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The gender gap in autism diagnosis: Why so many autistic girls slip through the cracks < Back Gender, Neurodiversity Why autistic women and girls often go undiagnosed The gender gap in autism diagnosis: Why so many autistic girls slip through the cracks Aditi Gangrade 18 May 2024 3-min read Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has long been associated with boys. This misconception, fueled by outdated research and societal biases, leads to a concerning reality: autistic girls are diagnosed four times less often than autistic boys according to a 2017 study by the Autism Research Centre [Baron-Cohen et al., 2017]. This disparity has significant consequences, delaying access to crucial support and hindering their ability to thrive. Understanding the reasons behind this underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis is critical to providing equitable and inclusive healthcare systems for autistic women and girls. Masking the difference: One key factor is "social camouflaging." Driven by a strong desire to connect, autistic women and girls develop exceptional abilities to mimic social behaviors. Imagine this: you spend your life feeling like a chameleon, meticulously blending into your surroundings. You observe social interactions, mimicking what seems "normal" even though it feels foreign. This constant performance can be exhausting, but it's the only way you know how to navigate a world that doesn't quite make sense. That, in a nutshell, is what life can be like for many autistic women and girls. Research by Dr. Sarah Cassidy suggests that autistic girls are more likely to engage in social camouflaging than boys, further complicating diagnosis. Beyond the Stereotypes: Traditional diagnostic tools, shaped by research primarily focused on autistic boys, often miss the diverse ways autism presents in people across the gender spectrum. These tools might emphasize restricted interests in specific topics or repetitive behaviors like flapping hands. However, autistic individuals might have a wide range of interests, and repetitive behaviors can manifest in more subtle ways like intense focus on routines or organization. This mismatch between symptom presentation and diagnostic criteria, coupled with societal conditioning that leads girls and women to internalize their struggles, can lead to missed diagnoses. The Internal Storm: Many autistic women experience their challenges internally. Sensory overload might manifest as anxiety or meltdowns behind closed doors. Social difficulties can translate into depression or a constant feeling of social awkwardness rather than outward outbursts. This internalization makes it difficult for others to recognize the underlying cause of these struggles, further delaying diagnosis. A study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry [Lai et al., 2011] found that autistic girls are more likely to experience internalizing symptoms like anxiety and depression compared to autistic boys. This underdiagnosis has a profound impact on the lives of autistic women. Studies suggest they are more likely to experience mental health challenges, unemployment, and social isolation. The Impact of a Delayed Diagnosis: A late or missed diagnosis has significant consequences. We might struggle with social relationships, navigating social situations, experience chronic anxiety, or have difficulty managing daily routines. This can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, being misunderstood, inadequacy, low self-esteem, and a sense of not belonging. Research published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders [Chown et al., 2019] found autistic women are twice as likely to report experiencing an eating disorder compared to neurotypical women. Difficulties with social communication and challenges adapting to workplace environments can make it difficult for autistic women to find and maintain employment. A study by the Autism Self Advocacy Network [Autism Self Advocacy Network] found that autistic adults are four times more likely to be unemployed compared to the general population. Breaking the Cycle: So, what can be done? Awareness is key: Learn about the diverse presentations of autism in females. Organizations like the Autistic Self Advocacy Network [ASAN] and IHeartAspies provide excellent resources. Advocate for Inclusive Diagnostic Tools: Research efforts should focus on understanding autism across the gender spectrum. This can lead to more comprehensive diagnostic tools that capture the diverse experiences of autistic women and girls. Promote Self-Advocacy: Encourage girls and women who suspect they might be autistic to seek evaluation and support. Resources from organizations like the Autistic Women's Network [AWN] can be helpful in this journey. Challenge Societal Expectations: Break down stereotypes surrounding autism, and promote understanding of how it can manifest differently in women and girls. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

If you’re a sucker for good representation and haven't watched Bridgerton yet, where have you been < Back Neurodiversity, Media, Disability Bridgerton: Disability representation reviewed by Aditi Gangrade If you’re a sucker for good representation and haven't watched Bridgerton yet, where have you been Aditi Gangrade 26 Aug 2024 1-min read I often see filmmakers use disability and neurodiversity as a plot to tell stories where the disability is shown as “the problem” that needs to be overcome. More often than not, these portrayals are ableist. But Bridgerton flipped the narrative. For those of you who don’t know the disabled and neurodivergent characters in Bridgerton, let's have a look: Lord Remmington, played by Zak Ford-Williams, is a wheelchair user. The actor is also disabled in real life. Dolores Stowell and her mother Lady Stowell are both deaf and played by the deaf actors Kitty Devlin and Sophie Wooley. They communicate in British Sign Language in the show. Francesca Bridgerton played by Hannah Dodd is said to be autistic-coded. And her sister Eloise Bridgerton played by Claudia Jessie appears to be ADHD-coded. Simon Basset played by Regé-Jean Page is shown to have speech disfluency as a kid and is ostracised by his own father for having a disability. Lady Danbury, played by the actor Adjoa Andoh uses a cane in the show and lives with dyspraxia in real life. King George lives with a mental illness and is played by James Fleet. And lastly, this character seemed very neurodivergent when I watched the show and when I looked him up I found out he has ADHD and dyslexia - Luke Newton who plays Colin Bridgerton. All these characters are a natural part of society in the show. Their identities, their experiences are just naturally a part of the story. And that's something I really expect from more shows. Even if your stories and plots are about something totally different, show the natural diversity that exists all around us. Include people who've been marginalised and badly represented in the past. Represent them well. The power of films and shows is immense. Imagine a kid with a disability watching shows on OTTs and TV and seeing a character who's like them. It just changes how people grow up thinking about themselves. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Ira Khan tells Much Much Media why Gen-Z is the loneliest generation ever < Back Community, Health, Parenting Why Gen Z feels so alone Ira Khan tells Much Much Media why Gen-Z is the loneliest generation ever MMS Staff 7 Jan 2026 5-min read In the first episode of Much Much Media’s chat show, Parenting Aaj Kal, Ira Khan says something a lot of Gen Z has felt in their chest for years but rarely had the words for: loneliness isn’t an exception anymore. It ’s becoming the default setting. And what’s unsettling isn’t just that young people feel lonely. It’s how quietly it has become normal. When loneliness becomes normal, it stops sounding like an emergency. It starts sounding like personality. Like a flaw. Like “maybe I’m just bad at friends.” But that story doesn’t hold up, not when you look at what has changed around young people, what has been taken away, and what has been made harder to access. “If you’ve never played like that…”: the kind of childhood many Gen Z kids didn’t get A generation ago, the script for childhood friendships was simpler: you’d go downstairs, find kids, play, fight, make up, repeat. Not perfectly. But often enough that you learned the messy basics of being with other people. In the episode, Ira names what’s missing now: the everyday, unstructured kind of play that teaches you how to belong without requiring a calendar invite. She puts it in a line that lands like a bruise: “If you’ve never played like that, how would you know you’re missing anything?” That question matters because it explains something many adults misunderstand about Gen Z loneliness. You can’t “just go make friends” if you didn’t grow up in environments where friendship happened easily: in parks, corridors, sports grounds, building compounds, school buses, streets, without supervision, without productivity goals, without a performance pressure to be “likeable.” If those spaces disappeared before you got to use them, connection starts to feel like a skill you were never taught. The loneliness is real — and the numbers back up the feeling Gen Z isn’t imagining this. Global data has been pointing in the same direction. A Meta–Gallup global survey across 142 countries found that 24% of people worldwide reported feeling “very” or “fairly” lonely, nearly one in four. And importantly, young adults aged 19–29 showed the highest levels, with 27% reporting feeling very or fairly lonely. Another Gallup measure (using a different question) found 23% of people worldwide said they felt loneliness “a lot of the day yesterday.” The point is: if loneliness is showing up at this scale, it’s not just an individual problem. It’s a social condition. And that’s exactly what Ira’s framing pushes us toward. A bigger, more systemic question: What happened to community? Why this isn’t just about screen time Yes, digital life shapes how Gen Z connects. But the deeper shift is what digital life replaced, and what society failed to build alongside it. In many places, kids today have: less unstructured time more academic pressure and packed schedules fewer accessible “third places” (spaces outside home and school where you can just exist) more safety fears (often real) that keep parents from letting kids roam and a culture that treats rest and play like something you must earn So friendships don’t form through “bumping into each other.” They form through planning, and planning requires time, energy, transport, money, and emotional bandwidth. That’s not neutral. That’s a filter. It decides who gets connection easily and who has to work for it. When “hanging out” becomes a logistical project Research is increasingly documenting a shift away from in-person social time. An OECD report notes that across OECD countries, longer-term trends show people are meeting in person less often, while digital interactions have become more frequent. The same report points out that people are often more likely to stay in touch remotely than meet up in person. For example, in European OECD countries, weekly remote contact outpaces weekly in-person get-togethers. This matters because digital connection can be meaningful but it doesn’t always meet the same needs as shared physical space: the micro-moments, the awkward silences, the inside jokes that happen when you’re simply around each other long enough. And when in-person connection becomes rare, it can start to feel… intense. Like a date. Like pressure. Like something you must perform well. That’s how loneliness can deepen: not only do you feel alone, you start to fear the very closeness you want. Loneliness isn’t a personal failure. It’s a public health issue When large numbers of people feel disconnected, the consequences aren’t just emotional. They show up in bodies and communities. The US Surgeon General’s 2023 advisory describes loneliness and isolation as a major health concern, linking lack of social connection to increased risk of physical and mental health harms. It also notes that the mortality impact of social disconnection is comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. That framing is important because it shifts the question from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What’s happened to our social fabric?” And once you see it that way, the “solution” can’t just be individual confidence hacks. It has to include social infrastructure: the spaces and conditions that make connection possible. Why this hits disabled and neurodivergent young people even harder Social issues don’t hit everyone equally. Loneliness intersects with disability, neurodivergence, chronic illness, mental health, and poverty not because disabled people are inherently lonelier, but because the world often blocks access to connection. The Surgeon General’s advisory notes that studies find high prevalence of loneliness and isolation among people with poor physical or mental health and disabilities, alongside financial insecurity and other structural vulnerabilities. Now layer that onto everyday reality: public spaces that aren’t physically accessible social plans built around sensory overload stigma that makes people treat disabled and neurodivergent kids as “too much” or “too difficult” bullying and exclusion in schools fewer inclusive community activities that don’t demand masking or social performance For many disabled and neurodivergent young people, loneliness isn’t about being “bad at socialising.” It’s about living in a world where social spaces weren’t designed with them in mind. When we talk about Gen Z loneliness, disability and neurodivergence can’t be an afterthought. Accessibility is community-building. So what do we do with this? Ira’s point in Parenting Aaj Kal isn’t nostalgia for a “better” childhood. It’s a prompt to notice what vanished, and to stop blaming young people for adapting to that loss. If loneliness has become Gen Z’s default, then the question becomes: how do we rebuild the conditions where belonging is ordinary again? Not through perfect friend groups. Not through forcing extroversion. But through small, structural shifts: protecting unstructured time in childhood (and honestly, in adulthood too) investing in accessible community spaces: parks, libraries, youth centres, hobby clubs designing social environments that don’t punish difference (sensory needs, communication styles, mobility needs) treating friendship and community as real life infrastructure, not an optional extra Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

A candid conversation with two siblings about rivalry, breaking societal norms, and understanding each other < Back Gender, Neurodiversity Sisterhood with Neurodivergence: Shreya & Roshni’s lived experience A candid conversation with two siblings about rivalry, breaking societal norms, and understanding each other Swara Swami 23 Aug 2024 11-min read Shreya (33, she/ her, neurodivergent) and her sister Roshni (30, she/ her, allistic) speak to Much Much Spectrum about their growing up years. Interviewer: Can you both share a little bit about yourselves and your relationship as sisters growing up and how has your bond evolved over the years? Shreya: Well, I think I should start with the story of this picture. When Roshni was just born, she was on Amma's lap. Actually she's supposed to be on Amma's lap, but I have pushed her away and she's crying and I have taken my place on my mother's lap and I'm feeling very happy about it. So essentially that kind of sums up our childhood. We used to fight a lot. Because that's what siblings do. But we also used to chill a lot together and play on the computer and have Shrewsbury biscuits while we did it. So we had a lot of these rituals, like making midnight snacks together and things like that. But we also fought a lot. But when I moved to Ahmedabad to do my master's, I think that is when we became really close when we started living in different cities. Roshni would come and visit me and stay with me on campus and then in the various other cities I have lived in. So I think that is when we became super close and we both are the first person we go to. At least for me, she's the first person I go to with any major issue. We are very similar yet very, very different people. So I think it is a little complementary and also we have a lot of shared interests. So we definitely bond on that. Roshni introduced me to Taylor Swift. We, in general, all of us enjoy food that is one of the things we bond over. And dogs, books. Yes. A lot of books. Interviewer: Roshni, do you also have something to share about your relationship with Shreya? Roshni: I definitely agree with most of the things that she has said. We were not very close while growing up because I'm the younger sister. Distance makes the heart grow fonder, so I genuinely feel like we had those special special moments when we would be cooking together, rather, Shreya would be cooking and I would be cleaning. Before I became a teenager, things were quite different. I was a little bit scared of her, but we got very, very close and actually became friends after she moved out. Shreya: I forgot to say that I was not nice to Roshni when we grew up. I thought, “Oh, you must bully your younger sister. And it was… not nice. It's an important thing to mention because there are not really very great templates around there for sibling relationships, which are not opposing genders. Roshni: On that note, as Shreya mentioned in the picture, she has pushed me off. You can see I'm crying. And she's very, very happy. Interviewer: Could you tell us about your neurodivergence discovery and the journey? Shreya: It was mostly me reading up. I would say it is thanks to the Internet, but because I was reading a lot about the Autism Awareness Month and I read up a couple of articles and I thought that those behavioural traits in adults correlated to our father. I spoke to Roshni about it, and when we spoke to Amma about it, we were like, ‘Oh my God, this makes sense.’ But this was a year before I asked to be assessed and then I didn't think about it. But it was like a niggling thing in the back of my head. Then I started correlating that behaviour across generations of my family. So then I asked my therapist if she could do an assessment and she was like, sure. And I didn't know what to think going in. And I was like, I don't know why I'm asking for this because do I even deserve to take this? What is this? What am I thinking? So then when the results came, it surprised both of us. I think also my therapist, because she'd been my therapist for four years. Once I got assessed as being autistic, I read up a lot and that also made a lot of sense to me. I understood a lot about my childhood and I read a bunch of books, starting with ‘Aspergirls’ by Rudy Simone and then ‘Unmasking Autism’ by Devon Price. I would share all of this with Roshni and Amma and they would be like, yes, okay, this makes a lot more sense. About a year or so later, I took on the ADHD assessments and that also came about and I was like, this is very true. Interviewer: So Roshni, how has Shreya's discovery/ diagnosis changed your dynamic with her? Roshni: I think this conversation is when I think I really started thinking about autism. And so many years of the last few years have been spent in just educating myself. I am also a music educator. I work in a private capacity, so I do work with a few children with diverse needs. So her assessment really, really did help in a professional sense for me to kind of work with the kids that I do, but, wow, sorry, I'm… I feel like I'm blabbering. Shreya: No, you're not. It's okay. It's completely fine. What you're saying is very relevant. Roshni: I think the biggest thing in the beginning was to educate myself and read up more, so whatever material and resources Shreya was sharing, I was making it a point to read them. It really did make a lot of sense. I think she tried to point it out to me, do you remember when this happened when I was younger or this happened? I was like, no, but I was younger than her. So I barely remember, you know, her experiences and meltdowns, so to speak. But it really made a lot of sense the way she is. Since then, I think I've just wanted to be her advocate, especially, you know, in our immediate family because not everyone is as proactive about educating themselves. I think I'm a lot more sensitive to how she is feeling, especially any sort of overstimulation. I feel like when she's around, it's like my ears are also picking up these frequencies. I need to ensure that, for example, at home when we are sitting together and watching TV anytime the volume spikes, the volume is reduced to ensure that she's feeling okay. Interviewer: Shreya, do you have something to share also? Shreya: No. Oh, I would just say that it has just become, I think, better because the understanding is now deeper. And I feel like I can be a very confusing person to be around for a lot of people, but I feel like the assessment has helped understand some of it. This may be something that Roshni has been doing for a long time, but I feel like now she is… someone you can rely on without having to explain too much when you are overstimulated in, say, family gatherings or generally just sitting at home and watching TV. So that aspect really helps because there are very few people in my immediate family or immediate surroundings who actually understand it. So it is nice to not have to open your mouth and explain it. Interviewer: So how do you both support and care for each other? Shreya: We were visiting family in Delhi in December. And it was super social for about a few days. And the last day I just, I could barely talk. I was like, I'm done. I'm done with this world. So Roshni really took on even talking to the cab guy and telling him where we had to go. And there were some physical tasks to be done. She kind of took it on. She also got me coffee. A lot of that is a big way that she has, I think, shown care towards me. I don't want it to be like Roshni is in service to me constantly, but I feel like I also like it when I'm staying with her. Then I make her chai and meals because for me doing things is showing love and care. Roshni: I think if you have ever met Shreya, especially in a house setting, it doesn't matter whose house it is, you'll definitely have multiple cups of chai, which she will make, and there will be at least one snack. Whatever is there in the kitchen, she'll make something. And that is her love language. It has always been, I think, like all of the midnight snacks also. She bakes, she cooks, for it doesn't matter who comes through the door. Actually, most people. With us also, there are weekly FaceTime calls. Sometimes we call each other and give each other the most random updates. And sometimes we just exist on FaceTime together for about 15 minutes to an hour. She is my council, she is my lighthouse. I feel like the reason why I knew I could marry my partner is because Shreya had approved of him. Any major decisions in life, I feel like I need to run by her because she has a very x-ray type scan view of things. And it's great to have such a clear voice sometimes telling you what you might not want to hear or see. So that way I feel like that's how we care for each other. Shreya: When Roshni’s partner is not there, we are just each other’s extended plus ones. And Roshni is also nicer to people than I am. So it's nice to go with her to family functions. People are nice to me also, obviously, but I feel like they're a little scared of me. But everyone is always nice to Roshni, so it's nice to be around her. But I think we balance each other out. There's a fair amount of overstimulation that happens for Roshni also. We have left a lot of weddings and gone to cafes and restaurants and just sat there. Interviewer: Despite being the elder sister, Shreya, you mentioned that your sister is often seen as the older one because of her presentation. Tell us more about the differences in your presentation. Neurodivergent people are often considered way younger than their age because of how we present. How do you both feel about this? Shreya: First of all, we both wear big glasses and we both have short hair. And we both speak in a similar manner. So lots of people also say that we look similar. But I think this really stood out to us once when we were in Chennai visiting some relatives and somebody was like, ‘Oh, I'm pointing to Roshni asking if she's the older one’, which was very strange and she's gotten annoyed and that has just increased in occurrence since then. But because I also almost always have coloured hair, I don't know if people are seeing that and seeing things because of it. And now I have a lot of tattoos. But I don't know why that points to making me look younger. But yeah, it's strange because I'm like, what are the markers of it? Roshni: Yeah, I think it could be, I mean, some people also think it's the height thing. I'm fractionally taller than Shreya. In the beginning I used to get a little annoyed. Because I was like, ‘Oh my God, but look at my face.’ I have such a baby face, but I don't care about it anymore. It's fine. Shreya: That is true. Roshni: Yeah, and I think the way we dress also has something to do with it. I am quite boring in my fashion on a day to day basis. Like when Shreya is around, things get brightened up as a proxy effect, I guess. But because she's always, she expresses herself sometimes through her clothing and the hair colour. The last one of the weddings we went to in 2021 or 22, some people asked Shreya that, and she had a bunch of green hair at that time. It was green, right Shreya? Shreya: Whose wedding? Roshni: This was Varun's wedding. Shreya: Varun's wedding? Roshni: Yeah. Shreya: I had some coloured hair, but it wasn't green. I think it was purple or pink. Life stage wise, as per traditional societal life stage, I am not married and I don't have kids and I'm 33 and there are very few people I know my age who are like this, which is very strange in India. But I feel like that also shows. And the tonality of talking. But I feel like this may also play into why people think I am younger in general. It doesn't make sense. Interviewer: Can you both share a message to families/ siblings where one is neurodivergent and the other is not. Roshni: I'll just repeat what I said earlier, which is, educating oneself is the most important thing you can do as the first step. If anyone in your family is assessed, provide support in whatever way is possible. And, I once brought this up in therapy actually, I don't know sometimes how to help my sister or how to advocate for her. I feel like in some situations it's very sticky and the best piece of advice she's ever given me is to just ask her what she wants. So I think educating oneself and ensuring that you are asking questions and giving the support that a person needs and not just kind of preemptively giving them support based on what you think they need. Shreya: Asking, as you said, but also being willing to listen. Because I feel like when a neurodivergent sibling says something, a lot of what we say is very, very surprising to people because of the experiences, because if everyone has experienced the same thing, the way people experience it can be very, very different. So I feel like sometimes being generally better at listening and believing the other person that, okay, yeah, this is what they got out of the situation… I think that really helps. But I feel like if someone has grown up with a neurodivergent sibling in any case, they would always know that there are a lot of things that their family does, or that they would do as siblings, that are not usual and that are anyway designed to cope with the other person's neurodivergence. So like you have already been living with it. Now when we think about our family and we realise we are so strange, all of us, and we all do these things also that are so strange. And I realised when I talk to my friends' families that they don't have naturally strange families. So… these things. So, just embrace it and believe in the other person. That's all. Shreya is a media professional and podcaster. You can check out her podcast 'At Odds' here . Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

On International Music Day, Swara shares how music shaped her life & inspired her mission to heal others < Back Neurodiversity, Gender The power of music - my path to self-discovery and healing On International Music Day, Swara shares how music shaped her life & inspired her mission to heal others Swara Swami 1 Oct 2024 3-min read I come from a family deeply rooted in music. Even before I could talk, I was singing. My family would often record me as a baby, capturing my little voice on cassette tapes. Music became my solace, my constant companion through the ups and downs of life. During my school years, I was bullied relentlessly, and music became my refuge. It helped me heal. Over the years, I trained in various styles — Hindustani, film music, Western, contemporary — and even dabbled in Carnatic music, though it never quite resonated with me. When I lived in Shanghai, singing and acting became my source of confidence. Even though my peers thought I was different, they noticed my talent in the arts. I was part of a group called ‘Sur Shanghai,’ where we performed regularly, and I began to see how the arts could empower others just like they had for me. That’s when I first considered a career in music. My journey took me to KM Music Conservatory in Chennai, but I quickly realised Western Classical wasn’t for me. I also didn’t feel supported there, and during the holidays, I would help my mother — an accomplished singer herself who worked with disabled children. That’s when I discovered my love for working with children with disabilities. Around the same time, Berklee College of Music visited my school, and I was drawn to their Music Therapy program. I knew that was where I wanted to be. To pursue this dream, I moved to Malaysia to attend the International College of Music (ICOM), which offered a transfer program to Berklee. However, it wasn’t an easy path. I struggled with anxiety and often felt like I wasn’t good enough. I failed semesters due to a lack of accommodations and support, and I couldn’t secure a scholarship, despite getting admitted to Berklee twice. But once I finally made it to Berklee, everything changed. I became part of the Berklee Indian Ensemble, recorded an EP that was nominated for a Grammy, and performed alongside artists like Vijay Prakash and Shreya Ghoshal. I also joined The Lotus Sound, a circle singing group, and we recorded an EP and performed at the International Acapella Festival in Moscow. Despite these successes, I faced setbacks too. I didn’t pass my Music Therapy major on my first try but succeeded the second time. While I was finding my footing academically, I lost my mother to cancer, and my mental health took a hit. A discouraging comment from a professor further eroded my confidence. For five years, I couldn’t pass my Music Therapy exam, which prevented me from securing a job as a Music Therapist in the U.S. In 2020, when the pandemic hit, I returned to India and started my own Music Therapy program at a trust in Nashik, Maharashtra. It was a step forward, but I wasn’t done learning. In 2022, I began a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Expressive Arts Therapy at Lesley University. This hybrid program allowed me to explore all forms of art, not just music. It also helped me rediscover my confidence. I acted in a play, sang at open mics — things I never imagined I could do. Now, I dream of building my own private practice, where the arts are a core part of the healing process for others, just as they have been for me. Music has been a constant in my life, and I hope it continues to be a source of strength and healing for those who need it most. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

A simple guide to understanding nonbinary identities this Nonbinary Awareness Week < Back Gender, LGBTQIA+ What does it mean to be nonbinary A simple guide to understanding nonbinary identities this Nonbinary Awareness Week MMS Staff 9 Jul 2024 3-min read The term “nonbinary” is used to describe those whose gender identity exists outside of the traditional gender binary of male and female. This concept can encompass a spectrum of gender identities, including gender-fluid, bigender, and multigender, among others. While the specific meaning of nonbinary can vary from person to person, it fundamentally signifies an identity that does not fit exclusively within the categories of man or woman. The gender binary To grasp what it means to be nonbinary, it's essential to first understand the gender binary. The gender binary is the classification of gender into two distinct, opposite forms — man and woman. This system often dictates societal expectations regarding behaviour, roles, and appearance based on one's assigned gender at birth. However, the binary view excludes the experiences of those who identify outside these two categories. Understanding nonbinary identities Nonbinary individuals may experience their gender in a multitude of ways. Some might feel a blend of both man and woman, while others may identify as neither. The term itself serves as an umbrella, covering various identities that don't conform to the binary framework. Despite its growing recognition in contemporary society, nonbinary identities have been acknowledged and respected in numerous cultures for centuries. Nonbinary pronouns Pronouns play a crucial role in affirming a nonbinary person’s identity. In a world where gendered language is prevalent, nonbinary individuals often navigate pronouns that best reflect their gender. Some nonbinary people use binary pronouns like “she/ her” or “he/ him,” while others prefer gender-neutral pronouns such as “they/ them,” “ze/ hir,” or “ze/ zir.” The pronouns someone uses can vary based on their environment and feelings of safety. Gentle reminder: It's important to always use the pronouns a person indicates are appropriate for them. If unsure, opt for gender-neutral language or politely ask for their preferred pronouns. Defining nonbinary Most people, including many transgender individuals, identify as either male or female. However, nonbinary people do not neatly fit into these categories. They might blend elements of both genders, identify with neither, or experience a fluid or evolving gender identity. Terms like genderqueer, agender, bigender, and genderfluid reflect the diverse experiences within the nonbinary community. How to identify if you are nonbinary Figuring out if you are nonbinary is a personal journey that involves self-reflection and exploration. Here are some steps that might help: Think about how you feel about your gender. Do you feel like you don’t fully identify as a man or a woman? Educate yourself about different nonbinary identities and see if any resonate with your experiences. Engaging with nonbinary individuals can provide insight and help you understand your own feelings. Try using different pronouns or labels to see which ones feel most comfortable for you. Consider speaking with a therapist or joining a support group where you can discuss your feelings in a safe and understanding environment. Remember, your gender identity is unique to you, and it’s okay if it takes time to understand and articulate it. How to be respectful and supportive of nonbinary people: Always use the name and pronouns a nonbinary person requests. Avoid asking about their previous names or pronouns. You can't determine someone's gender identity based on appearance. If unsure about pronouns, ask respectfully. Support policies that allow nonbinary people to express their gender freely and safely in public spaces, workplaces, and schools. Recognize the challenges nonbinary individuals face in gendered spaces like restrooms and support their choice of where they feel safest. Engage with nonbinary people to understand their experiences and perspectives. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXB_VUHRT8o Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Kartik Aaryan-starrer Chandu Champion is a tribute to the 1965 war hero & para athlete from India < Back Disability, News New film celebrates paralympic gold medalist Murlikant Petkar Kartik Aaryan-starrer Chandu Champion is a tribute to the 1965 war hero & para athlete from India MMS Staff 14 Jun 2024 3-min read Bollywood - at long last - seems to be going big on disabled stories. After the release and success of the Rajkumar Rao-starrer Srikanth, based on the life of visually-impaired entrepreneur Srikanth Bolla, director Kabir Khan and producer Sajid Nadiadwala have teamed up on Chandu Champion, which hit theatres today. Chandu Champion is a sports drama starring Kartik Aaryan. The film is based on the life of Murlikant Petkar, an ex-jawan in the Indian Army who went on to become India's first Paralympic gold medalist, tracing his journey from soldier to ace sportsman. From Sangli to the global stage Born on November 1, 1944 in Peth Islampur, Maharashtra, Petkar developed a keen interest in athletics early on in life, particularly wrestling and hockey. Even after joining the Indian Army, he continued to excel in sports. According to his website , the 1965 Indo-Pakistan war left him severely injured and with a permanent spinal cord injury as well as memory loss. Acquiring a disability Within 2 years, Petkar was well on the road to recovery. In 1968, he was already participating and making a mark in state-level sports such as shot-put, javelin throw, discus throw, weightlifting, table tennis and archery. During this time, Petkar trained vigorously, mastering the freestyle swimming technique with just one functional arm. And sure enough, he clinched gold in the 50-metre freestyle swimming event at the 1972 Summer Paralympics held in Germany, showing the world that success in sport isn’t reserved only for those who fit a traditional athletic mould. Petkar also set a world record with a time of 37.33 seconds, one that stood for many years. Petkar has continued to be involved in sports and has been an advocate for sports and the rights of disabled individuals in India. He has received various awards and recognition, though many feel his contributions and achievements have not received the level of recognition they deserve. In 2018, the government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri, one of the country's highest civilian awards, acknowledging his contributions and achievements in sports. Recognition and representation Chandu Champion releases at a crucial time in history, when discussions around the portrayal of disabled individuals in media are increasingly becoming more and more prominent, and disability advocacy is at the highest it has been. But all said and done, as a society we still need to deeply reflect on how disabled athletes - and people in general - are represented in our films and TV. While the stories of disabled people need to be told, we also need to make sure that their portrayals do not oversimplify their lives but instead offer a nuanced view of their lived experiences. It is now more crucial than ever to discuss the delicate line between celebrating achievements and veering into the territory of inspiration porn. It is also very important to remember that disabled people do not exist only to make the able-bodied feel better about their own lives. If you’ve watched Chandu Champion, we’re keen to hear your thoughts about the disability representation in the movie. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Neurodivergence & innovation: How strengths-based support transforms lives < Back Neurodiversity, Parenting, Education Boy with learning disabilities turns entrepreneur making $5K an hour Neurodivergence & innovation: How strengths-based support transforms lives MMS Staff 21 Nov 2024 2-min read At just 14 years old, Tucker Findley is a successful entrepreneur with a six-figure business. But his journey wasn’t straightforward. Diagnosed with learning disabilities and a neurological condition, Tucker couldn’t read, write, or count past 10 by the time he was 9. School was a daily struggle, and he felt like he didn’t belong. Everything changed the day Tucker found golf balls near his Sterling, Virginia, home. Instead of seeing them as just objects, he saw an opportunity. “I found golf balls everywhere,” he recalls. He started cleaning and selling them on Facebook Marketplace, where they sold out — 2,000 in just three days. Tucker reinvested his profits, hiring friends to help and even buying a kayak to collect more balls. From there, he expanded his focus to antiques and collectibles, inspired by TV shows like Antiques Roadshow. With his parents’ support, Tucker opened an eBay store and quickly realized he had a knack for spotting undervalued items. A $6 BMX bike frame turned into $500 in parts. A Barbie doll sold for $1,000. “It wasn’t just about making money,” says Tucker’s mom, Rebecca. “It was about seeing him excited to learn.” Tucker, who has dyslexia and dyscalculia, found ways to improve his math and reading through his business. Counting golf balls, tracking profits, and negotiating deals taught him skills he’d struggled to grasp in traditional classrooms. His online school even built lessons around his business activities. Today, Tucker runs his business - Tucker’s Vintage Treasures - out of a 2,500-square-foot warehouse at home. He sells everything from sneakers to vintage toys through eBay and livestream auctions, sometimes making over $5,000 in just an hour. What sets Tucker apart isn’t just his business success — it’s how he gives back. When he earns big profits from items he buys cheaply, he often returns to the seller and shares the earnings. “I’m honest and fair,” he says. Tucker’s journey underscores the importance of focusing on neurodivergent children’s strengths instead of their challenges. His father, Ryan, left his job to homeschool Tucker, tailoring his education to what he loved. “The most important thing is to find what you’re good at,” Tucker says. Tucker’s story is a reminder that every child has potential. Sometimes, all they need is the right environment to let it shine. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

More sports personalities opening up about mental health struggles shows it can happen to anyone < Back News, Health, Neurodiversity Athletes who sought mental health help & bounced back for the Olympics More sports personalities opening up about mental health struggles shows it can happen to anyone MMS Staff 30 Jul 2024 5-min read In an age where competition is fierce, and the expectation from you is to be on top of your game, three athletes stand out not only for their spectacular performance at the Olympics but for being vocal about their health issues and seeking help. 1. Adam Peaty Great Britain's Adam Peaty, a swimmer who specialises in the breaststroke, is a two-time gold winner at the Olympics, an eight-time World Champion, sixteen-time European Champion, and four-time Commonwealth Champion. Peaty is also a world record holder for the 50-metre and 100-metre breaststroke events. In April 2023, after being in what he described as a “self-destructive spiral” stemming from personal issues, Peaty withdrew from the British Swimming Championships. Soon after he revealed that he was struggling with his mental health, and had depression, an alcohol problem, and had been diagnosed with ADHD. “It’s been an incredibly lonely journey. The devil on my shoulder [says], ‘You’re missing out on life. You’re not good enough. You need a drink. You can’t have what you want. You can’t be happy,’” he had said at the time. In a social media post, he wrote : “Very few people understand what winning and success does to an individual’s mental health. They don’t understand the pressures these individuals put on themselves to win over and over again.” Then, Sunday evening, Peaty went on to win silver in the men’s 100-metre breaststroke event. Peaty came second to Italy’s Nicolò Martinenghi by just 0.02 seconds. Peaty wrote on his Instagram: “A night full of raw emotion and sport in its true form. These last 14 months have been incredibly testing and I do not regret one training session or decision I made. I’ve continued to fight and find new ways to enjoy something that has broken me to the core and to end up with an Olympic silver through all of that is an absolute blessing. I’m more proud of the man and athlete I am from last night than I have been across my entire career.” 2. Kimberley Woods British slalom canoeist Kimberley Woods is a six-time World and eight-time European Champion. Previously, Woods has won 14 medals at the European Championships, and the World Cup title in Kayak Cross in 2023. Woods has spoken openly about being bullied for her muscular physique as a kid, and using canoeing as an escape from the trauma. “Most of the time I owned it. I was like: ‘So what? I need strong arms for sport.’ But of course I felt self-conscious being around girls and women who don’t look like that. I spent many a bus ride home crying,” she said in an interview with the Guardian. “I dealt with it on my own. When I went home ... I made sure I’d have a straight face as I didn’t want anyone to see me [crying].” In 2015, after a sport-related injury, Woods was forced to stop canoeing. “My only outlet then was self-harming,” she says, “and it was really hard to get out of that habit. As soon as something got hard that was my immediate response because physical pain was easier than emotional pain. I kept everything to myself and hid it.” Finally Woods came out to her coach of many years, Craig Morris, about her struggles. Morris - whom Woods calls a father figure - was patient, and put her on to a counsellor. Woods was admitted to the mental hospital twice, and has had suicidal ideation. “It’s been a long time since I [self-harmed]. The last time was after a race, just before the Tokyo Olympics [in 2021]. It was overwhelming racing again after Covid. But, since then, I’ve had different strategies to avoid self-harming. I still have a hairband on my wrist which I just flick and that changes the senses. Sometimes, I just need a little cry or I talk to my partner, Elliott, or Craig and we break it down and I feel calm,” she says. On Sunday, Woods bagged her first Olympic medal - a bronze - in the women’s kayak single (K1) final in Paris. Three years ago she had crashed out of the 2020 Olympics after her debut Olympics event did not end well for her. But today, she prepares for a second shot at gold as Paris 2024 debuts the kayak cross event. “I’m probably maybe one of the favourites in the kayak cross but I’m not thinking about that, I’m just thinking about being out there and enjoying the crowd, and I can’t wait to sit on top of that ramp.” 3. Simone Biles American-Belizean artistic gymnast Biles has 7 Olympic and 30 World Championships to her name, making her the most decorated gymnast in history. Just ahead of the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Biles came out about having the twisties, a condition that affects gymnasts, throwing off their sense of rhythm. “The best way I can describe it is everyday you drive a car — if one day you woke up and you had no idea how to drive a car, your legs are going crazy, you have no control of your body,” Biles had said on a podcast. “You’ve been doing something for so long, and you now no longer have control. It’s terrifying.” Soon after, Biles went on a mental health break, and has since become a strong advocate for mental health. Biles was also diagnosed with ADHD as a kid, and has said, “...taking medicine for it is nothing to be ashamed of, nothing that I'm afraid to let people know.” “I worked on myself a lot, I still do therapy weekly, and it’s just been so exciting to come out here and have the confidence I had before,” Biles said in an interview with CNBC. Tuesday night, Biles will compete in four events representing her country, USA. The events include vault, floor exercise, balance beam and uneven bars. Because elite athletes are constantly subject to brutal public attention , many commentators, spectators and social media trolls see mental health breaks and vulnerabilities as acts of ‘quitting,’ or ‘not wanting to try hard enough.’ Their resilience, strength and will to win is called into question. But more athletes and sports figures speaking openly about mental health issues and illnesses goes to show that you could be in your best form and best shape physically, and still be in a bad place mentally. That mental health struggles and mental illness are not a sign of weakness. They happen to the best of us. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Sunflower lanyard-wearing characters signal a powerful step towards inclusion in toymaker’s universe < Back Neurodiversity, News, Disability New LEGO characters aim to represent hidden disabilities such as autism Sunflower lanyard-wearing characters signal a powerful step towards inclusion in toymaker’s universe MMS Staff 11 Dec 2024 3-min read In a significant step towards fostering inclusivity, global toymaker Lego has announced the introduction of characters wearing sunflower lanyards, a globally recognised symbol of hidden disabilities such as autism, ADHD, and chronic illnesses. This initiative is part of Lego's broader commitment to ensuring its toy universe mirrors the diverse realities of the world. The sunflower lanyard, developed by Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, offers a discreet way for individuals with hidden disabilities to signal that they may require extra understanding or support. Recognised in over 90 countries, the lanyard has become a beacon for inclusion and awareness, providing a simple yet powerful tool for advocacy. Lego has been a trendsetter in creating diverse and representative characters. Over the years, the company has introduced figures with Down Syndrome, limb differences, anxiety, and vitiligo, earning praise for its thoughtful approach to inclusivity. The new sunflower lanyard-wearing characters span a range of age groups and products, from the preschooler-friendly Duplo sets to the intricate Icons range for adult collectors. Lauren von Stackelberg, Lego Group's Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, emphasized the responsibility the brand feels in shaping young minds: As one of the most loved toy brands, we know that our choices about which characters we make and what stories we tell about them have a big impact on how kids learn to perceive the world. We hope that modeling a world in which all kinds of people are celebrated will help us all embrace diversity, value inclusivity, and remove stigma. ” Among the upcoming sets is the Duplo First Time at the Airport, aimed at helping toddlers process their feelings about travel. The set includes a child character wearing a sunflower lanyard, alongside a suitcase and a teddy bear. For older children, the Friends Airport Scene features Ryan, a university student wearing noise-reducing headphones and a sunflower lanyard to illustrate the sensory considerations of neurodivergent individuals. The Icons Tudor Corner set, designed for adult collectors, integrates hidden disability representation subtly but meaningfully. It includes a neurodivergent character who keeps her sunflower lanyard by her door, a detail reflecting the everyday lives of many individuals with invisible disabilities. Paul White, Chief Executive of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, applauded Lego's initiative, noting: Opting to wear the lanyard is a simple way of sharing that you have a hidden disability, letting everyone know that you might need extra help, understanding, or just more time. It’s a reminder that disability isn’t always visible — only 7% of disabled people use wheelchairs, yet many face challenges requiring support. ” Lego’s move comes at a time when awareness about hidden disabilities is growing, but societal understanding remains limited. In the UK, for instance, one in five people live with a disability, with 80% of these being non-visible. Disabilities can range from neurological conditions like autism and ADHD to chronic illnesses such as fibromyalgia and Parkinson’s disease. By incorporating sunflower lanyard characters into its range, Lego is challenging stereotypes and encouraging conversations about the lived experiences of those with hidden disabilities. Research by the company highlights a generational shift: 88% of children surveyed believe in treating everyone equally, and 83% want toys that teach them about differences. Through thoughtful representation, Lego is shaping a generation that values diversity and empathy. Its commitment extends beyond the toy box, serving as a call to action for society to recognise and embrace the nuances of disability. As Paul White noted, creating an accepting society benefits everyone: A more inclusive world raises the bar for everyone, enabling people with disabilities to do everything they should be able to do. ” Lego’s sunflower lanyard characters are not just toys — they’re a step toward a world where understanding, support, and acceptance are the norm. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS