was the driving force behind the Justice Department’s recent memo authorizing states to institutionalize

The US DOJ's recent memo authorizing states to institutionalize people with disabilities rather than fund community-based care is inhumane, barbaric and evil. We aren't animals to be locked up in cages! Especially in places with a history of negelct and abuse! Condemning people to a lifetime of torture will NOT solve our problems! Resources will! Fight for disability rights!

[nickturse]

[todaysbat]

Image description: over an image of a grassy coastline and a blue sky with a few clouds is the words "There is enough if we share" in all caps.

[thewildflowermind]

And I completely, 1000% agree with this statement!

There is enough food for everyone, if we all share it

There is enough water for everyone, if we all share it

There is enough land for everyone, if we all share it

Our world has more than enough to resources for every single person on this planet to not only survive, but thrive. The problem is, too many powerful people are hoarding these resources because of greed and selfishness. Because they're afraid of not having enough.

Fear is the root of all evil. We as a species need to forget fear and remember love, trust and compassion. Once we do so, we will be able to solve every problem that plagues our world, and everyone will be able to have everything they need.

Be brave. Choose love. Be generous.

[audible-smiles]

the worst part of summer is that people get sooo comfortable expressing their disgust at having to see other people’s bodies. they’re always complaining about wrinkly old men at the nude hot springs or fat women in bikinis at the beach. I hate that shit. if you’re not capable of being normal about bodies you personally don’t find attractive, just turn your head to look at something else! and if you’re not smart enough to do that, then at least do the rest of us the courtesy of suffering in silence, because we don’t wanna hear your weird comments. thanks.

[sluttynurse]

imagine if public transit ran 24/7........ in my beautiful world

[thewildflowermind]

This would be a dream come true!

Less traffic, less pollution, healthier planet, and more money in our wallets!

[wizardnaturalist]

a book should be $5 a little drink should be $2 and museum access should be free and all hours

[boobina]

we exist for love btw

[slimeandsensitive]

not so commonly talked about autism traits

~poor/abnormal posture ~trouble with left, right, and other directions ~disinterest in sports/physical activity ~rituals with no outcome ~large or unique vocabulary ~lack of organization ~intense compassion/empathy ~intense anger or no anger at all ~connections with animals ~difficulty understanding pop culture, styles, trends, etc

[thewildflowermind]

YES, I relate to so many of these traits.

I slouch constantly

I'm terrible at navigating without GPS

I was the worst at gym class

Large vocabulary for sure

AuDHD makes organizing a bitch

Definitely feel anger and empathy strongly (sometimes too strongly)

I love animals!

Trends and pop culture are confusing!

Anyone else feel this way?

[neurowonderful]

They’re here! Because you demanded it, and because I love you – more neurodivergent/Autistic Valentine’s Day cards! Please feel free to use and share these as you will. Just do remember to give me credit, please <3

[Image description: A series of six Valentine’s Day cards featuring bright watercolor backgrounds with complimentary coloured bars containing white text. The cards read:

Your stims are stupendous; your happy makes me happy

I would talk on the phone for you; please don’t make me

You’re on my red list; let’s get out of here

I want to know everything about you; do you mind if I take notes?

I want to spend time in parallel existence with you; let’s be alone together

Your echolalia is enchanting; let’s back and forth

End image description.]

Created using these papers. 

EDIT: “Red list” references these communication badges, your red list being the short list of people who are allowed to talk to you when you are wearing the red “don’t talk to me” badge.

[thewildflowermind]

These valentines are not only absolutely beautiful, but the wording is even better! Elementary school me would've loved to receive a valentine like one of these cards!

Big shout out to neurowonderful for these wonderful cards!

[samirasystole]

this pride month, keep the disabled queer people in mind who can't celebrate pride the 'regular way' aka by going to parades and lots of events. keep the homebound, bedbound, and other disabled queers who can't go in mind. those people who see everyone else party and are unable to attend. text them, wish them a happy pride, visit them and celebrate in a way that works for them. it's already hard not to be able to go to all of these events, it's even harder to be left behind because of it.

[thewildflowermind]

Pride Belongs to All of Us

Disability is a part of diversity. It's time we treat Disability Pride like other Prides.

LGBTQ+ Pride Month and other months of identity celebration are largely recognized in the US. Black History Month, Women's History Month, AAPI Heritage Month, etc. But Disability Pride gets overlooked, and is undervalued as a result. Diversity isn't truly diverse without disability. Our pride deserves a spotlight too. Disability Pride Month and all the pride days throughout the year should be recognized and celebrated like other pride months and days.

[thewildflowermind]

Happy (belated) Autistic Pride Day!

I went to my local conservatory with a friend a few days ago and attended their butterfly show. Look at these pictures I took of the butterflies. What do they all have in common?

The answer is just that - they’re all butterflies. They come from different places, are different sizes, and have different colors and wing shapes. But they’re all equally beautiful and needed the survival of our world.

Autistic people are the same way. We vary across different races, sizes, nationalities, backgrounds, genders, and abilities, but our shared diagnosis and experiences connect us. And this world needs every one of us.

Let’s unite and raise our voices to create a more just, equitable and accessible world for us all! A brighter future for everyone inside and out of our community!

[laterkiss]

i have [gestures vaguely] my tendencies

[thewildflowermind]

I know I sure have my tendencies!

Stimming, staring off into space, palilalia, getting distracted (especially by my phone) while trying to work, zoning out during conversations, randomly bursting into song in my room, making mental plans for potential future scenarios, stumbling and starting over when speaking, I could go on!

What are your "tendencies"?

[papayajuan2019]

must feel so good to be soil absorbing rain

[thewildflowermind]

Yesterday I had the privilege of meeting the one and only Tom Grossi during his Cincinnati stop on his 30 for 30 Part Deux tour! He was incredibly kind and humble, and had so many wonderful things to say about my hometown, fan base, and to me! And he was very appreciative of the gift I gave him and interested in The Wildflower Mind! The world needs more men like Tom.

Thank you for all you’re doing for St. Jude, Tom! It was a pleasure to meet you! Please come back soon!

[thewildflowermind]

"Shut up" hurts. Let us speak.

When a neurodivergent talks to you nonstop about something, it's because it's something they're passionate about or excites them, and they want to include you because you matter to them. Responding negatively (acting disinterested, telling us to shut up, saying we’re being annoying, etc.) tells us we don't matter as much to you as you do to us. And that our interests are dumb, annoying, or unimportant. And that hurts deeply.

Remember, words have power. Wield them judiciously.

Next time a neurodivergent talks your ear off about something, smile and nod along. They’re trying to open their heart to you.