I originally posted this blog in June 2024, but a while later removed it due to some concerns about sharing too much or being judged. At the time I had realised the last time I wrote and published a blog was October 2022. It had been a while! Now in October 2024 I have decided… Read More Life, Death, & Ritalin
Do an online search containing the words autism and suicide and the results may shock you. It isn’t something that many people probably spend much time thinking about, but to those who are autistic, or have an autistic person in their life, the mental health challenges and suicide risk is a scary reality in the… Read More The harsh reality of suicide risk and autism
A few weeks ago I met up with someone I have met through the Microsoft community for a coffee. During our discussion the conversation somehow shifted to me when she asked about my challenges as an autistic person, also known as someone with Asperger’s. I was completely comfortable and happy to dive into the discussion.… Read More We need to be talking more about neurodiversity in the workplace
April is Autism Awareness month, and April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day. To mark this important period, I wanted to share why I personally feel it is important to put myself out there and be open about my own Autism diagnosis, even at risk of judgement, impacting relationships or my career. I was diagnosed… Read More Why I choose to be open about my autism
There has been so much negative commentary and attention on Greta Thunberg. As a female autistic person I have been quite shocked at times at what I have observed in the news and social media.What has stood out to me is the reaction people are having to Greta. And it’s not necessarily about her speeches,… Read More I am a fellow autistic female and these are my thoughts on Greta Thunberg
I attended Microsoft Ignite last week in 3 different roles. Firstly, what triggered me to travel to the conference, was representing neurodiversity as an autistic individual. I was asked by Microsoft to lead some table discussions each day as part of the area setup by the Humans of IT community. The second role I played… Read More Microsoft Ignite Part 1: A Neurodiverse Perspective
Neurodiversity is a term used to describe conditions like autism, dyslexia and ADHD. The growing focus on diversity and inclusion in many workplaces can increase awareness of the variety of communication and work styles. With this increasing dialogue comes a shift in the focus of atypical ways of thinking or learning, away from the deficits,… Read More Neurodiversity, Technology and the Workplace
After years of wondering and greater understanding, last year during assessment of my daughter discovered what had long been suspected. I am a high-functioning autistic woman. Someone known as ‘having Asperger’s’. Over the last 12 months I have come to terms with that label, for most of the time hiding and avoiding the negative connotation.… Read More 12 months ago I was officially diagnosed with autism — Key lessons I’ve learnt since