Regional Autistic
Engagement Network (RAEN)
Neurodivergent
Story
Collection
"Hello, I’m Jeremy Ralph and written below is my story, this is how I write.
Today is world Autism awareness day, though in our house everyday is autism awareness day... This is my story, it may be a bit long winded but once I start typing it’s hard for me to stop, I hope this serves as inspiration for others on the spectrum who are going through similar situations and struggles to mine. All that’s left for me to say is stay strong, you are capable of more than you think you are and believe in yourself.
You are a leader not a follower."
"I would love to see autistic people sharing their stories proudly. It can be very difficult especially in online spaces to be vulnerable and share personal stories as the reception is not always supportive and positive."
"We need to make noise"
#bringbacklocaladvocacyandsupports
What is your favourite thing about being neurodivergent?
"I LOVE working the VPU slides for the worship team at church. Whenever I work it, it is like an amazing massage for my brain."
​
How should we be included in decision-making?
​
"We should be included in each and every part of decision-making, including decisions that are being made for us in parliament."
​
- Carol-Ann Fletcher
What does being neurodivergent mean to you?
​
For me being neurodivergent means having a diagnosis of Autism and feeling like I am living in a world I don't belong in.
​
How does your neurodivergence impact or intersect with other aspects of your identity? E.g. your gender, sexuality, race, location, experience as a parent etc.
​
People have thought that females "don't have Autism". Additionally I am a lesbian, which has always given me an additional feeling of feeling like "other"
​
What’s something you wish more people understood about your experience?
​
That I am always trying so hard!
​
What is your favourite thing about being neurodivergent?
​
That I am extremely loyal
​
- Belinda
"Being neurodivergent means to me that I might be different from the standard of what is expected mentally from people of my age stereotype, and it means I struggle or excel in different topics. It means I’m overly enthusiastic about some things or that I’m incredibly tired and bored by others. I love being neurodivergent, it makes me who I am, regardless of how much I struggle because of it."
​
"My neurodivergence and particularly my autism makes me incredibly honest. I hate lying and I rarely do it, and because of this every aspect of my identity is ten times more obvious. I love being female, and I love being pansexual, and even if those parts of my identity might change or shift as I discover more of myself when I’m older, I still know who I am now and I show that and express that."
"My favourite thing about being neurodivergent is definitely how passionate I am about my interests. They make me so happy, and I don’t need to try to get better at them because in the end I enjoy it so much that I just do it all the time regardless. For example, fashion. I’ve been particular and specific about everything I wear since I was like four or something ridiculous, and I still absolutely adore it. Styling and design also really is a part of me that I was born with, and to be honest, the best way to explain that is like my little pony. They’re all born with certain specific skills and passions that they discover when they’re little and they continue to study and grow their talent in that field for as long as they live."
​
- Vee
What does being neurodivergent mean to you?
​
"I am autistic with sensory processing disorder, C-PTSD and literacy challenges. Being neurodivergent shapes who I am completely. Although there are challenges I love who I am and a large part of that is being neurodivergent."
​
What would an ideal Tasmania look like for neurodivergent people?
​
"My ideal would not be the ideal of my neurodivergent kids or partner so I feel the best thing is to have options where possible and to listen to individuals and make accommodations where possible. I really value intersectional inclusion: inclusion that takes into account people’s race, culture, religion, sexuality, gender, disability. We cannot make the world perfect but I think we can treat individuals with respect and value their unique experience and the richness that we all bring to the world."
​
- Asher
NatureAuts Peer Group
Jill
RAEN Minecraft
Riley
