Autism Education Posts
Autism Traits In Women, Girls, AFAB + Non-Binary Folks
Image: Bruno Borges (Penabranca) Please note: this list does NOT entirely conform to the DSM-5 criteria for an autistic diagnosis - it is a much more nuanced, detailed list of traits that are not necessarily stereotypical in nature. It is as such due to the fact that many women, girls, trans and non-binary folks fly under the radar of diagnosis
The Late Diagnosed Autistic Life: The Gifted Child To Burnt Out Adult Pipeline
A few months ago I created a survey that covered lots of questions having to do with the general life arc of fellow autistics, especially late-diagnosed autistics. I received hundreds of responses and was fascinated - but not surprised - to learn that the majority of us experienced an arc that was essentially the same in many crucial ways. Of course the…
A Neurodivergent Nervous System
This, then, is the human problem: there is a price to be paid for every increase in consciousness. We cannot be more sensitive to pleasure without being more sensitive to pain. ~ Alan Watts Over time I’ve learned that we are our nervous systems. In this modern society we tend to ‘other’ the body (“My body isn’t cooperating”, “I wish my body liked gluten”…
Sia Is Autistic - So Let's Talk About Internalized Ableism
We in the autism community woke up to the news this morning that Sia has been diagnosed autistic. I myself hadn’t been yet diagnosed when her film Music came out but I was already heavily suspecting my own neurodivergence at that time, and watched as the ND community reacted to the portrayal (and treatment) of an autistic character in the film, played b…
I'm Disabled And I Didn't Know It For Most Of My Life
This topic was requested by one of Fey Creaturehood’s paid subscribers. If you would like to suggest discussion topics for future articles, please subscribe for 5.00/month and head over to this post to have your say! I’m always open to hearing suggestions and I love when you contribute to this space.
Burnout, Unmasking and Embracing A New Life
Hi all, it's been a minute since I’ve published a podcast! In this episode I dive into discussing where I'm at in my post-autism diagnosis process, how unmasking has been going, how my burnout is doing and the ways in which I've gained new understanding of this epic unfolding. If you resonate or find this helpful, please like this post and leave a comme…
Why Autism Isn't "Trendy"
As a result of my recent Autism Traits list I received a slough of messages that were expressing concern for the potential of spreading misinformation about the nature of autism, with the end result being that droves upon droves of people will self-diagnose and become part of a ‘trendy legion’ of delusional automatons, simply following the latest hot to…
What Is Autistic Burnout Really Like?
The Masks And The Burnout I, Devany Amber Wolfe 2022 I’m using my eyes, they squint at shapes shrouded in the brightest light. I’m using my ears, they allow sound to pervade my brain whether I like it or not. I’m using my voice, it aches because I want to be mute.
Integrating Into An Autistic Life, Part One
Art: Gilbert Williams It was September of 2021 when I received my official autism diagnosis, but it was April of that same year when it dawned upon me, while I was up late researching my new special interest (autism traits in women), that I was amongst a legion of adults who had flown for decades under the radar. April happens to be
Integrating Into An Autistic Life, Part Two
Artwork: Gilbert Williams We can’t talk about integration unless we discuss shedding. A snake must shed its skin in order to evolve, and so must we all. So the next portion of my memoir excerpt goes into just that: the identities that we developed over our lifetime of being undiagnosed autistic, the ways in which we felt like we were ‘wrong’ or ‘broken’ …
Integrating Into An Autistic Life, Part Three - Recovering From Burnout
In order to support myself as a writer, I rely upon financial backing from readers. The rest of the shares this month are going to be behind a paywall. I’ve made my Substack as accessible as possible with tons of free resources, but I’d love to encourage you to support this generous, hard work for 5.00/month. Thank you and I love you!
Autism Ed || Who Is The Person Beneath The Autistic Mask?
Leo and Diane Dillon One thing I realized, about a year after my autism diagnosis, was that the process of unmasking was going to be lengthy and rather complicated. While turning The Mask on, after decades of practice, is like flipping a switch - turning it off is more like having to undo all of the old electrical wiring in your house. The Mask itself is…
Autism Ed || Tips + Journal Prompts For Unmasking
Thomas Liam Davis and Phoebe Walters As I mentioned in my last piece, I’ve decided to paywall the advice articles this month. This isn’t to gatekeep vital information, it is to encourage you to opt for a paid subscription to this Substack to help support me as a disabled artist + writer. Much of what I have on offer here (and on social media, podcasts etc) is free, and it is a wealth of helpful information + resources. Please consider financially bolstering the creators you love! The subscription is only 5.00/month <3
NEW COURSE announcement!
Hi friends, I have a special announcement! I’m finished toiling away at my secret project that has kept me away from this space for a little while. It is called:
Ask Fae: I'm worried about my reputation if I come out as autistic
Someone asked me this question recently:
Autism Ed || Reclaiming Myself
Just a quick note before I dive in: My KICKSTARTER for the second edition of Celestial Bodies Astrology and Numerology Oracle ends today! This is your last chance to pledge! Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who has contributed <3
And what about autistic joy?
Since my autism diagnosis in 2021, dozens of people I know (mostly women) have discovered their neurodivergence. We’ve all undergone the same transformations and essentially the same emotional journey. Validation > relief > rage > grief > questioning everything > unmasking > shifts in identity > more grief…it goes on. Mixed in there is an immense amount…
Neurodivergence is becoming the dominant neurotype - so it's not really 'divergent' at all
Just a quickie this evening as this is on my mind.