Louise Ting
@neuro-observant.bsky.social
Neurodivergent. LGBTQ+ 🌈 Passionate about autism advocacy, mental health, and research. Community volunteer. Love 🐈, PPI, art and learning
Creator of this popular PPI resource (used by research orgs & universities globally):
tiny.cc/PPIdiagram
Creator of this popular PPI resource (used by research orgs & universities globally):
tiny.cc/PPIdiagram
Did you know…?
Over 50% of autistic adults are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in their lifetime
Causes of anxiety for autistic people include:
- sensory issues
- feeling misunderstood
- having to mask
- social challenges
- information overwhelm
- managing emotions
- unexpected changes
Over 50% of autistic adults are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in their lifetime
Causes of anxiety for autistic people include:
- sensory issues
- feeling misunderstood
- having to mask
- social challenges
- information overwhelm
- managing emotions
- unexpected changes
November 14, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Did you know…?
Over 50% of autistic adults are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in their lifetime
Causes of anxiety for autistic people include:
- sensory issues
- feeling misunderstood
- having to mask
- social challenges
- information overwhelm
- managing emotions
- unexpected changes
Over 50% of autistic adults are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in their lifetime
Causes of anxiety for autistic people include:
- sensory issues
- feeling misunderstood
- having to mask
- social challenges
- information overwhelm
- managing emotions
- unexpected changes
✨New research
Language shapes how others see us. So, what do neurodivergent people think of the words “neurodiversity” & “neurodivergent”?
- mixed views
- important that it’s used correctly (it often isn’t!)
- for some, it’s a safe umbrella term
- for others, it can be too broad or add to stigma
Language shapes how others see us. So, what do neurodivergent people think of the words “neurodiversity” & “neurodivergent”?
- mixed views
- important that it’s used correctly (it often isn’t!)
- for some, it’s a safe umbrella term
- for others, it can be too broad or add to stigma
November 12, 2025 at 5:28 PM
✨New research
Language shapes how others see us. So, what do neurodivergent people think of the words “neurodiversity” & “neurodivergent”?
- mixed views
- important that it’s used correctly (it often isn’t!)
- for some, it’s a safe umbrella term
- for others, it can be too broad or add to stigma
Language shapes how others see us. So, what do neurodivergent people think of the words “neurodiversity” & “neurodivergent”?
- mixed views
- important that it’s used correctly (it often isn’t!)
- for some, it’s a safe umbrella term
- for others, it can be too broad or add to stigma
The autistic experience of thinking deeply before speaking… only for the moment to pass because everyone else already jumped in
Sometimes we just need a little more time to process and sort through our thoughts
And when we do speak, it’s with care
#AutismAwareness #inclusion
Sometimes we just need a little more time to process and sort through our thoughts
And when we do speak, it’s with care
#AutismAwareness #inclusion
November 10, 2025 at 5:14 PM
The autistic experience of thinking deeply before speaking… only for the moment to pass because everyone else already jumped in
Sometimes we just need a little more time to process and sort through our thoughts
And when we do speak, it’s with care
#AutismAwareness #inclusion
Sometimes we just need a little more time to process and sort through our thoughts
And when we do speak, it’s with care
#AutismAwareness #inclusion
Autistic accommodations aren’t a luxury
They’re not “nice extras” or “special treatment”
They’re ESSENTIAL adjustments that help autistic people exist safely, access what others already can, and live with less pain and exhaustion
#disability #neurodiversity
They’re not “nice extras” or “special treatment”
They’re ESSENTIAL adjustments that help autistic people exist safely, access what others already can, and live with less pain and exhaustion
#disability #neurodiversity
November 7, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Autistic accommodations aren’t a luxury
They’re not “nice extras” or “special treatment”
They’re ESSENTIAL adjustments that help autistic people exist safely, access what others already can, and live with less pain and exhaustion
#disability #neurodiversity
They’re not “nice extras” or “special treatment”
They’re ESSENTIAL adjustments that help autistic people exist safely, access what others already can, and live with less pain and exhaustion
#disability #neurodiversity
Autistic ways of saying “I love you” (that you might miss):
- “I researched your problem. Here are your options”
- “I made a spreadsheet/ list/ plan to help you”
- being ourselves around you (infodumping, not masking etc)
- “Here’s a meme that I think you’d like”
#AutismAwareness
- “I researched your problem. Here are your options”
- “I made a spreadsheet/ list/ plan to help you”
- being ourselves around you (infodumping, not masking etc)
- “Here’s a meme that I think you’d like”
#AutismAwareness
November 5, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Autistic ways of saying “I love you” (that you might miss):
- “I researched your problem. Here are your options”
- “I made a spreadsheet/ list/ plan to help you”
- being ourselves around you (infodumping, not masking etc)
- “Here’s a meme that I think you’d like”
#AutismAwareness
- “I researched your problem. Here are your options”
- “I made a spreadsheet/ list/ plan to help you”
- being ourselves around you (infodumping, not masking etc)
- “Here’s a meme that I think you’d like”
#AutismAwareness
“It didn’t matter if I was in pain or would be in pain the entire day from the added sensory input”
What feels small to one person can be huge to another. For autistic people, those moments can become trauma
Neurodivergent people need spaces where they can feel seen, safe, and supported
What feels small to one person can be huge to another. For autistic people, those moments can become trauma
Neurodivergent people need spaces where they can feel seen, safe, and supported
These Every Day Little Things Can Destroy An Autistic Person: While the small cruel moments can make an autistic person feel awful, the small kind moments can help that autistic person persevere. New from Luce Greenwood, at TPGA:
thinkingautismguide.com/2025/10/thes... #autistic #neurodiversity
thinkingautismguide.com/2025/10/thes... #autistic #neurodiversity
These Every Day Little Things Can Destroy An Autistic Person — THINKING PERSON'S GUIDE TO AUTISM
While the small cruel moments can make an autistic person feel awful, the small kind moments can help that autistic person persevere.
thinkingautismguide.com
November 3, 2025 at 5:53 PM
“It didn’t matter if I was in pain or would be in pain the entire day from the added sensory input”
What feels small to one person can be huge to another. For autistic people, those moments can become trauma
Neurodivergent people need spaces where they can feel seen, safe, and supported
What feels small to one person can be huge to another. For autistic people, those moments can become trauma
Neurodivergent people need spaces where they can feel seen, safe, and supported
I’m still being told by my parents that having feelings is a weakness
But you know what?
It’s healthy to have feelings. Feelings are information. They tell you what matters, what hurts, what needs care. They help you understand yourself
And crying even releases stress hormones
It’s ok to feel ❤️
But you know what?
It’s healthy to have feelings. Feelings are information. They tell you what matters, what hurts, what needs care. They help you understand yourself
And crying even releases stress hormones
It’s ok to feel ❤️
November 1, 2025 at 5:04 PM
I’m still being told by my parents that having feelings is a weakness
But you know what?
It’s healthy to have feelings. Feelings are information. They tell you what matters, what hurts, what needs care. They help you understand yourself
And crying even releases stress hormones
It’s ok to feel ❤️
But you know what?
It’s healthy to have feelings. Feelings are information. They tell you what matters, what hurts, what needs care. They help you understand yourself
And crying even releases stress hormones
It’s ok to feel ❤️
One of the best things I’ve learned as an autistic person is that I don’t *have* to live by neurotypical rules all the time
The pressure can be immense. But it’s possible to slowly change that narrative
I’m gradually allowing myself to rest more, socialise my way & find joy in my autistic traits ❤️
The pressure can be immense. But it’s possible to slowly change that narrative
I’m gradually allowing myself to rest more, socialise my way & find joy in my autistic traits ❤️
October 30, 2025 at 5:28 PM
One of the best things I’ve learned as an autistic person is that I don’t *have* to live by neurotypical rules all the time
The pressure can be immense. But it’s possible to slowly change that narrative
I’m gradually allowing myself to rest more, socialise my way & find joy in my autistic traits ❤️
The pressure can be immense. But it’s possible to slowly change that narrative
I’m gradually allowing myself to rest more, socialise my way & find joy in my autistic traits ❤️
Everyone gets tired but it can be a whole new level if you’re autistic:
The masking, the anxiety, constantly navigating disability, the overwhelming social interactions, trying to manage unpredictability, feeling sensory input intensely… and so much more
Yet it’s an exhaustion that few see
The masking, the anxiety, constantly navigating disability, the overwhelming social interactions, trying to manage unpredictability, feeling sensory input intensely… and so much more
Yet it’s an exhaustion that few see
October 29, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Everyone gets tired but it can be a whole new level if you’re autistic:
The masking, the anxiety, constantly navigating disability, the overwhelming social interactions, trying to manage unpredictability, feeling sensory input intensely… and so much more
Yet it’s an exhaustion that few see
The masking, the anxiety, constantly navigating disability, the overwhelming social interactions, trying to manage unpredictability, feeling sensory input intensely… and so much more
Yet it’s an exhaustion that few see
Never underestimate autistic enthusiasm
The fuel behind deep dives, expert knowledge, incredible ideas, and uplifting others ❤️
Not to mention, the casual chat that turns into the TED talk you didn’t realise you needed!
#AutisticJoy
The fuel behind deep dives, expert knowledge, incredible ideas, and uplifting others ❤️
Not to mention, the casual chat that turns into the TED talk you didn’t realise you needed!
#AutisticJoy
October 27, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Never underestimate autistic enthusiasm
The fuel behind deep dives, expert knowledge, incredible ideas, and uplifting others ❤️
Not to mention, the casual chat that turns into the TED talk you didn’t realise you needed!
#AutisticJoy
The fuel behind deep dives, expert knowledge, incredible ideas, and uplifting others ❤️
Not to mention, the casual chat that turns into the TED talk you didn’t realise you needed!
#AutisticJoy
The autistic experience of needing more time to *recover* from socialising than the time you actually spent socialising…
Yes, seriously 😅
Yes, seriously 😅
October 24, 2025 at 3:48 PM
The autistic experience of needing more time to *recover* from socialising than the time you actually spent socialising…
Yes, seriously 😅
Yes, seriously 😅
PSA: Meltdowns aren’t “bad behaviour”
They’re a response to overwhelm - a sign that an autistic person’s needs aren’t being met
Every autistic person deserves what they need to feel safe, happy and comfortable ❤️
#AutismAwareness
They’re a response to overwhelm - a sign that an autistic person’s needs aren’t being met
Every autistic person deserves what they need to feel safe, happy and comfortable ❤️
#AutismAwareness
October 22, 2025 at 4:40 PM
PSA: Meltdowns aren’t “bad behaviour”
They’re a response to overwhelm - a sign that an autistic person’s needs aren’t being met
Every autistic person deserves what they need to feel safe, happy and comfortable ❤️
#AutismAwareness
They’re a response to overwhelm - a sign that an autistic person’s needs aren’t being met
Every autistic person deserves what they need to feel safe, happy and comfortable ❤️
#AutismAwareness
Many people don’t realise how subtle disability discrimination is. No workplace or organisation would just admit to it outright. Instead, they might:
- not take your needs seriously
- deny you accommodations
- have inaccessible processes
- give vague reasons as to why they chose not to hire you
- not take your needs seriously
- deny you accommodations
- have inaccessible processes
- give vague reasons as to why they chose not to hire you
“They can’t discriminate against you for being disabled!”
In theory this is true. There are protections in place to prevent discrimination
In practice they don’t work. Especially with rising fascism and eugenicist sentiment
We are denied accommodations. Denied jobs. Denied housing. Denied support
In theory this is true. There are protections in place to prevent discrimination
In practice they don’t work. Especially with rising fascism and eugenicist sentiment
We are denied accommodations. Denied jobs. Denied housing. Denied support
October 20, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Many people don’t realise how subtle disability discrimination is. No workplace or organisation would just admit to it outright. Instead, they might:
- not take your needs seriously
- deny you accommodations
- have inaccessible processes
- give vague reasons as to why they chose not to hire you
- not take your needs seriously
- deny you accommodations
- have inaccessible processes
- give vague reasons as to why they chose not to hire you
Realising that you’re autistic can bring such clarity. You can now make sense of your life. You finally have answers
But it can also be disorienting and trigger feelings of grief. You spent your whole life misunderstood. Trying to be someone else
It takes time to unpack all that. And that’s ok ❤️
But it can also be disorienting and trigger feelings of grief. You spent your whole life misunderstood. Trying to be someone else
It takes time to unpack all that. And that’s ok ❤️
October 18, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Realising that you’re autistic can bring such clarity. You can now make sense of your life. You finally have answers
But it can also be disorienting and trigger feelings of grief. You spent your whole life misunderstood. Trying to be someone else
It takes time to unpack all that. And that’s ok ❤️
But it can also be disorienting and trigger feelings of grief. You spent your whole life misunderstood. Trying to be someone else
It takes time to unpack all that. And that’s ok ❤️
Reposted by Louise Ting
Exactly! Being autistic is who I am. The lack of understanding and accommodations--that's not inherent to autism; that's inherent to ableism.
Most autistic people I meet *like* being autistic. It’s core to who they are & comes with many strengths
What’s hard is surviving in a society that rarely accommodates, respects or tries to understand us
There’s a BIG difference between being autistic & being unsupported
Let’s not confuse the two
What’s hard is surviving in a society that rarely accommodates, respects or tries to understand us
There’s a BIG difference between being autistic & being unsupported
Let’s not confuse the two
October 16, 2025 at 1:43 AM
Exactly! Being autistic is who I am. The lack of understanding and accommodations--that's not inherent to autism; that's inherent to ableism.
Most autistic people I meet *like* being autistic. It’s core to who they are & comes with many strengths
What’s hard is surviving in a society that rarely accommodates, respects or tries to understand us
There’s a BIG difference between being autistic & being unsupported
Let’s not confuse the two
What’s hard is surviving in a society that rarely accommodates, respects or tries to understand us
There’s a BIG difference between being autistic & being unsupported
Let’s not confuse the two
October 15, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Most autistic people I meet *like* being autistic. It’s core to who they are & comes with many strengths
What’s hard is surviving in a society that rarely accommodates, respects or tries to understand us
There’s a BIG difference between being autistic & being unsupported
Let’s not confuse the two
What’s hard is surviving in a society that rarely accommodates, respects or tries to understand us
There’s a BIG difference between being autistic & being unsupported
Let’s not confuse the two
Every time someone talks about “curing” autism, what they’re really saying is:
That autism is a disease
That we are broken
That we shouldn’t exist
It’s not just wrong - it’s dehumanising
We’re not a problem to be solved.
We’re real, valid humans
Why is that so hard to see?
#AutismAdvocacy
That autism is a disease
That we are broken
That we shouldn’t exist
It’s not just wrong - it’s dehumanising
We’re not a problem to be solved.
We’re real, valid humans
Why is that so hard to see?
#AutismAdvocacy
October 12, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Every time someone talks about “curing” autism, what they’re really saying is:
That autism is a disease
That we are broken
That we shouldn’t exist
It’s not just wrong - it’s dehumanising
We’re not a problem to be solved.
We’re real, valid humans
Why is that so hard to see?
#AutismAdvocacy
That autism is a disease
That we are broken
That we shouldn’t exist
It’s not just wrong - it’s dehumanising
We’re not a problem to be solved.
We’re real, valid humans
Why is that so hard to see?
#AutismAdvocacy
So much of autism can be things that are unseeable…
There’s outward behaviours, but also:
- how do you make sense of the world?
- how do you process sensory input?
- what was your childhood like?
- how do you experience friendship?
- what methods/ routines do you have for navigating the world?
There’s outward behaviours, but also:
- how do you make sense of the world?
- how do you process sensory input?
- what was your childhood like?
- how do you experience friendship?
- what methods/ routines do you have for navigating the world?
October 9, 2025 at 5:02 PM
So much of autism can be things that are unseeable…
There’s outward behaviours, but also:
- how do you make sense of the world?
- how do you process sensory input?
- what was your childhood like?
- how do you experience friendship?
- what methods/ routines do you have for navigating the world?
There’s outward behaviours, but also:
- how do you make sense of the world?
- how do you process sensory input?
- what was your childhood like?
- how do you experience friendship?
- what methods/ routines do you have for navigating the world?
This encounter is a perfect illustration of why I made the post that I did yesterday…
Folks, AUTISM IS NOT A MONOLITH
It shows up in many different ways. That’s the beauty of the spectrum ❤️ The joy of diversity
Instead of questioning autistic people, try questioning your assumptions 😊
Folks, AUTISM IS NOT A MONOLITH
It shows up in many different ways. That’s the beauty of the spectrum ❤️ The joy of diversity
Instead of questioning autistic people, try questioning your assumptions 😊
Not even 8am here and someone's informed me my daughter can't really be autistic because she can dress herself and use the bathroom on her own.
I could explain to them autism is a spectrum but making sure I never interact with them again seems better.
I could explain to them autism is a spectrum but making sure I never interact with them again seems better.
October 7, 2025 at 4:50 PM
This encounter is a perfect illustration of why I made the post that I did yesterday…
Folks, AUTISM IS NOT A MONOLITH
It shows up in many different ways. That’s the beauty of the spectrum ❤️ The joy of diversity
Instead of questioning autistic people, try questioning your assumptions 😊
Folks, AUTISM IS NOT A MONOLITH
It shows up in many different ways. That’s the beauty of the spectrum ❤️ The joy of diversity
Instead of questioning autistic people, try questioning your assumptions 😊
I wish I didn’t have to say this but…
If someone tells you they’re autistic and you find that hard to believe, it might be because:
- They don’t feel safe enough to unmask around you
- Your knowledge of autism is limited
Arguing won’t help. Kindness, curiosity, and listening to understand, will ❤️
If someone tells you they’re autistic and you find that hard to believe, it might be because:
- They don’t feel safe enough to unmask around you
- Your knowledge of autism is limited
Arguing won’t help. Kindness, curiosity, and listening to understand, will ❤️
October 6, 2025 at 4:22 PM
I wish I didn’t have to say this but…
If someone tells you they’re autistic and you find that hard to believe, it might be because:
- They don’t feel safe enough to unmask around you
- Your knowledge of autism is limited
Arguing won’t help. Kindness, curiosity, and listening to understand, will ❤️
If someone tells you they’re autistic and you find that hard to believe, it might be because:
- They don’t feel safe enough to unmask around you
- Your knowledge of autism is limited
Arguing won’t help. Kindness, curiosity, and listening to understand, will ❤️
Autistic inertia = difficulty with starting, stopping and switching tasks
It can happen even when:
- you want to do the task
- the task is important or urgent
- you have a clear understanding of what needs to be done
- it’s something as “simple” as getting out of bed or the shower
It can happen even when:
- you want to do the task
- the task is important or urgent
- you have a clear understanding of what needs to be done
- it’s something as “simple” as getting out of bed or the shower
October 4, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Autistic inertia = difficulty with starting, stopping and switching tasks
It can happen even when:
- you want to do the task
- the task is important or urgent
- you have a clear understanding of what needs to be done
- it’s something as “simple” as getting out of bed or the shower
It can happen even when:
- you want to do the task
- the task is important or urgent
- you have a clear understanding of what needs to be done
- it’s something as “simple” as getting out of bed or the shower
Sometimes autism is wanting so badly to be a part of things but then being totally overwhelmed when you are 💔
October 1, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Sometimes autism is wanting so badly to be a part of things but then being totally overwhelmed when you are 💔
📢 New research!
Autism isn’t *just* about challenges
We have strengths too but these are rarely recognised, which can lead to:
- low self-esteem
- shame
- stigma
- having less direction in life
Lampinen et al explore autistic strengths in a new paper 😊
Do you relate to any of these? 👇
Autism isn’t *just* about challenges
We have strengths too but these are rarely recognised, which can lead to:
- low self-esteem
- shame
- stigma
- having less direction in life
Lampinen et al explore autistic strengths in a new paper 😊
Do you relate to any of these? 👇
September 29, 2025 at 4:07 PM
📢 New research!
Autism isn’t *just* about challenges
We have strengths too but these are rarely recognised, which can lead to:
- low self-esteem
- shame
- stigma
- having less direction in life
Lampinen et al explore autistic strengths in a new paper 😊
Do you relate to any of these? 👇
Autism isn’t *just* about challenges
We have strengths too but these are rarely recognised, which can lead to:
- low self-esteem
- shame
- stigma
- having less direction in life
Lampinen et al explore autistic strengths in a new paper 😊
Do you relate to any of these? 👇
It’s NOT a communication “deficit”… It’s the Double Empathy Problem - and it changes everything
💬 Autistic people aren’t defective, uncaring, or unsociable
🧠 The real issue? Two different neurotypes trying to connect
Communication is a two-way street, not a one-sided flaw
(1/7)
💬 Autistic people aren’t defective, uncaring, or unsociable
🧠 The real issue? Two different neurotypes trying to connect
Communication is a two-way street, not a one-sided flaw
(1/7)
September 27, 2025 at 3:22 PM
It’s NOT a communication “deficit”… It’s the Double Empathy Problem - and it changes everything
💬 Autistic people aren’t defective, uncaring, or unsociable
🧠 The real issue? Two different neurotypes trying to connect
Communication is a two-way street, not a one-sided flaw
(1/7)
💬 Autistic people aren’t defective, uncaring, or unsociable
🧠 The real issue? Two different neurotypes trying to connect
Communication is a two-way street, not a one-sided flaw
(1/7)
It’s wild how often autistic people hear:
“You’re doing so well. I guess you don’t need those accommodations anymore!”
Instead of:
👉 “You’re doing well BECAUSE of that support. Let’s make sure you keep getting it”
“You’re doing so well. I guess you don’t need those accommodations anymore!”
Instead of:
👉 “You’re doing well BECAUSE of that support. Let’s make sure you keep getting it”
September 25, 2025 at 4:33 PM
It’s wild how often autistic people hear:
“You’re doing so well. I guess you don’t need those accommodations anymore!”
Instead of:
👉 “You’re doing well BECAUSE of that support. Let’s make sure you keep getting it”
“You’re doing so well. I guess you don’t need those accommodations anymore!”
Instead of:
👉 “You’re doing well BECAUSE of that support. Let’s make sure you keep getting it”