There is misinformation about Neurodivergence(s), and particularly Autism, flying around worse than the hurricane in the Wizard of Oz. It is writ large in global politics, and trickling slowly but horrifically surely through the way Neurodivergence(s) are viewed and supported. We see articles (and I will not cite them, they are clickbait enough) that argue against reasonable adjustments. Every other day it seems the USA’s ruling party comes up with a new outlandish “cause and solution” for Neurodivergent mindbodies. The swirling vortex of misinformation crashes through society wreaking havoc in its wake. Years of hard fought understanding become stripped away, ripped out by the sheer force of power behind each unfounded statement. 

I feel sometimes like I might be blown away by it too, but most of the time it feels like being in the eye of the storm. I am surrounded by Neurodivergent people, both professionally and personally, who on a daily basis stand and face the tempest. Whilst misinformation floods mainstream and online media platforms, we create and promote and raise our voices over the noise.

Over the years I have researched, critiqued and reviewed resources from various writers and organisations. I know there is work out there that is gold-standard for support and information. This is why I offer my bespoke service creating and collating gold-standard resources. If I am really going to stretch the Wizard of Oz metaphor, someone needs to bring the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion and the Tinman together!  

I do know however that some resources just haven’t been written yet; my work to rectify this is based in creating resources that explain, educate and inform. I build on years of lived and academic experience of Neurodivergence(s) to give factual and Neurodivergent-affirming resources. By working and researching information from academic and lived experience sources, I find myself anchored in the face of misinformation. Where resources do not exist or are less than Neurodivergent-affirming I work to create resources to fill this gap and fight the growing body of misinformation.   

Through creating new resources - such as the Introduction to Neuro-normativity and Introduction to Reasonable Adjustments, coming soon to the resources library - I’m not powerless against the storm. I’m not powerless against the Great Oz-like figures shouting their mistruths. I might not be able to click my heels (Doc Martins aren’t quite the same as ruby slippers) and transport myself beyond the rainbow. I do however, with my resources at my side, have the power to change the narrative. 

Do get in touch via the contact form if you are interested in the bespoke resource service offered at Ocelot.