10 SMALL THINGS
life with brain injury.

https://kolektiva.social/@OutOfExile_IDR_Voice/109516279642191256

#DisabilityPrideMonth #DisabilityRights #BrainInjury #DisabilitySolidarity #HumanRights #SocialAwareness #understanding

"10 year Boy with Down Syndrome Assaulted by Bus Driver - Abuse of Students with Invisible Disabilities by Educators"

⚠️ CW - Stories on mistreatment and abuse of students with invisible disabilities in schools across the country. May be disturbing to some.

Yesterday, a bus driver for the Upper Darby school district in Pennsylvania, was charged with assault, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, and endangering the welfare of a child.

Juliet Pratt was captured on surveillance cameras, duct taping the a student with Downs Syndrome around the ankles and chest to restrain him. The footage also show the child, who was already in a safety harness, caused no disturbance and remained in his seat. Regardless,  nothing warrants this kind of abusive behavior to people with invisible disabilities, especially by someone involved in child education. The March 8th incident was not the only. The bus driver admitted doing this appalling act to the child, at least one other time. Pratt cut the tape restraints with a seat belt cutter to free the boy upon arrival at the school.

There seems to be no mention of charges related to disability protectections in news reports. Has she done this to others? Would she have done this if the child did not have a disability? If Ms. Pratt singled the child out for this treatment because of any disability related reason, (ie - thinking she could get away with it because of the boy's DS), authorities may want to consider this an ableist hate crime.

Unfortunately, this problem is not uncommon. In some places, the techniques used are legal, bringing harm to many students with invisible disabilities. In Virginia, a 10 year old autistic boy, had the "bones in his hand and foot crushed" by an educator. The injuries were caused by a staff member who was isolating and confining the child, in what was called the "scream room".

Many reports of similar abuses have surfaced in Connecticut schools as well. In one case, a second grader with ADHD was held down, and locked in confinement after a manifestation of symptoms. Aside from the mental and emotional wounds caused, just as in many other cases, the child suffered physically injury. According to the story linked below, students have been restrained and isolated "thousands of times causing dozens of injuries" in Connecticut schools. This hardly sounds like accommodation and community intergration.

Then, there's Xavier Hernandez, who died as a result if being held down and restained by multiple staff members at "Boulevard Heights" school for "students with disabilities" in Texas.

These are the people entrusted with the job of shaping young minds? What lesson does this type of behavior teach other students about interacting with people with invisible disabilities; that they should be restrained, isolated and subjected to physical and mental damage? Considering these, and many other such acts, it seems many educators could use a lesson on understanding and accommodation of persons with invisible disabilities.

© OutOfExile_IDR - Invisible Disability Rights

PA Bus Driver:
https://www.phillyvoice.com/school-bus-driver-duct-tape-upper-darby-student-delaware-county/

https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/bus-driver-accused-of-duct-taping-10-year-old-boy-on-bus/3575865/

Boy with autism in Virginia:
https://www.propublica.org/article/schools-restraints-seclusions

Girl with ADHD and other abuse in Connecticut:
https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/connecticut-schools-restraint-seclusion-injuries-17474991.php

Xavier Hernandez death from a disability standpoint:
https://neuroclastic.com/xavier-hernandez-fort-worth-autism-restraint-death/#content

Hernandez - Death by medication and restraint:
https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/crossroads-lab/article253421369.html

Image courtesy of: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/young-disabled-students-shackled-misbehaving-lawsuit-claims-n403421

#Education #ActuallyAutistic #ADHA #PTSD #CPSTD #ChildEducation #abuse #advocacy #disability #InvisibleDisability #TBI #InvisibleDisabilityRights #DownSyndrome #BrainInjury #EndAbleism #AbleistHateCrime #accommodation #CommunityIntergration #stigmatude #TearDownTheWall
#DOE #action #DepartmentOfEducation

@actuallyautistic @disabilityjustice @disability

International Women’s Day Hero of Invisible Disability Rights – Elaine Wilson:

In celebration of International Women's Day, OutOfExile_IDR honors Elaine Wilson, champion of invisible disability rights and the Olmstead Act.  It seems germane, as March is also Developmental Disabilities Month.

During Martin Luther King week, I posted about Lois Curtis, a champion for Invisible Disability Rights (link below).  Lois, togather with another woman, Elaine Wilson, fought all the way to the US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) for the right to live in the community, rather than being institutionalized.  Fighting courageously for their freedom, they won the right to freedom for all people with invisible disabilities.  The case is often refered to as the “Brown v. Board of Education” for people with (Invisible) disabilities.

Excerpt below & image of Elaine from:
https://www.olmsteadrights.org/iamolmstead/history/

[“Elaine Wilson became seriously ill when she was one years old. She was hospitalized with a raging fever and it was unclear whether she would survive... When the fever finally broke and Elaine was …sent home, ….Elaine had lost some of her early motor function abilities, such as crawling or even sitting up by herself. The doctors assured Elaine's mother that (it) was only a lingering effect of the illness…. Elaine eventually did recover, but very slowly”.[]

In school, Elaine lagged behind other students having difficulties with focus and learning , eventually being diagnosed with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) attributed to the prolonged high fever as an infant.  Likley, this was the correct diagnosis.

She was reevaluated as a teen upon enrollment at “Gracewood State School and Hospitol” in Georgia.  There, she was diagnosed with an ableist slur containing the “R" word, once used in reference to PEOPLE living with Down Syndrome. Providers believed the only recourse was institutionalization. (I am bitting my tongue and holding back my opinions on the lot of it.)

She would spend about a decade living in institutions (State hospitals) against her will.  Following that, in the 1980s, she would be “ping-ponged" from care homes to hospitals, back and forth for nearly two decades of her life.

“When I was in an institution, I didn't like myself," Elaine says. "I was trapped. . . . I had no hope. I thought, Oh God, Oh God - When am I ever going to leave here?"

Another hero deserving mention on IWD is Sue Jamieson, the Atlanta Legal Aid Society Attorney who brought the case.  Sue and Lois Curtis were joined by co-plaintiff Elaine Wilson, to blaze the path of freedom for countless individuals with disabilities in their wake.

After more than 30 years and 36 psychiatric institutions, at times living homelessness and in varous “care homes", Elaine along with Lois Curtis, were victorious and finally free.

The 1997 ruling by Senior U.S. District Judge Marvin H. Shoob said that “… denying the women a community-based life amounted to segregation of people covered by the Americans With Disabilities Act.”  Judge Shoob later remarked “They were both so articulate” in regard to the testimony of Elaine Wilson and Lois Curitis.

Elaine passed in 2004 at the age of 53 but, will be forever remembered as a Disability Rights Legend for her resilience, strength and courage.  As part of her testimony, she told the court: “When I was in an institution, I felt like I was in a little box and there was no way out”.

Thanks to Elaine Wilson and Lois Curtis, people with invisible disabilities are afforded the right to live in freedom at home, instead of confinement in a “box", cage or institution, merely because of a health issue.  Thanks and honor to Elaine, Lois and Sue on this International Women’s Day.

“The Brave and the Strong” Lois Curitis – OutOfExile_ID:
https://kolektiva.social/@OutOfExile_IDR_Voice/109690867328587920

Elaine’s story continued:
http://www.olmsteadrights.org/iamolmstead/history/item.5405-Elaine_Wilsons_Story_Continued

More on Olmstead and Elaine’s impact:
https://olmsteadrights.wordpress.com/tag/elaine-wilson/

More from disabilityjustice.org:
https://disabilityjustice.org/olmstead-v-lc/

ADA – Community Intergration for Everyone:
https://archive.ada.gov/olmstead/olmstead_about.htm

International Women’s Day Image from:
https://www.desicomments.com/womens-day/international-womens-day-5/

IMAGE CW - (eye contact)
Don't forget the ALT text.

#InternationalWomensDay #ElaineWilson #LoisCurtis #Hero #OlmsteadAct #SueJamieson #SCOTUS #freedom #home #gratitude #CommunityIntergration #DevelopmentalDisabilities #IntellectualDisabilities #BrainInjury #TBI #ABI #AcquiredBrainInjury #MentalHealth #disability #InvisibleDisabilityRights #Hero #DisabilityJustice #EmbraceEquity

@disabilityjustice
@disability

Neurodivergent people have much to offer and should be included in policy and legislation discussions among other things. Different thinking brings new ideas for a broader, more enlightened view. Remember when the world was thought to be flat?

E.A.R.N. - The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion provides a "Toolkit" educating employers about Neurodivergent Thinkers and the unique value they bring. The guide linked below includes a lot of info encouraging the hiring and accommodation of neurodivergent individuals.

From the EARN page:
"In 2019, the Employer Roundtable published the “Autism @ Work Playbook” ...to help employers explore innovative approaches to finding, recruiting, hiring and supporting neurodivergent workers."

Thanks to EARN for their part in helping to #TearDownTheWall. Without #NeurodivergentThinking, there would be no light bulbs, spaceflight, or internet. There would be no Star Trek communicator to inspire the mobile phone. If one day, we can use our phones to say "beam me up", Neurodivergent Thinkers will likely "energize" that advancement as well.

Link to EARN's toolkit:
https://bit.ly/3QyN6aR

Image from this article discussing employers ND stigmatude:
https://www.theglobalrecruiter.com/neurodivergent-failure/

#neurodiversity #neurodivergence #OutsideTheBox #disability #inclusion #diversity #stigmatude
#accommodation #ActuallyAutistic #BrainInjury #TBI #dyslexia #EndAbleism #DisabilitySolidarity #NeurodivergentAndProud #InvisibleDisabilityRights

“Cannabis,  Alzheimers, TBI and Invisible Disability"

Click here 🧠 to expand.

Cannabis can still be a controversial topic. The medical benefits for those with physical and invisible disabilities are no secret. People with Invisible disabilities, such as brain injury and PTSD, can be afforded great relief from symptoms by the flower.

Israeli Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, is a well known cannabis research pioneer who has been studying the plant for decades. Read about some of his work in the link below.

Other Research indicates that individuals living with Alzheimers and Dementia may also benefit with less risk and damaging effects than other drugs currently used. 

Findings from another Israeli Researcher, Dedi Meiri, argue that there may be benefits to these individuals as well.

"There is a large and growing body of anecdotal accounts of the efficacy of cannabis for treating the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The shortcomings ... life-threatening dangers...with... frequently prescribed pharmaceutical treatments... makes cannabis a particularly compelling option – especially considering its solid safety profile."

Even more research from the National Library of Medicine (PubMed.gov), speaks about the neuroprotectant antioxidant qualities of the herb. The PubMed link below contains several links to other studies on cannabis and it’s benefits for people with disabilities.

The human body is said to have CBD receptors "built" in. I am neither condoning, nor condemning the use of “Natures Pharmaceutical"; nor am I suggesting it's use. I am merely presenting medical findings.

According to laws in many places amidst these findings, the jury is still out on the subject.

MedGov:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10863546/

Dr. Mechoulam:
https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/innovation/cannabis-research-pioneer-hopes-latest-discovery-not-overlooked-again-n1059116

Alzheimers:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/abbierosner/2020/06/18/notes-from-the-cutting-edge-israeli-researcher-dedi-meiri-on-cannabis-alzheimers-and-dementia/

On regeneration and prevention ofAlzheimers:
https://www.cryptosavvy.com/2018/09/cannabis-regenerate-aging-brain-dementia.html

On reversing aging:
https://dailyhealthpost.com/cannabis-reverses-aging-processes-in-the-brain/

Image courtesy of:
https://merryjane.com/culture/heres-how-scientists-think-cannabis-can-repair-brain-cells-and-improve-memory

#RaphaelMechoulam #CannabisResearch #Pain #Relief #neuroprotectant #antioxidant #InvisibleDisability #disability #MentalHealth #anxiety #CBD #CbdReceptors #THC #TBI #alzheimers #PTSD #BrainInjury #SpineInjury #cannabis #flower #herb #Truth #KanehBosem #biblical #pot #TheDevilsParsley #ganja #NaturesPharmaceutical #InvisibleDisabilityRights

Originally posted Dec 04, 2022, 02:15 by OutOfExile_IDR

"Ableist Slurs"

What is a slur?  What is an ableist slur?  Is the consideration of a slur at the at the discretion of the speaker, the recipient or a third party?

Websters defines a slur as:
slur: [noun] an insulting or disparaging remark or innuendo : aspersion. a shaming or degrading effect : stain, stigma.

Lizzo's song GRRRLZ, brought outrage by many for her use of the word "sp*z" in the opening stanza. After the outcry, Lizzo changed the lyric.

Weeks later, Beyonce’ also found public disapproval because of her song “Heated”,  which contained a disparaging term about a form of cerebral palsy know as spastic diplegia. She also apologized and made the nessesary correction.  It’s nice to see some people own, and make amends for their mistakes.

Last week I posted the following:
“Simply put:
Ableism is to disability, as Racism is to Race.
Slurs of any kind are unacceptable and have no place in society.”

In regard to racial slurs but, considering ableism:

J. Alan HartSouthworth, a diversity and inclusion consultant in Potomac, Maryland: (said)

“The definition of a “racial slur” is rather vague. I would think that if anyone says anything that negatively impacts or speaks negatively about another group, (WHETHER OR NOT a “racial slur”) that it should not be tolerated.

Since there is not official list of “racial slurs,” it has to be based on interpretation by the people who can hear the word(s) – whether that is the ‘target’ group or bystanders. …but if it is defined as a ‘statement that is divisive, contentious, disruptive or in some way does harm,” ….
It is a slur,  to finish this person’s statement myself.

I have had many of the standard issue ableist slurs hurled at my soul countless times including: “freak", “nutjob", “fruitcake", "weirdo", “dumbass" and the far too common, and seeminly accepted word, “crazy".

A few unorthodox things I’ve been stabbed in the heart with include: being told by a former friend that he does "not want to hear what comes out of" my "twisted little brain", after I gave my opinion. Medical imagery actually shows my neck, spine and brain are slightly askew.  How very thoughtful some friends are.

The most memorable (or hardest to forget) slur was, “F#¿&ing psychotic psycho b!#¿h".  This one seemed to be a favorite of the neighbor that I did nothing to, except live next door, request to be left alone and apparently, continue to breathe. 

Just last week, a thread was discussing how pleasant and interesting everyone on Mastodon is.  One participant on c.im, a former teacher (according to the profile), commented how interesting people on Mastodon are and added:

“Interesting in a good way. Not the Ummm...He's Crazy, But I'm Going to Pretend I'm Polite”.

 This person had another post complaining about a limited amount of “special education" teachers.  “Special" is also considered an ableist term by many people living with invisible disabilities as well.  Shaping young minds with archaic attitudes of ignorance, how wonderful.  Needless to say, I did not find that conversation very interesting or pleasant.

So what do you think?  Are words like “crazy" and “freak" a slur when used in a derogatory way and directed at persons with invisible disabilities? I asked 25 people with invisible disabilities today and all ageed, these are slurs.  Should the government draft legislation regarding ableist slurs to include the disabled community,  which makes up 26% of the US population?  Who should decide what an ableist slur is… the masses, the government or the victims of this kind of hate speech?

What do I think? Try one on me or any disabled person within earshot and find out. Think before you use words that can wound.  A consideration we can all learn from.

#stigmatude #disabilities #slurs #InvisibleDisability #ableism #EndAbleism #BrainInjury #ActuallyAutistic #MentalHealth #CerebralPalsy #TBI #ABI #InvisibleDisabilityRights #change #DisabilitySolidarity #equality

Image courtesy of:

https://www.ameridisability.com/beyonces-new-album-drops-ableist-slur-hitting-wrong-note-with-disability-advocates/

Division - Ableism in the #DisabilityCommunity (Reboot)

3of?
Have you every had someone in your life not take you serseriously, because of your disability? Have they minimized, discredited or alleged thay you are confused, because they're the one not getting it?

Unfortunately , people with #InvisibleDisabilities can even experience #ableism from other persons with #disability. My symptoms have been greatly exacerbated by a recent situation like this. This post will not be very eloquent or profound today... simply put, I am not well. I usually bounce back very quickly but, I am also receiving some disturbing feed back about damaging discussions.

Misinformation is often a weapon of ableists, to silence complaints from people with IDs. How many with invisible disabilities have heard the following: "Don't listen to them, there are (insert ableist slur here), they don't know what they're doing".

Because one does not understand subtle humor, or deeper thought, does not make the speaker incompetent or confused. Sometimes it means the listener may not understand. Sometimes ableist #stigmatude regarding people with invisible disabilities creates the assumption as well; even within the disability community. It is hurtful and frustrating to the recipient. It can also be very damaging, to health and recovery.

@disability.social is a community for all but, for some ...?? Expressing ones opinion shouldn't result in censorship or stifling one's voice by those who have the power to do so. It should also not result in gossip, #exclusion and bashing. Accommodation is often demanded but, not afforded. Different #disabilities have different need for #accommodation.

One of my first toots was response to the handling of a situation. It basically said:
"Transparency and owning up are two of my favorite things. It also indicates exemplary leadership." Now, I'm not so sure.

#DisabilitySolidarity #TBI #ActuallyAutistic #BrainInjury #equality #darvo #lies
#IDR is #InvisibleDisabilityRights #LoveConquersAll #truth #BullDogAdvocate #SpeakOut #DisabilitySolidarity

TBI - Traumatic Brain Injury and Suicide

Why support is so important for those that live with TBI and Brain Injury.

From 2014 to 2017, the traumatic brain injury-linked death rate rose from 16.3 to 17.5 per 100,000 people.

There were 61,131 TBI-linked deaths in 2017 alone, and nearly half of these deaths were by suicide or homicide from 2015 to 2017.

Last summer a rash of suicides on the USS Washington raise questions about lack of support and services said to contribute to thesr deaths.

The links below present the dismal statistics and some ways to help prevent suicide among the population living with Brain Injuries.

Traumatic Brain Injury and Suicide | Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evolutionary-psychiatry/201809/traumatic-brain-injury-and-suicide

cdc.gov
https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/prevention/index.html

PubMed.gov:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22329620/

US News:
https://www.usnews.com/news/healthiest-communities/articles/2019-11-21/suicide-is-top-cause-of-deaths-tied-to-traumatic-brain-injury

science direct:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563205000531

5 suicides of USS George Washington sailors raise worries over mental health - NBC News:
https://nbcnews.com/news/us-news/least-five-uss-george-washington-shipmates-died-suicide-last-year-rcna25425

#TBI #BrainInjury #suicide #SuicidePrevention #disability #EmotionalSupport #inclusion #love #understanding #education #EndAbleism #DisabilitySolidarity #DisabilityCommunity #Here4All #DisabilityJustice #ActuallyAutisic
#InvisibleDisabilityRights

@disability @disabilityjustice @autisticadvocacy

Response to Anon:

I have those fights within at times as well.  Sometime symptoms of disability play a part.

It's sad when individuals want accomodation, or will accommodate other's symptoms and limitations but,  do not afford the same to all. Some folks even shun or retaliate. This is often especially true for people with #InvisibleDisabilities. Analogy? Ramps are a nessesary accommodation but, they do nothing for the brain.

What is more sad is that persons with disabilities are often the worst offenders.  #DisabilitySolidarity and #DisabilityCommunity with #CrossDisabilitySupport are so important. Without, our community's quest for equality and inclusion is ineffective.

Thank you, for your unwavering support and comradery.  I am always here for you if you need.

#equality #inclusion #understanding #acceptance #accommodation #love #ActuallyAutistic #BrainInjury #disability #DisabilityAdvocacy #BrainInjury #TBI #ABI #AnoxicBrainInjury #Support #InvisibleDisabilityRights

Kaneh-bosem, really?
Who'd of thunk it? #KanehBosem

Cannabis and Traumatic Brain Injury:
What the Research is Revealing: https://mycompassionateclinic.com/cannabis-and-traumatic-brain-injury-tbi-what-the-research-is-revealing/… via

Not an endorsement #BrainInjury #TBI #ABI #InvisibleDisability #PSTD #alzheimers #dementia #mmj #anxiety #disability #relief

This is a migrating repost in the guise a #FollowFriday submission.  The image is from the talented Abu.

Yeah, there’s some unrelated stuff with links about Brain Injury below that I hope you read.  It illumimates the“social" changes those that live with  TBI/ABI experience.  The understanding of others, can be the biggest step in finding healing… but I talk about that stuff all the time.

This post is about highlighting the artistry of Abu.  Explore it all.

Abu - #FollowFriday @abwghyth

The initial post contained a different image of a candle. That’s the only connection but, this way more of you may discover and enjoy Abu.

Original post:

#Understanding allows for #acceptance, #inclusion and #recovery with many #InvisibleDisabilities including #tbi.

The "Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery Association" (#tbira) has some great educational reading to inspire understanding.

Psychological/Social Challenges - Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery Association https://www.tbira.org/white-cane-process/

https://www.tbira.org/

#DisabilitySolidarity #TBI #love #ActuallyAutistic #disability #DisabilityAdvocacy #poetry  #BrainInjury #inclusion #art #InvisibleDisabilityRights

Don’t forget to read ALT text:

@alexpostfacto

I did not say your are a horrible person. You've made other assumptions in these comments as well.

Alsio: Your phrase "out to get you" is a common offense to many with invisible disabilities. Doesn't bother me personally but, is hurtful to many in our community.

Sometimes being an advocate, means saying things that may not be received well. I'm used to it but, still speak out.
This is the part where I usually thank people for a gracious response.

Another symptom of #BrainInjury? Persistence of though. I see from your repeated DMS, you may also experience this.

Thanks for setting the tone of my day and inspiring.

@alexpostfacto

"If one breaks one's leg, they may have touble walking, patience and understanding is key. The same is true for the brain and communication."

You should have a field day with this piece. I had a very symptomatic day. Should I have contributed nothing?

https://neurodifferent.me/@OutOfExile_IDR/109465672299612209

#ableism #TBI #BrainInjury x2 #accommodation #acceptance #kindness #understanding #consideration #equality
#ableist #disability #InvisibleDisability #InvisibleDisabilityRights #ThinkBeforeYouSpeak.

10 small things …

I finally dragged myself to do grocery shopping today.
It took FOUR Hours.

After all the product decisions, lights, noise, screaming little ones and overwhelming, over-stimulation.. I’m a puddle, in a glass, that got knocked over on the the floor. I feel like a stain on the rug.  Oh yeah, I still have to put all the groceries away.

“The act of cooking or doing groceries are both exhausting.” (Evie)

It’s not unusual for people with #BrainInjury and other #InvisibleDisabilities to dislike,  and be taxed greatly, by daily tasks.  Evie’s piece: “10 Small Things You Can Do to Help Someone with a Brain Injury ”, is a concise, easy reading jem.  This is a must for anyone interested in understand  and accommodating people that live with (ID) invisible disabilities.  It’s worth two minute to read, don’t you think?

As one living the subject matter, I find Evie’s list to be the perfect glimpe for those “looking in”.  So many, are unaware that even little things can exacerbate a person with IDs.  From where to sit in a room, to being asked “how are you doing “, Evie has great wisdom on accommodation.

For me at times, bright light is like kryptonite with a migrane.  Shrilly sounds... and even the “buzz" of shoppers in the background, weaken my battery and bend up the spoons. The brain is a powerful force that controls our breathing, movement, emotion and thinking.  Like any other “muscle”, it wears down and needs rest.  This is also true for the brains of individuals with many types of invisible disabilities. Better understanding and accommodation go hand in hand.

Evie offers her insight in:

“10 Things…”:

https://refindingnormal.com/en/2017/09/24/help-someone-brain-injury/

Check out Evie’s others great writing on living with brain injury here:

https://refindingnormal.com/en/author/evievans/

Don't forget about the ALT text.

#DisabilitySolidarity :solidarity: #TBI #ChronicIllness #spoonies #pain #LongCovid #fibromyalgia #fatigue #CrossDisabilitySupport #care #ActuallyAutistic #BrainInjury #inclusion #InvisibleDisabilityRights #understanding #inclusion #love

OutOfExile_IDR - § Focus:
@OutOfExile_IDR@disabled.social OutOfExile_IDR - § Deux:
@OutOfExile_IDR@neurodifferent.me

“I couldn't really imagine, what it's like to not imagine…” 

PHOTOREALISTIC IMAGINATION - APHANTASIA - HYPERPHANTASIA

Imagine…rather picture.. no, visualize a place in your m.....

What if none of these were an option for your brain?  No going to your happy place, where the flowers are in bloom and the tea is hot?  No being comforted by the golden sunset on the beach, or the vista from atop the mountain in your minds eye.  Yes, “I couldn't really imagine what it's like to not imagine…”

The experience of those that live with Aphantasia, can be accompanied by memory issues and difficulty remembering faces. This is not to say, that these individuals cannot retain information, or remember intricate detail.  When giving descriptions, people with Aphantasian will often cite detailed facts and data, rather than using imagery. Many are likely to be introverted, as well.

Some information on Aphantasia, dates back to the1880s but, there hasn’t been a lot of attention on the subject until recent years. The brain’s cerebral cortex is thought to function differently, causing interference with mental visualization. One view on Aphantasia considers, it may only be a different way of thinking; suggesting the Neurodivergent, rather than the neurological.

With Hyperphantasia, some people experience powerful imagery generation within the mind; or being said to have “Photorealistic Imagination”.

"Typically, individuals with hyper-imagination are able to construct imagery that is beyond detailed and brightly outlined—resulting in some individuals having the capability even to experience a 360-degree vision.."

Paul Deretskiy

The contrast between Aphantasia and Hyperphantasia, is just another fascinating reflection of the human mind.  The links below are definitely a rabbit hole worth exploring. It seems I may know a bit about photorealistic imagery, as well as little more about myself.   Imagining what one with Aphantasia may experience, I’m at a loss...

I imagine it may feel… like “being blind in your mind”.  I couldn’t imagine, “what it’s like not to imagine”.

"Brain" Artwork below by John Hain: Buy him a cup?

https://pixabay.com/images/id-1000062/

Paul Deretskiy’s piece:
https://memoryos.com/article/hyperphantasia-revealing-the-truth-about-photorealistic-imagination

Photorealistic  Imagination:
https://www.magneticmemorymethod.com/hyperphantasia/

Aphantasia:
https://www.stemata.org/blog/what-is-the-loss-of-the-minds-eye-or-aphantasia

UK Aphantasia discussion:
https://www.bbc.com/news/health-34039054

When you are blind in your mind:
https://www.verywellmind.com/aphantasia-overview-4178710

What is Aphantasia:
https://aphantasia.com/what-is-aphantasia/

#PhotorealisticImagination #Aphantasia #Hyperphantasia #aphasia #WernickesArea #BrocasArea #visualization
#DisabilitySolidarity #Imagination #CrossDisabilitySupport #ActuallyAutistic #BrainInjury #VisualImpairment #VisualCortex
#NeurodivergentThinking
#InvisibleDisabilities #equality
#InvisibleDisabilityRights #imagine

New: Revised Hashtag Intro.
Click here 🧠 to expand.
The Proverbial list Evolved:

Focus:
:solidarity: #DisabilitySolidarity #DisabledCommunity #EndAbleism #InvisibleDisabilityRights #StopAbleistHate #DisabilityAdvocacy #passionate #DisabledVoicesUnite #CrossDisabilitySupport #inclusion #ListeningEar #Here4All #NeurodivergentThinking #neurodiversity
#ConcussionAwareness #TBI #ABI #AnoxicBrainInjury #BrainInjury #SpineInjury #fibromyalgia #LimbDifference #ActuallyAutisic #OrthopedicDisabilities #SticksAndStones #BrokenBones #NaturesPharmaceutical #DisabilityAcceptance #EndAbleistHateCrime #StopAbleistSlurs #DisabilityEconomicJustice #CripTheVote #DisabilityLobby #HumanInterest #NonPartisan #research #Education #Knowledge
#UnityConquers #TearDownTheWall
:solidarity:

Behind and beside in :solidarity: : #CivilRights #MentalHealth #EndRacism #EndBigotry #LandBack #gratitude Kahnawá:ke #LGBTQIA #BLM #WomenRights #EqualPay #StopViolence #StopAsianHate #POC #EndBigotry for #everyone
#BeYou #BeNice
#UnityConquers #TearDownTheWall :solidarity: !!

Un peu de moi?
Je ne parle pas couramment Français. I like using #HastagsNobodyWillEverSearch
#FilmMaking #Writing #poetry
Ex-#musician #Songwriter Passé
💐⚘🌺🏵 #GardenCreator extraordinaire. #FlowerGardens
Et Bien plus encore

Original profile is informational only.
@OutOfExile_IDR@disabled.social

New posts and communication will originate from § Voice and § Deux: @OutOfExile_IDR@neurodifferent.me
The character count affords me accommodation.
🙏, ✌️, 💛, :solidarity: #accommodation for "👥🫂👤" with #InvisibleDisabilities
Just like many of us, this list is incomplete and still evolving.

Don't forget the ALT text.

New report on #heavyMetals in #babyFood and other #foods not just for #children's consumption.

Its not getting the #corporateMedia's attention due to #advertising money, but these toxic substances cause lifelong #developmentalProblems and #brainInjury:
http://www.rt.com/shows/americas-lawyer/521762-fda-congressional-report-tainted-baby-foods/

So many questions here…

Why is #topSoil riddled with #lead and #mercury? When were #farmers told to remove this topsoil?

#food #publicHealth