Brigid Brightfire
@brigidbrightfire.bsky.social
AuDHD Art Psychotherapist. Founder of Brightfire CIC. Creative peer support groups in the woods for Autistic & ADHD folk. 1:1 therapy. Brainspotting. Neurodivergence and mental health. Resources and content creation.
Love Dr Alice Nicholls work and use her resources with clients.
Free On Demand Mini-Course on How to Break the Cycle of Autistic Burnout and live a more authentic, sustainable and inspired life by Dr. Alice Nicholls
Her (free!) work has helped me personally to make positive changes in my life
No I don’t get paid to say this
Her (free!) work has helped me personally to make positive changes in my life
No I don’t get paid to say this
Au;thenticity
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authenticity-cf08d3.circle.so
December 1, 2024 at 3:09 PM
Love Dr Alice Nicholls work and use her resources with clients.
Yes, we are all different. We are not all sexist, misogynistic arseholes.
Please don't suggest being Autistic gets you off the hook.
Do better.
Please don't suggest being Autistic gets you off the hook.
Do better.
December 1, 2024 at 11:11 AM
Yes, we are all different. We are not all sexist, misogynistic arseholes.
Please don't suggest being Autistic gets you off the hook.
Do better.
Please don't suggest being Autistic gets you off the hook.
Do better.
This is my current reading list. What books would you add, or avoid about ADHD?
November 26, 2024 at 10:35 PM
This is my current reading list. What books would you add, or avoid about ADHD?
Can anyone one hook me up with a list of ND affirming books specific to folks who are late diagnosed/identified ADHD?
So many lists out their for autism, not so many for ADHD. Maybe that's just in my echo chamber?
So many lists out their for autism, not so many for ADHD. Maybe that's just in my echo chamber?
November 25, 2024 at 3:48 PM
Can anyone one hook me up with a list of ND affirming books specific to folks who are late diagnosed/identified ADHD?
So many lists out their for autism, not so many for ADHD. Maybe that's just in my echo chamber?
So many lists out their for autism, not so many for ADHD. Maybe that's just in my echo chamber?
Reposted by Brigid Brightfire
August 19, 2024 at 7:37 PM
I watched this on BBC News yesterday. Sadly it's too common. Autistic teen failed by the system. Again, and again.
When I see these headlines, I play "guess which paragraph reveals the person is autistic". It's paragraph 11, in case you were wondering.
Until we get timely diagnosis *AND ONGOING SUPPORT* for autistic people right, so many other things will keep going wrong.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Until we get timely diagnosis *AND ONGOING SUPPORT* for autistic people right, so many other things will keep going wrong.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
‘I just want to feel ordinary’ – Is the mental health system failing teens?
Teenager Mia has struggled to get the support she needs and feels the help she now has
www.bbc.co.uk
November 23, 2024 at 11:35 AM
I watched this on BBC News yesterday. Sadly it's too common. Autistic teen failed by the system. Again, and again.
We live in a weird funked up world where families like mine, who are neurodivergent, have to home ed because of school trauma.
There are barriers to assessment for home ed kids.
If you say your child is ND services do not believe you. Instead they scrutinise your parenting.
Yet more trauma.
There are barriers to assessment for home ed kids.
If you say your child is ND services do not believe you. Instead they scrutinise your parenting.
Yet more trauma.
November 23, 2024 at 10:34 AM
We live in a weird funked up world where families like mine, who are neurodivergent, have to home ed because of school trauma.
There are barriers to assessment for home ed kids.
If you say your child is ND services do not believe you. Instead they scrutinise your parenting.
Yet more trauma.
There are barriers to assessment for home ed kids.
If you say your child is ND services do not believe you. Instead they scrutinise your parenting.
Yet more trauma.
Reposted by Brigid Brightfire
“Autistic children are taught that our complaints are ridiculous and that it is abnormal to be uncomfortable.
As children, the crimes committed against us seemed like just another horrible thing we were being asked to do by adults.”
😔
As children, the crimes committed against us seemed like just another horrible thing we were being asked to do by adults.”
😔
The Tragic Truth About Sexual Abuse and Autism
A Personal Perspective: The majority of autistic women describe having some history of sexual abuse. We should begin looking at how we can stop this alarming trend.
www-psychologytoday-com.cdn.ampproject.org
November 23, 2024 at 7:47 AM
“Autistic children are taught that our complaints are ridiculous and that it is abnormal to be uncomfortable.
As children, the crimes committed against us seemed like just another horrible thing we were being asked to do by adults.”
😔
As children, the crimes committed against us seemed like just another horrible thing we were being asked to do by adults.”
😔
Reposted by Brigid Brightfire
August 21, 2024 at 12:19 PM
Reposted by Brigid Brightfire
Check out our starter pack for Neurodivergent Comedy, Performers, Actors & More.
These accts are the creative voices of autistic, ADHD and otherwise identifying neurodivergent humans! Performers of all types! We're stage, screen, digital, improv, podcasters, voice actors, etc
go.bsky.app/KfRWRGn
These accts are the creative voices of autistic, ADHD and otherwise identifying neurodivergent humans! Performers of all types! We're stage, screen, digital, improv, podcasters, voice actors, etc
go.bsky.app/KfRWRGn
November 21, 2024 at 5:08 PM
Check out our starter pack for Neurodivergent Comedy, Performers, Actors & More.
These accts are the creative voices of autistic, ADHD and otherwise identifying neurodivergent humans! Performers of all types! We're stage, screen, digital, improv, podcasters, voice actors, etc
go.bsky.app/KfRWRGn
These accts are the creative voices of autistic, ADHD and otherwise identifying neurodivergent humans! Performers of all types! We're stage, screen, digital, improv, podcasters, voice actors, etc
go.bsky.app/KfRWRGn
A quiet space at work or college/Uni can end up being the toilets, a store cupboard, the carpark/car, by the bins, the stairwell.
I've heard them all. Where do you go to avoid people?
We need dedicated spaces to reset and regulate.
I've heard them all. Where do you go to avoid people?
We need dedicated spaces to reset and regulate.
November 22, 2024 at 7:12 PM
A quiet space at work or college/Uni can end up being the toilets, a store cupboard, the carpark/car, by the bins, the stairwell.
I've heard them all. Where do you go to avoid people?
We need dedicated spaces to reset and regulate.
I've heard them all. Where do you go to avoid people?
We need dedicated spaces to reset and regulate.
Great resource.
Welcome to the Autistic Community is such a phenomenal autism resource! "We wrote this book for autistic people, but anyone can read it. If you are not autistic, this book can help you support autistic people you know." From ASAN @autisticadvocacy.bsky.social:
autisticadvocacy.org/book/welcome...
autisticadvocacy.org/book/welcome...
Welcome to the Autistic Community
This book is about what it means to be a part of the autistic community. Autistic people wrote this book. Some autistic people are j...
autisticadvocacy.org
November 22, 2024 at 7:05 PM
Great resource.
Reposted by Brigid Brightfire
Lived Experience Educator isn't on Bluesky yet, but over on Instagram they've put together their must read books for your neurodiversity affirming journey.
www.instagram.com/livedexperienceeducator
Book list with links: jadefarrington.com/lived-experi...
www.instagram.com/livedexperienceeducator
Book list with links: jadefarrington.com/lived-experi...
November 22, 2024 at 6:42 PM
Lived Experience Educator isn't on Bluesky yet, but over on Instagram they've put together their must read books for your neurodiversity affirming journey.
www.instagram.com/livedexperienceeducator
Book list with links: jadefarrington.com/lived-experi...
www.instagram.com/livedexperienceeducator
Book list with links: jadefarrington.com/lived-experi...
Average mortality age for Autistic folk is 54, with higher rates of suicide.
Clients I see often cite loneliness, self-loathing, and despair as reasons for feeling suicidal.
So often, it's because they've been bullied as kids and adults and rejected by peers.
Teach your kids about neurodiversity
Clients I see often cite loneliness, self-loathing, and despair as reasons for feeling suicidal.
So often, it's because they've been bullied as kids and adults and rejected by peers.
Teach your kids about neurodiversity
Autistics are >9x more likely to die by suicide
>13x if you're a woman / AFAB
>28x if you're a child
These rates go up when unidentified as Autistic
Identifying Autism in people without intellectual disability is medically necessary
Lives are at stake.
I'll repeat it as many times as I have to.
>13x if you're a woman / AFAB
>28x if you're a child
These rates go up when unidentified as Autistic
Identifying Autism in people without intellectual disability is medically necessary
Lives are at stake.
I'll repeat it as many times as I have to.
Why Suicide Is All Too Common Among Autistic Adults
Suicide rates are extremely high among autistic adults. Reevaluating the way workplaces, families, and friends relate to the support needs of autistic adults might be the answer.
www.psychologytoday.com
November 22, 2024 at 5:52 PM
Average mortality age for Autistic folk is 54, with higher rates of suicide.
Clients I see often cite loneliness, self-loathing, and despair as reasons for feeling suicidal.
So often, it's because they've been bullied as kids and adults and rejected by peers.
Teach your kids about neurodiversity
Clients I see often cite loneliness, self-loathing, and despair as reasons for feeling suicidal.
So often, it's because they've been bullied as kids and adults and rejected by peers.
Teach your kids about neurodiversity
Reposted by Brigid Brightfire
November 22, 2024 at 12:44 PM
Way before I knew I was AuDHD I was nick-named squirrel.
For me it's not 'Oh, look there's a squirrel!'
I am the squirrel.
For me it's not 'Oh, look there's a squirrel!'
I am the squirrel.
November 22, 2024 at 11:18 AM
Way before I knew I was AuDHD I was nick-named squirrel.
For me it's not 'Oh, look there's a squirrel!'
I am the squirrel.
For me it's not 'Oh, look there's a squirrel!'
I am the squirrel.
I have experienced this in meetings with a large Autism charity whose staff othered me horribly. I thought it was a space where it was OK to be autistically me. Oh the irony.
"But I don't need to know how your brain works".
A common comment, when autistic people talk about the need to explain that we're autistic.
Mmm.
Let's explain a bit of everyday life. Thread.
I am invited into a meeting with e.g. 7 people whose brains function in 'typical' ways/
A common comment, when autistic people talk about the need to explain that we're autistic.
Mmm.
Let's explain a bit of everyday life. Thread.
I am invited into a meeting with e.g. 7 people whose brains function in 'typical' ways/
November 22, 2024 at 9:26 AM
I have experienced this in meetings with a large Autism charity whose staff othered me horribly. I thought it was a space where it was OK to be autistically me. Oh the irony.
'Oh no, not again! Otter forgot to drink their tea because they were reading all 134 reviews of the product they are thinking of buying. Otter hates cold tea, but love researching '
November 21, 2024 at 9:49 PM
'Oh no, not again! Otter forgot to drink their tea because they were reading all 134 reviews of the product they are thinking of buying. Otter hates cold tea, but love researching '
In my local launderette. I couldn't resist an edit.
November 21, 2024 at 9:22 PM
In my local launderette. I couldn't resist an edit.
Is anyone else looking around to see how other people are using this platform and worrying if they're doing it wrong? It feels like being at school and following the other kids to see what they do. Trying to shake that and give myself permission to do me. Unmasking on Blue-sky.
November 20, 2024 at 3:42 PM
Is anyone else looking around to see how other people are using this platform and worrying if they're doing it wrong? It feels like being at school and following the other kids to see what they do. Trying to shake that and give myself permission to do me. Unmasking on Blue-sky.
Looking forward to digging into some of these new books.
Courtesy of @autisticbooks.bsky.social, I have picked out 12 books by Autistic authors you should totally read for 2025!
We've got great picks like...
- Stories of Autistic Joy
- Atypical Love (about ND love)
- Lavender Clouds (about Autism + ADHD + mental health)
- and more!
bit.ly/4fGcOGE
We've got great picks like...
- Stories of Autistic Joy
- Atypical Love (about ND love)
- Lavender Clouds (about Autism + ADHD + mental health)
- and more!
bit.ly/4fGcOGE
12 Months of Autistic Books by Autistic Authors for 2025
Want to read Autistic authors more this year? We’ve got one for every month of 2025!Reading books is a fantastic habit to have, but what about broadening your horizons to include specifically Autistic...
www.theautisticadult.org
November 20, 2024 at 2:36 PM
Looking forward to digging into some of these new books.
When you're in a coercive relationship you can't always see it. We can gaslight ourselves, make allowances, and miss the red flags. Talk to someone neutral if you're noticing these common red flags. Ask someone outside of the relatonship 'does this seem OK?'
November 20, 2024 at 10:59 AM
When you're in a coercive relationship you can't always see it. We can gaslight ourselves, make allowances, and miss the red flags. Talk to someone neutral if you're noticing these common red flags. Ask someone outside of the relatonship 'does this seem OK?'
Self-care isn't all candles and bubble baths. It's about being careful who you let in, or keep, your life. Environment + Autism =Outcome (Beardon) means the people in your environment too. Sometimes you have to change the big things to look after yourself. And that's OK.
November 20, 2024 at 8:37 AM
Self-care isn't all candles and bubble baths. It's about being careful who you let in, or keep, your life. Environment + Autism =Outcome (Beardon) means the people in your environment too. Sometimes you have to change the big things to look after yourself. And that's OK.
Autistic & ADHD comedians. Who are they and where do I find them in this realm? I'm in need of some light relief in my feed.
November 19, 2024 at 7:07 PM
Autistic & ADHD comedians. Who are they and where do I find them in this realm? I'm in need of some light relief in my feed.
Anyone got a good ADHD Mental Health starter pack?
ND affirming/lived-experience only please.
ND affirming/lived-experience only please.
November 19, 2024 at 5:18 PM
Anyone got a good ADHD Mental Health starter pack?
ND affirming/lived-experience only please.
ND affirming/lived-experience only please.