"We are all equally distant from the sun, but we all have a share in it." -Thornton Wilder
I heard this quote and the first thing that came to my mind was “neurodiversity”. The second thing was simply “diversity”.
A lot is happening in the world, the good and the bad. A lot is happening in my life, mostly awesome things. The bad is that the seizures are still relentless.
Online, in the world of Facebook, my community came together to help someone - who most of us never met - raise funds to attend a conference that ranks high among Autistics. The fundraising effort still goes on, even though it took only two days to reach the goal. This was Neurodivergent K’ idea, she was giving back.
I thought about this quote by Tennessee Williams: “It is marvelous to be shattered by kindness”.
I was so proud of my community! Good things were happening to me and one big reason is the support and encouragement I receive every day.
Good things were happening to other Autistics because my community is inclusive and wants to hear from anyone who has something to say, anyone who wants to advocate for autism acceptance.
But then I heard it again. The division, the elitism, the functioning labels.