I’ve had this little red #origami horse for five years.
It’s one of my most treasured possessions.
This #thread is about how it came to me.
#autism
#AllAutistics
#ActuallyAutistic
1/

Five years ago I had no idea I was #autistic.
Five years ago I was employed in an #autism related role.
As part of this I visited a busy sixth form college at lunchtime to try to recruit some volunteers.
2/

Lunchtime in the sixth form centre was really busy with students grabbing something to eat and playing music.
My #autism display included lots of #sensory things as well as leaflets to spark interest and discussion.
3/

I managed to have a few conversations in spite of the level of music and activity.
The students seemed interested and open-minded about #autism. Some had #autistic siblings or friends.
4/

One student sitting a short distance away listened to the conversations I was away while working on something in her hands.
When I packed up at the end she came and put a little red origami horse into the metal tree I used for display.
5/

Sometimes we say things more easily in writing than by speaking. Sometimes we communicate things without using words at all. There are many different ways to say things.
#autism
#Autistic
#AllAutistics
#ActuallyAutistic
6/

Every conversation about #autism should assume someone #autistic is present. This applies to all kinds of #communication on and offline. #Academic #clinical and #research discussions should always include autistic people. Every conversation about autism must be respectful.
7/end