Has any one ever Neurosplained you?

Dawn said:

My doctor neurosplains me every time he tells me I "suffer with autism".  Or tells me he regrets that "he cannot cure my autism".

Hi Dawn.

I have not experienced ‘neurosplaining’ (I really like the new word by the way!). We could create our own autistic/neurodivergent culture dictionary!

I am so sorry you have had this experience with your doctor , you deserve to be openly proud of your autistic identity not pitied or pathologised!

I don't take it to heart.  It's just born of ignorance.  He assumes nobody can actively enjoy being autistic and clearly has never heard of the social model of disability.  It does rather inspire me to get into the training game though... they just need educating.

I kind of think that as a community we have been developing our own lexicon for a bit - 'neurodivergent' for example and so many more people preferring person first language, or otherwise taking charge of the discourse by using terms like 'non-speaking' rather than 'non-verbal', because so many autistic people in fact have very many 'verbs' they use eloquently in written language even if they never utter them orally.

But neurosplaining caught my eye today, and I liked it.  Another little tool for us to take charge of our own discourse.

I don't take it to heart.  It's just born of ignorance.  He assumes nobody can actively enjoy being autistic and clearly has never heard of the social model of disability.  It does rather inspire me to get into the training game though... they just need educating.

I kind of think that as a community we have been developing our own lexicon for a bit - 'neurodivergent' for example and so many more people preferring person first language, or otherwise taking charge of the discourse by using terms like 'non-speaking' rather than 'non-verbal', because so many autistic people in fact have very many 'verbs' they use eloquently in written language even if they never utter them orally.

But neurosplaining caught my eye today, and I liked it.  Another little tool for us to take charge of our own discourse.

We attract each other….we are like magnets!

Neuroscope. Another new useful lexical item. Yeah I think I'm developing one of those. So many folk in my circle that I think are...one or two I've quietly said something to, and yeah they know it too but haven't sought a diagnosis. Birds of a feather and all that....

Dawn said:

Correction. I do indeed mean identity first. 

Thought so!

If you are still passionate about the cause, which you obviously are then maybe you could consider going back into training.

You are very welcome! I hope the link can help you with your decision.

Dawn said:

And you are so right that we need more involvement from non-speaking people. I read Emily Grodin's "I have been buried under years of dust" this year and was shocked to learn that parents of non-speaking kids are sometimes discouraged from giving them the necessary kit because it might prevent them trying to use oral speech. 

Parents are falsely advised that speech is the gold standard in the neuronormative world, but there are so many beautiful alternative means of communication that could be life changing for our non speaking autistic members of the community. It’s such a shame that unnecessary harmful assumptions are made about our fellow neurokin just because they are apraxic and cannot use mouth words or sometimes control their bodies. Have you watched the film The Reason I Jump? It’s a brilliant portrayal of non speaking autistic people from all around the world. I particularly like Joss!

 I love the word neurokin! I love the word neuroscope too- it’s the term I use when I can tell someone else is autistic.

Correction. I do indeed mean identity first. 

Actually; 'neurokin' is another fantastic example you've used there.

I am a qualified trainer. I thought I'd given that up to slide into retirement, but maybe not. I did have an offer the other day and I'm giving it serious consideration.

I'm going check out your link too. Thank you.

And you are so right that we need more involvement from non-speaking people. I read Emily Grodin's "I have been buried under years of dust" this year and was shocked to learn that parents of non-speaking kids are sometimes discouraged from giving them the necessary kit because it might prevent them trying to use oral speech. 

Good God!

Dawn said:

I kind of think that as a community we have been developing our own lexicon for a bit - 'neurodivergent' for example and so many more people preferring person first language, or otherwise taking charge of the discourse by using terms like 'non-speaking' rather than 'non-verbal', because so many autistic people in fact have very many 'verbs' they use eloquently in written language even if they never utter them orally.

Exactly! We almost have our own language in the autistic and wider neurodivergent community. Do you mean so many people preferring identity first language?

I much prefer the term non speaking as it literally describes autistic people who do not use mouth words whereas the word ‘verbal’ actually refers to using language generally.

 I would like to see more non speaking/apraxic autistic autistic people in advocacy as I think they are an unrepresented group. Having said that many of our neurokin on this forum maybe non speaking or semi speaking at times. I only experience this under extreme stress (shutdown). Many non speaking autistic people have limited access to alternative means of communication and therefore do not get the opportunity at an early age to eloquently express their thoughts, intelligence and experiences.

Dawn said:

Another little tool for us to take charge of our own discourse.

I concur! You are a great advocate for our autistic community!

Dawn said:

I don't take it to heart.  It's just born of ignorance.  He assumes nobody can actively enjoy being autistic and clearly has never heard of the social model of disability.  It does rather inspire me to get into the training game though... they just need educating.

It’s good that you are not offended by these situations. I love being autistic, it’s brilliant! It’s why I am part of this amazing, passionate and determined autistic community. Your doctor works at the core of the medical model though so probably doesn’t see the need for the social model of disability or Luke Beardon.

Training is a great idea! You would be brilliant, you are so passionate and knowledgeable about autistic experience and medical/healthcare issues. I would love to work in the advocacy/training sector too but I think that is a future ambition.

Here is a company that could support you with your training ambitions:

https://ndconnection.co.uk/

ND Connection is an autistic led organisation that I have just started blogging for! Very exciting!

It provides training for hospitals, schools and social care about improving sensory environments for autistics (amongst other things).

You could get in contact with them, I just filled out the form on the website.

Good luck!