Reflections

Image is Kristy, from another time. She has shoulder-length dark hair, fair complexion from never seeing the light of day, and brown eyes, looking directly at the camera with a dazed, exhausted, burnt out demeanour and expression. They are wearing a light pink pyjama top, unable to make it to the shower due to overwhelm and full time caring. The background is plain and light-colored, providing a clear view of the individual. The overall appearance is candid and unfiltered, with natural lighting.

I never want to forget. autism autistic autistic burnout communication community identity parenting trauma Jan 05, 2024

This is an image of me, deep in the trenches, around a decade ago.

My husband would message from work each day and ask how 'things' were.

Some days, I couldn't speak. I'd send pictures. This was one of those days, and I remember and still feel that exact moment. I was in the bathroom,...

A photo of Australian-based Autism support specialist, Kristy.

This is Me. autism boundaries communication identity legacy neurodivergent Aug 13, 2021

I no longer paint my nails.

I don't adorn myself with jewellery.

I take my time responding to messages and I seldom answer my phone. I have a message bank.

I say no to social invitations when I mean no.

I cut all of my long, dark hair off after years of...

School Trauma: Tuning into the language of behaviour. behaviours communication neurodivergent schooling Jul 08, 2021

For many of us, when we withdraw our children from school after prolonged challenges within that system, we expect that our children will begin to do better at home.

This isn't always so.

Our children do the best they can, in survival mode.

Survival mode...

A photo of Australian-based Autism support specialist, Kristy with a group of people who are dressed as Stormtroopers from 'Star Wars'

Appearances can be (so very) deceiving. autism behaviours communication neurodivergent socialising Jul 01, 2021

I'm a PDA autistic (Pathological demand avoidance).

This means that my social connectedness; my ability to engage with others naturally and to make eye contact gives the impression that I possess a higher level of social "ability" than what is expected of me.

As a PDA autistic,...

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