Thriving Autistic (2025)

31/10/2025

Thank you Blue Sky Learning

This series is important because, despite the increase in societal understanding surrounding autism, there are still many misconceptions about the neurodivergent community.

It's important to understand what autism is NOT.

Please refer to our blog for a more in-depth explanation: https://www.blueskylearning.ca/post/debunking-the-myths-about-autism

In addition, the increased understanding of ADHD and autism has led to a different approach to support from society, known as the neurodiversity-affirming approach.

Email us at hello@blueskylearning.ca or head to our website to book a free 20-minute consultation with one of our coaches or therapists for support: https://www.blueskylearning.ca/

31/10/2025

🌟Pete Tobias is our Neuro-Affirming Neurodivergent Practitioner of the Week 🌟

They are registered in our international Neurodivergent Practitioners Directory

Find out more & search for a practitioner or register yourself as a professional

Category: Therapy; Practitioners Neurodivergence(s): Autistic, Dyslexic, Dyspraxic, Neurodivergent; Region served: Europe, Ireland, United Kingdom; Service Type: Counselling/ Counseling; Free initial consult: Free Consult Available; Vendor: contact99.

30/10/2025

Looking forward to joining The Autistic Self Advocacy Network Gala later today:

Their second gala panel brings together AJ Link, Autumn Lauener, and Ren Koloni, to speak on taking action now in our communities. This panel will spend time on the power of building community and what needs to be done to build collective power.
Get your tickets today! https://secure.everyaction.com/bs4aLF5-m0m1jLsbVJrjtA2

Our second gala panel brings together AJ Link, Autumn Lauener, and Ren Koloni, to speak on taking action now in our communities. This panel will spend time on the power of building community and what needs to be done to build collective power.

Get your tickets today! https://secure.everyaction.com/bs4aLF5-m0m1jLsbVJrjtA2

30/10/2025

Looking forward to joining The Autistic Self Advocacy Network's 2025 Gala later today!

Join us for this year's virtual gala on Thursday, October 30th, featuring an evening of panels, celebration, and community. This year's theme is The State of Autistic Advocacy: Then, Now, and Beyond — celebrating and learning from our past work, evaluating the current state of the movement, and lo...

30/10/2025

Before our Neurokindred webinar, 'Creating Safe Spaces for Autistic People: Everyday Practices for Individuals and Organisations', attendants were invited to share questions. One thoughtful question we didn’t have time to address during the session was about how a neurodivergent person can start conversations about neurodiversity in a workplace that isn’t yet informed, while also protecting their own wellbeing.

Laura Hellfeld Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting wanted to share some ideas here in this blog for anyone navigating similar situations.
The event was co-hosted by Laura Hellfeld Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting Scott Neilson of Autistically Scott and Helen Edgar of Thriving Autistic

The Attendant Question:
As a neurodivergent person working in an environment where people are not educated about neurodiversity, what practical strategies can I do to start the conversation and raise awareness in a way that is safe for me? By safe I mean that I am not always the single person raising the issue as sometimes I don’t have the capacity or ability.
Some Practical Ideas to Help
1. Share resources rather than always being the explainer.
Instead of feeling pressure to explain neurodiversity yourself, you could circulate articles, short videos, or toolkits from trusted organisations. That way, the information is coming from an external source, not just from you.
2. Use “general” rather than “personal” framing.
Sometimes it helps to frame things in terms of best practice for everyone. For example, suggesting inclusive communication practices like allowing processing time or offering written follow-up can benefit all staff, not just neurodivergent people.
3. Find allies where you can.
If there’s a colleague, manager, or HR contact who “gets it,” you can share your concerns with them and ask if they’d be willing to help carry the conversation. That way you’re not always the one raising the flag.
4. Pace yourself and pick your moments.
It’s okay to only engage when you feel able. You don’t need to take on every opportunity to educate. Sometimes the safest and most sustainable approach is choosing one or two things you want to focus on.
5. Normalise the conversation through small steps.
For example, suggesting an article for a staff newsletter, recommending a book for the staff library, or asking if neurodiversity could be included in an existing training or wellbeing initiative. These are ways to start embedding awareness without putting yourself in the spotlight.
6. Remember: you’re not responsible for carrying it all.
It’s not your sole job to educate everyone about neurodiversity. Organisations should be creating the conditions for inclusion. Protecting your energy and wellbeing is just as important as raising awareness.

Before our webinar, 'Creating Safe Spaces for Autistic People: Everyday Practices for Individuals and Organisations', attendants were invited to share questions. One thoughtful question we didn’t have time to address during the session was about how a neurodivergent person can start conversations about neurodiversity in a workplace that isn’t yet informed, while also protecting their own wellbeing. I wanted to share some ideas here in this blog for anyone navigating similar situations.

The event was co-hosted by myself, Scott Neilson of Autistically Scott and Helen Edgar of Thriving Autistic

The Attendant Question:
As a neurodivergent person working in an environment where people are not educated about neurodiversity, what practical strategies can I do to start the conversation and raise awareness in a way that is safe for me? By safe I mean that I am not always the single person raising the issue as sometimes I don’t have the capacity or ability.

Some Practical Ideas to Help
1. Share resources rather than always being the explainer.
Instead of feeling pressure to explain neurodiversity yourself, you could circulate articles, short videos, or toolkits from trusted organisations. That way, the information is coming from an external source, not just from you.

2. Use “general” rather than “personal” framing.
Sometimes it helps to frame things in terms of best practice for everyone. For example, suggesting inclusive communication practices like allowing processing time or offering written follow-up can benefit all staff, not just neurodivergent people.

3. Find allies where you can.
If there’s a colleague, manager, or HR contact who “gets it,” you can share your concerns with them and ask if they’d be willing to help carry the conversation. That way you’re not always the one raising the flag.

4. Pace yourself and pick your moments.
It’s okay to only engage when you feel able. You don’t need to take on every opportunity to educate. Sometimes the safest and most sustainable approach is choosing one or two things you want to focus on.

5. Normalise the conversation through small steps.
For example, suggesting an article for a staff newsletter, recommending a book for the staff library, or asking if neurodiversity could be included in an existing training or wellbeing initiative. These are ways to start embedding awareness without putting yourself in the spotlight.

6. Remember: you’re not responsible for carrying it all.
It’s not your sole job to educate everyone about neurodiversity. Organisations should be creating the conditions for inclusion. Protecting your energy and wellbeing is just as important as raising awareness.

29/10/2025

The Autistic Substance Use Network (ASUN) was created in response to the emerging research highlighting that substance use is an intersection of concern for Autistic people. They hope to address the knowledge gap in the understanding of Autistic substance use and it’s impact on policy and services.

Join their Mailing List & Become A Member if this interests you.

A.S.U.N is a collective of researchers, professionals, and community members. We have a shared goal of developing neurodiversity-affirming knowledge about Autistic people and substance use through research and policy development.

Find out more:

A home for research into Autistic substance use

29/10/2025

Shared via Reframing Autism

🌟 Autistic joy is powerful. Autistic passion is beautiful. 🌟
When Autistic people are supported to share what they love, something amazing happens: connection.
Friendship doesn’t have to look "typical" to be real. Sometimes it's two people infodumping about their favorite topics. Sometimes it’s just sitting side by side, enjoying a shared interest in comfortable silence.
Let’s celebrate the friendships that grow through shared passions, deep dives, and mutual respect. 💙
Autistic interests are a bridge to belonging. Let them shine. ✨

[ID: On a grape background, with the Reframing Autism logo in the upper left corner and the colourful knotwork in the lower right, white text reads, 'Autistic people are by nature generous with our knowledge and expertise. Sharing our passions is our instinctive way of forging organic, genuine friendships'. Beneath the text is an image of two young friends, running through a field joyfully].

🌟 Autistic joy is powerful. Autistic passion is beautiful. 🌟

When Autistic people are supported to share what they love, something amazing happens: connection.

Friendship doesn’t have to look "typical" to be real. Sometimes it's two people infodumping about their favorite topics. Sometimes it’s just sitting side by side, enjoying a shared interest in comfortable silence.

Let’s celebrate the friendships that grow through shared passions, deep dives, and mutual respect. 💙

Autistic interests are a bridge to belonging. Let them shine. ✨

[ID: On a grape background, with the Reframing Autism logo in the upper left corner and the colourful knotwork in the lower right, white text reads, 'Autistic people are by nature generous with our knowledge and expertise. Sharing our passions is our instinctive way of forging organic, genuine friendships'. Beneath the text is an image of two young friends, running through a field joyfully].

29/10/2025

Have you recently discovered that you’re Autistic? Would you like to learn more about your neurotype and discuss what it means for you in a supportive group with other newly identified Autistic adults?

We recognise that there are often barriers to getting an assessment, so whether you are self-identifying or have been formally identified Autistic, you are welcome to join us.

Our 6-week online programme aims to offer support, resources and community building for Autistic people and help you in answering the myriad of questions being late-identified can bring.

Irish citizens are eligible for FREE fully funded place thanks to Rethink Ireland. A subsidised sliding fee scale is available for international participants.

Find out more in the Discovery Programme for Autistic adults

Have you recently discovered that you’re Autistic? Would you like to learn more about your neurotype and discuss what it means for you in a supportive group with other newly identified Autistic adults?

29/10/2025

Ableism and ageism - We have groups for specific ages, including over 55s.

Find out more in the Discovery Programme for Autistic adults (formal or self-identifying Autistic adults all welcome!).

Fully funded 6 week course for Irish citizens thanks to Rethink Ireland

Have you recently discovered that you’re Autistic? Would you like to learn more about your neurotype and discuss what it means for you in a supportive group with other newly identified Autistic adults?

29/10/2025

Sharing from Independent Living Movement Ireland

Where Ableism Meets Ageism
Six online workshops for disabled people about getting older in an ableist society: tell us what you think and help develop strategies for change
Session Five:
Personal Finances
Wednesday November 5th
11 am - 12:30 pm
To get the Zoom link please email:
pippablack@ilmi.ie
IMAGE: poster with text detailed in post

You may also be interested in our Discovery Programme for Autistic adults. Fully funded 6 week course for Irish citizens thanks to Rethink Ireland

Feel free to share with your network if you think people may be interested (we have groups for specific ages as we also recognise the issue of abelism and ageism!)

https://www.thrivingautistic.org/discovery-programme/

Where Ableism Meets Ageism

Six online workshops for disabled people about getting older in an ableist society: tell us what you think and help develop strategies for change

Session Five:
Personal Finances

Wednesday November 5th
11 am - 12:30 pm

To get the Zoom link please email:
pippablack@ilmi.ie

IMAGE: poster with text detailed in post

29/10/2025

Sharing from Independent Living Movement Ireland

ILMI eBulletin 24th October 2025
In this Issue:
National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025 to 2030
Tipperary DPO
Video Project
WIDE Framework Launch
Ableism Meets Ageism
Respite and disabled people
Cork DPO Night time Economy
LinkedIn
Dublin DPO
ESRI Survey
AD4E
On This Link: https://mailchi.mp/885f37601cc5/ilmi-ebulletin-2nd-of-october-14766253?e=[UNIQID]

IMAGE: poster with todays date

ILMI eBulletin 24th October 2025

In this Issue:

National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025 to 2030
Tipperary DPO
Video Project
WIDE Framework Launch
Ableism Meets Ageism
Respite and disabled people
Cork DPO Night time Economy
LinkedIn
Dublin DPO
ESRI Survey
AD4E

On This Link: https://mailchi.mp/885f37601cc5/ilmi-ebulletin-2nd-of-october-14766253?e=[UNIQID]

IMAGE: poster with todays date

28/10/2025

We have a new open-access signposting resource page to support all the modules in our Discovery Programme for Autistic adults.

What other resources would you add?
Please share your top neuro-affirming websites, podcasts, books, videos and other resources with us!

Explore a curated collection of resources designed by and for Autistic people. Each topic is gently unpacked with videos, books, and websites that honour neurodivergent ways of being—no fixing, just understanding.

🎭 Masking
Understanding the pressure to hide your true self in order to feel safe or accepted. These resources unpack the emotional toll of masking—and offer support for reconnecting with your authentic self.

🌊 Emotional Regulation & Self-Care
Supportive tools to help navigate intense feelings and build sustainable self-care that respects your sensory, emotional, and cognitive rhythms.

🪞 Internalised Ableism
Explore how societal messages can shape the way we see ourselves—and how we can gently unlearn shame, reconnect with pride, and embrace Autistic identity.

🎧 Sensory
Resources that validate the richness and complexity of sensory life, and offer ways to honour your needs—whether through accommodation, awareness, or joyful sensory exploration.

🗣️ Self-Advocacy
Learn how to express your needs, set boundaries, and advocate for your rights—in ways that feel safe, affirming, and true to you.

🌍 Intersectionality
Being Autistic doesn’t happen in a vacuum. These resources centre the voices of Autistic people whose experiences are shaped by race, gender, sexuality, disability, and more.

🥸Imposter Syndrome
Support for those who feel like they’re "faking it" or not “really Autistic enough.” These resources affirm that your experience is valid—and that belonging doesn’t require proving anything.

📣 Disclosure
Guidance on deciding if, when, and how to share that you’re Autistic—with honesty, safety, and autonomy at the core.

🔄 Monotropism
An empowering lens that describes a deep, focused way of thinking—often misunderstood. These resources celebrate monotropism as a strength and a key part of many Autistic lives.

💞 Relationships
From friendships to romantic connections, these resources honour diverse relationship styles, communication needs, and the importance of mutual respect and understanding.

🔥 Burnout
Learn to recognise Autistic burnout—not just as exhaustion, but as a real and serious state of depletion. These resources offer language, validation, and practical support.

✨ Glimmers & Joy
Joy matters. These resources celebrate small sparks of delight, special interests, sensory comfort, and all the things that bring meaning and ease into our lives.

🧒 Family & Young People
Supportive content for Autistic parents, young Autistic people, and families navigating these journeys together—grounded in acceptance, understanding, and care.

If you have other ideas of what we can add to these resources, please do share!

Gentle, neuroaffirming resources created by and for Autistic adults.

Monday	09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 17:00
Thursday	09:00 - 17:00
Friday	09:00 - 17:00

Thriving Autistic

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