These four images explore my experiences of lateral ableism from other Autistic people. They show being judged for following rules, hyperfixating, struggling to process information, and panic responses.
My work was shared without permission and my watermark removed. Taking content without credit misrepresents creators, erases our voices, and sends the message that it’s okay to steal work.
Sometimes people will misinterpret a post and twist it into something it was never meant to be. When others rush to like or share that kind of content, even when it is just an opinion, it can spread harmful and untrue narratives.
Still focusing on my retrophiliac business but also starting to focus on my re-sale clothing & accessory biz because it seems to be where I am finding more success these days.
Clips from a day in my life as an autistic person in Vancouver! Sharing little moments, routines, and what everyday life may look like for me. www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUxV...
Spending the Day With Me: Autistic in Vancouver
YouTube video by Retrophiliac
youtube.com
First rejection email of the day and then one response saying they'll keep my info on file and another response saying they'll send my stuff to a different department. It's still early and I found more email addresses to send my information to.
Disabled people have been hearing ableist comments from organizations for years. Being told 'you’re the kind of person we’d work with, not work for' is just another example of that dismissal.
I'm working on designing stickers I can put up easily where posters are up in the city. However, I'm having a difficult time maintaining a bright vibrant pastel purple in CMYK. Does anyone have any pointers or even advice on what this should look like?
I’m autistic and experienced autonomic nervous system overload during a job trial. Traditional work can be overwhelming.
Autism advocacy and activism must make space for mental health. Silencing someone who is responding in panic or in other extreme ways happens far too often, and I am calling it out because it has to stop.
No autistic person is perfect, even public-facing influencers. Manipulation, exclusion, and unacknowledged mental health can harm communities.
My wholesale on Faire has plummeted almost 50%, and that makes it harder for me to survive and keep expanding the work I do. I design disability advocacy, neurodiversity, and queer pride enamel pins, stickers, lanyards, and accessories—tools that help people with self-advocacy and visibility.
This enamel pin reads “I HAVE FND Functional Neurological Disorder” in bold black text on a white background with a black border. It measures 1.5 inches wide by 0.58 inches tall and has two posts for secure wear.
f you're queer, autistic, neurodivergent, disabled - i am in Canada & I design merchandise you may be interested in. Unfortunately, with the tariff situation & de minimis going away, I am definitely struggling. I appreciate everyone who is helping me brainstorm places to get my items out there!
retrophiliac.etsy.com
It is September and Disability Employment Month celebrates disabled workers, but self-employed disabled individuals are often overlooked. They face limited funding, little recognition and few tailored supports. Programs exist, but one-on-one guidance, microgrants and practical mentorship are needed.
Connecting with others can feel overwhelming as an autistic person. Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, miscommunication, and negativity bias can make neutral reactions feel like disapproval.
When I shut down during conflict, it’s not a choice but a survival response. My body takes over, and I can’t always find the words or reactions people expect. This is often misunderstood as being unapproachable or uncaring, but really it’s how I protect myself when I’m overwhelmed.
TW: Discusses trauma and overwhelm. From my autistic perspective, shutdown is not a choice but a survival response. When someone pressures me, misreads my words, or expects instant reactions, my nervous system takes over.
I’ve carried words like “weird” and “too much” for years. Being misunderstood, bullied, and falling through the cracks was lonely. I share my story as an autistic person to show others they are not alone. Misunderstanding is common, but our experiences are valid. Too much. Never enough. Still me.
Check it out! I have basically a whole page in the Toronto star!!! Thanks to Mellys market and cafe for sharing.
My article is in the physical copy of the Toronto star this weekend!
If an Autistic person is dealing with burnout, and they're unmasked and letting you know that: 1) being on a video call causes anxiety 2) they don't have the bandwidth to talk to anyone 3) they don't have the bandwidth for interpersonal relationships
Rumours spread fast online and often stick even after the truth comes out. Repetition, social sharing, and bias make false info feel real. For visible or neurodivergent voices, this can be stressful. Pause, verify, and amplify truth to slow the spread of misinformation.
Awhile ago a coworker said I should put my pins that I have on my lanyard on a jacket, military award style. I bought a few more to complete the look. All pins on the jacket are from @retrophiliac.bsky.social
Thank you @retrophiliac.bsky.social for my lanyard it came in the mail today and I already put some of my pins on it
