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Enabling inclusion and employment for persons with disabilities < Back Breaking Barriers, Building Careers Enabling inclusion and employment for persons with disabilities 'Breaking Barriers, Building Careers' focuses on promoting employment opportunities for persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The cross-format campaign - developed by Much Much Spectrum and facilitated by Yash Charitable Trust and IP Integrated Services Pvt Ltd - highlights the importance of inclusion, skill development, and supported employment programs to ensure individuals with disabilities can live and work with dignity and self-respect to create an inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_NK3EK6Xao Data & insights: According to the 2011 Census, only 36% of the 26 million disabled individuals in India are employed. Gender disparity is significant, with 47% male and only 23% female participation. Misconceptions persist that individuals with disabilities are unemployable, despite strong evidence to the contrary. The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2021-2022 shows a higher unemployment rate for persons with disabilities compared to the general population, highlighting systemic barriers. Despite the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 mandating a 4% reservation in government jobs, implementation varies widely, with many positions unfilled due to administrative inefficiencies and lack of awareness. Workplace accommodations are often lacking, preventing optimal performance and inclusion for employees with disabilities. Societal attitudes and stereotypes result in discrimination during hiring processes, with biases against the capabilities of persons with disabilities. Limited access to quality education and vocational training restricts employability, as inclusive education and skills development programs are not widely available or adequately implemented. Effective support programs for job searching, application processes, and workplace adjustments are scarce, exacerbating employment challenges. Higher levels of poverty and economic insecurity among persons with disabilities limit access to resources needed for job searches and professional development. Our approach: We adopted a data-driven, social impact-led approach to highlight the journey of individuals with disabilities, from skills development to meaningful employment. By documenting their experiences and the support provided by YCT, we aimed to address common misconceptions and promote inclusive hiring practices. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2m3Ogmpfcg Campaign objective & goals: To promote employment opportunities for persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities. To showcase the impact of meaningful employment on the lives of these people To encourage employers to hire individuals with disabilities and reach out to YCT for help, support and sensitization sessions. Challenges: Overcoming societal stereotypes and biases against employing individuals with disabilities. Ensuring widespread dissemination of the campaign message to reach target audiences. Solutions devised: Target audience: employers, HR professionals, recruitment agencies, and senior leaders. Narrative: chronicling the stories of individuals with disabilities at their workplaces, showcasing their skills and the support provided by YCT. Topicality: emphasizing the importance of inclusive hiring practices and the benefits of a diverse workforce. Deliverables: Films x 2: documenting the journey of individuals with disabilities Ancillary assets: 5 x social media posts 10 x stories Platforms: Multi-format, cross-platform campaign distributed on social media, websites, and partner channels, including LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and company websites to maximize reach and engagement. Timelines: The campaign ran for over a month with consistent traction and engagement. Impact: Reactions from corporate leaders, employers, and caregivers. 10x increased awareness and inquiries about YCT’s programs. Positive feedback and support from the community. Learnings: Successfully promoted employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and encouraged inclusive hiring practices. Increased awareness and positive perception of the capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Way forward: Continue promoting inclusive hiring practices through ongoing content creation and partnerships. Expand the campaign to include more sectors and geographical regions. Develop additional support programs for employers and individuals with disabilities to facilitate successful employment. Monitor and analyze the long-term impact of the campaign to refine strategies and approaches. WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link Much much relate? Share it now! < Back CAMPAIGNS

Sometimes it’s less about sharing the same physical space and more about meeting the person where they are < Back Neurodiversity, Parenting Understanding co-regulation: 5 ways to support Neurodivergent individuals Sometimes it’s less about sharing the same physical space and more about meeting the person where they are MMS Staff 11 Aug 2024 2-min read What is co-regulation? Co-regulation is the process of helping someone achieve emotional and sensory balance by being present with them in a meaningful way. It’s about creating a shared space where trust and connection can develop, allowing both people to feel more at ease. Co-regulation is especially important for neurodivergent individuals, who may experience heightened states of dysregulation due to unmet sensory, social, and communication needs. Rather than simply offering advice or directing someone to self-soothe, co-regulation is about embodying a sense of calm and connection. This approach helps the nervous system of the neurodivergent person to gradually regulate, reducing stress and enabling them to feel more comfortable in their environment. Here are five practical ways to co-regulate with a neurodivergent person: Adopt a low-demand approach One of the most effective ways to support a neurodivergent person is by reducing the demands placed on them. By minimising expectations and pressures, you help create a safer environment where they can regulate more effectively. This might involve offering more time for tasks, reducing sensory input, or simply allowing them to engage in activities at their own pace without additional stress. Model self-regulation strategies Modelling your own self-regulation strategies can be incredibly helpful. For example, if you need a moment to reset, you might say, “I’m going to take a quick walk because it helps me feel more balanced.” By demonstrating how you manage your own sensory and emotional needs, you provide a tangible example for the neurodivergent person to follow. Over time, they may develop their own toolbox of strategies. Engage in parallel play or body doubling Parallel play, where you participate in a similar activity alongside the neurodivergent person, or body doubling, where you work on separate tasks in the same space, can be low-pressure ways to co-regulate. These approaches allow for shared time and space without the need for direct interaction, which can be overwhelming for some neurodivergent individuals. Knowing that someone is nearby and engaged in a similar rhythm helps create a sense of connection and ease. Create ‘co-regulation bubbles’ Throughout the day, create small moments of co-regulation by sharing activities that bring both of you joy. This could be as simple as listening to music together, sharing a favourite snack, or engaging in a sensory-friendly activity like watching a familiar show. These ‘bubbles’ of co-regulation offer opportunities to recharge and reconnect, helping to maintain a balanced state. Be a ‘space holder’ Sometimes, the most meaningful way to co-regulate is by simply being present. For neurodivergent people, “being with” someone doesn’t always mean physical proximity. It could involve sharing an online space, knowing that someone is available if needed, or even just offering quiet companionship. By holding space for the neurodivergent person, you provide a foundation of support that allows them to regulate at their own pace. Co-regulation is a powerful way to support neurodivergent individuals, creating a sense of safety and connection that can lead to better emotional and sensory regulation. By adopting these strategies, you can create a more inclusive environment where neurodivergent people can thrive. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Thomas Dambo has built over 150 trolls using garbage to remind us what’s worth protecting < Back Climate, News This artist’s recycled trash sculptures help people reconnect with nature Thomas Dambo has built over 150 trolls using garbage to remind us what’s worth protecting MMS Staff 22 Apr 2025 3-min read In a world overwhelmed by waste and increasingly detached from the natural world, a tribe of towering wooden trolls is quietly reshaping how people think about trash and the planet. Their creator is a Danish artist with a deep love for stories, recycling, and the magic of the forest. Thomas Dambo, a self-described “garbage artist,” has built over 150 troll sculptures across the globe, from Puerto Rico’s coastlines to South Korea’s forests. His work blends sustainability, folklore, and public art into a striking new genre of environmental storytelling. As climate anxiety rises and natural spaces disappear, Dambo’s whimsical creatures are doing something few public campaigns have managed: pulling humans away from their screens and back into the wild. Building giants from what the world throws away Each troll is made almost entirely from reclaimed materials that include shipping pallets, fallen branches, construction debris, and lumber yard scraps. These aren’t modest pieces; Dambo’s trolls are colossal: many stretch over 30 feet tall, with arms the length of trucks and feet the size of bathtubs. And yet, despite their scale, they carry a quiet intimacy. They blend into the trees. They crouch behind bushes. They invite people to look up, to explore, to wonder. “It’s an advertising campaign for trash,” Dambo once said. “If people thought recycling was cool, we’d be less wasteful.” His most recent installation in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota features five trolls built in collaboration with the local nonprofit Project 412. The group commissioned the project to not only boost tourism but also spark a deeper sense of environmental connection within the community. Already, the “troll effect” — a term coined to describe the dramatic uptick in footfall wherever Dambo’s trolls appear — is in motion. In Coastal Maine, where five of Dambo’s trolls arrived at the botanical gardens in 2021, annual visitors jumped from 100,000 to over 340,000. The increase in visitors directly enabled the gardens to invest more heavily in local conservation efforts, particularly in protecting native trees. “We were hardly doing any of that before the trolls arrived,” said Gretchen Ostherr, CEO of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. A global movement rooted in local magic Each troll is part sculpture, part story. Dambo writes fairy tales for each of his creations, giving them names like Ronny Funny Face or Barefoot Frida, and often weaving them into local histories, landscapes, and myths. In Puerto Rico, one of his earliest trolls — Hector the Protector — stood guard by the sea until Hurricane Maria tore him down. In 2019, Dambo returned to rebuild Hector, this time with a lantern in his hand to guide boats in a storm. But not all trolls have lived happily ever after. In Breckenridge, Colorado, a troll named Isak Heartstone had to be removed after overwhelming crowds and parking troubles strained the local infrastructure. Isak was later rebuilt on a more accessible trail, a reminder that even the most well-meaning public art must navigate the complicated relationship between access, preservation, and scale. And that, in many ways, is what Dambo’s trolls are about: complexity. They are gentle giants, yes, but they’re also quiet provocateurs, challenging our consumption patterns, our ideas about art, and our role in nature. Why this matters on Earth Day — and every day The global climate crisis isn’t just about emissions or melting ice caps. It’s also about disconnection. People cannot protect what they don’t love, and they can’t love what they no longer see or understand. In a time of digital overload and environmental detachment, Dambo’s trolls function like mythological messengers, bringing play, purpose, and pause back into the landscape. They offer a simple but urgent message: trash isn’t worthless. Nature isn’t optional. And wonder may be one of the most powerful tools we have in the fight for the planet. As the world marks another Earth Day, Dambo’s work is a poignant reminder that sustainability isn’t always about sacrifice. Sometimes, it’s about imagination. And sometimes, the path back to nature begins not with facts or fear, but with a troll. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

India's Gen Z voters rank climate change as a top priority, yet political parties fall short on delivering substantial solutions. < Back Climate, Neurodiversity Election 2024: Why climate change tops the agenda for India's youth India's Gen Z voters rank climate change as a top priority, yet political parties fall short on delivering substantial solutions. Aditi Gangrade 18 May 2024 5-min read As an Indian Gen-Z neurodivergent woman and filmmaker dedicated to social impact stories, I find it imperative to address the urgent concerns of my generation regarding climate change. For 18 million young Indians voting for the first time, climate change is not just a buzzword but a pressing societal issue. According to a Deloitte survey, climate change ranks as the third most important concern for these young voters. This prioritization reflects a profound awareness of the environmental crises that our nation faces. India, with over 80% of its population residing in districts vulnerable to climate-induced disasters, is at a critical juncture. The World Bank warns of rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, declining groundwater levels, retreating glaciers, and severe cyclones. These changes threaten livelihoods, food security, and our economy. The adverse effects are already evident, with more than 9 million people suffering due to climate change, as reported by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Rising temperatures disproportionately affect marginalized communities, including low-income families, disabled and neurodivergent individuals, and rural populations. These groups often lack the resources to adapt to extreme weather conditions, resulting in heightened vulnerability. For instance, neurodivergent people may experience increased sensory sensitivities and mental health challenges due to extreme heat, exacerbating existing difficulties. Despite the glaring reality, climate change has scarcely made a mark in election campaigns over the years. Reviewing the 2024 election manifestos, we see a lack of substantial commitment. The Congress manifesto mentions “climate” ten times and includes a dedicated section on “Environment, Climate Change, and Disaster Management.” In contrast, the BJP’s ‘Modi Ki Guarantee 2024’ references it just four times. Both parties propose measures such as Namami Gange, Clean Air Programme, Green Credit, and E-waste management from the BJP, and redefining forest cover and stopping toxic discharges into rivers from Congress. However, these steps are insufficient given the scale of the crisis. Climate activists echo this sentiment. Debasree Das, a Mumbai-based climate activist, highlights the unsustainable practices of the fashion industry, noting that 87% of clothing, equivalent to 40 million tons annually, ends up in landfills. She calls for a revolutionary approach to make the fashion industry more sustainable and reduce waste, as per TOI. Poornima Sai, a 22-year-old climate activist, underscores the need for better urban planning to prevent environmental degradation. Recent landslides in Joshimath and Uttarkashi are stark reminders of the consequences of neglect. Moreover, noise pollution and population control are critical concerns for Gen Z voters, yet they find little mention in party manifestos. The silence on these issues is deafening, especially when they directly impact our quality of life. Our generation is demanding more than token gestures; we seek comprehensive policies and concrete actions. Here are some suggestions from Gen Z voters on climate action: Implement Strict Regulations on Industrial Pollution: Enforce stringent laws to curb emissions from factories and promote cleaner production methods. Promote Sustainable Agriculture: Encourage farming practices that conserve water, reduce pesticide use, and enhance soil health. Invest in Renewable Energy: Increase funding for solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Enhance Public Transportation: Develop efficient and eco-friendly public transport systems to reduce the carbon footprint from vehicles. Raise Environmental Awareness: Implement educational programs to inform citizens about the importance of sustainability and how they can contribute. Strengthen Disaster Management Systems: Improve early warning systems and disaster response mechanisms to protect vulnerable communities from the impacts of climate-induced disasters. Ensuring timely evacuation and providing adequate relief can save lives and reduce suffering. Support Reforestation Projects: Launch large-scale tree planting drives and protect existing forests to enhance carbon sequestration and biodiversity. Engaging local communities in these projects can ensure their success and sustainability. Improve Waste Management: Develop robust recycling programs and promote the use of biodegradable materials to reduce landfill waste. Implementing strict regulations on plastic use and enhancing municipal waste collection can help manage urban waste more effectively. Encourage Green Building Practices: Promote the construction of energy-efficient buildings through incentives and regulations. Incorporating green roofs, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-saving technologies can make urban infrastructure more sustainable. Foster International Collaboration: Collaborate with other nations to share knowledge, technology, and resources for tackling climate change. Participating in global climate initiatives and honoring international agreements can enhance India's climate resilience. As a neurodivergent individual, I often experience heightened sensitivity to environmental changes. The rising temperatures and increasing frequency of natural disasters affect not just physical health but mental well-being too. Climate change exacerbates stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges, making it even more urgent for leaders to act decisively. At Much Much Spectrum, our mission is to make social impact stories accessible and engaging. We believe in amplifying the voices of those affected by climate change and advocating for meaningful change. It’s time for political parties to align with the priorities of Gen Z voters and demonstrate a real commitment to combating climate change. Our future depends on it. What are the climate change policy reforms you want parties to address? Tell us in the comments Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

The actor shares how ADHD and autistic traits helped explain years of masking < Back Media, Neurodiversity, News How fame led Aimee Lou Wood to a life-changing diagnosis The actor shares how ADHD and autistic traits helped explain years of masking MMS Staff 9 Apr 2025 4-min read For many, fame is the destination. For Aimee Lou Wood, it was the turning point. Catapulted into the spotlight with her breakout role in Netflix’s Sex Education, and more recently earning praise for her nuanced performance in Season 3 of The White Lotus, Wood's ascent in the entertainment world has been steady, visible, and — as she now reveals — quietly overwhelming. In a recent interview with The Sunday Times’ Culture Magazine, the British actor shared a deeply personal revelation: she was diagnosed with ADHD and autistic traits several years ago, following her sudden rise to stardom. It’s a moment of vulnerability and clarity that offers a rare window into the hidden cost of fame — and the long journey to understanding one’s own neurodivergent mind. “I got diagnosed a few years ago with ADHD with autistic traits,” Wood said. “But then it's been advised that I should go for an autism assessment. They think that maybe it's autism that's leading the charge, and the ADHD is almost a by-product of the masking.” It’s a telling insight. Masking — the practice of consciously or unconsciously suppressing neurodivergent traits to appear more “typical” — is especially common among women and femmes on the spectrum. For many, it becomes a survival strategy that delays diagnosis and amplifies mental health challenges. For Wood, fame didn’t just accelerate her career — it shattered the mask she had so carefully constructed. I stay at home because I’m scared I can’t handle the overwhelm. While millions adored her onscreen openness as Aimee Gibbs in Sex Education, and rooted for her tender, grounded portrayal of Chelsea in The White Lotus, Wood herself was navigating something far more turbulent behind the scenes. She describes a tendency to avoid overstimulating social events — the afterparties, premieres, or even casual gatherings — not out of aloofness, but because they left her emotionally overloaded. I have resistance to the buzz. I'll stay at home and I won't go to the party because I'm scared that I can't handle my feelings of being overwhelmed. Now that I've started to let it in a bit more, it's like a bender: just do the thing, accept the tiredness, have fun and then process it later. This kind of emotional regulation — or the struggle with it — is a hallmark of both ADHD and autism, especially in people who have gone undiagnosed through childhood. For late-diagnosed women, it often gets mistaken for social anxiety or burnout, until a more holistic understanding of neurodivergence enters the picture. Fame, femininity, and the fight to feel safe in your body Wood also reflected on how sudden visibility reshaped her relationship with her body and identity. After a bold, now-iconic first scene in Sex Education — one that involved nudity and intimacy — the actress began to retreat from her own femininity. I look back and there was so much in the way that I started to desexualize myself. Sometimes you just want to put on a sexy dress and be a siren, but I denied myself that. It’s an experience many neurodivergent people — particularly women — will recognize: the instinct to shrink, blend in, avoid unwanted attention, or regulate how others perceive them. For someone in the public eye, those impulses are only magnified. Chelsea: A character who let her be fully herself Oddly enough, it was in The White Lotus, a show brimming with sharp satire and larger-than-life personalities, that Wood found her safest creative space. Her character Chelsea, the down-to-earth partner of Walton Goggins’ Rick, emerged as a fan favorite not because she commanded attention, but because she didn’t try to. In a resort full of posturing, Chelsea was refreshingly real — awkward, nerdy, unpolished — and that, Wood says, allowed her to drop the act. She's not cool, she's not poised, she's not posing like the others. She's just experiencing. So I can just unmask in a weird way. I actually felt more myself as Chelsea because she was the goofy, nerdy side of me that sometimes I try to suppress. Director Mike White, she says, embraced her rawness. “Don’t be afraid to be unlike everyone else,” he told her. “Unleash the freak.” When diagnosis brings relief, not restriction While Wood’s diagnosis is still evolving — with a full autism assessment pending — she’s already come to understand herself more clearly. The language, the framing, the self-compassion that a diagnosis can bring has given her a way to explain experiences that were previously shrouded in shame or confusion. It’s also a powerful reminder of how many late-diagnosed neurodivergent people — especially those assigned female at birth — go unnoticed until stress, visibility, or sudden life changes bring things to the surface. Wood’s honesty joins a growing wave of public figures, from actors to authors, who are reshaping how we see ADHD and autism — not as fixed checklists of symptoms, but as diverse, nuanced ways of experiencing the world. In an industry where appearances are curated and difference is often hidden, her story is a quiet rebellion. It’s a reminder that behind the glitz, many stars are still figuring themselves out — and that can be the most powerful performance of all. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

The Mexican lawyer’s journey to success highlights the power of accommodations, access and community support < Back Disability, News, Education Ana Victoria Espino De Santiago: World’s first Down Syndrome lawyer The Mexican lawyer’s journey to success highlights the power of accommodations, access and community support MMS Staff 22 Aug 2024 1-min read Ana Victoria Espino De Santiago, a young woman from Zacatecas, Mexico, has recently become the world’s first lawyer with Down Syndrome. She recently graduated with a degree in Law from the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas (BUAZ). Born in 1999, Ana Victoria’s journey to this milestone is testament to what accommodations, accessibility and the right support systems can do for disabled people. From a very young age, Ana Victoria’s parents, Marisol and Jesús, instilled in her a deep love for education and the arts. They created a nurturing environment that allowed her to flourish and pursue her passions. This support system proved crucial as Ana Victoria navigated the challenges of an education system that was not equipped to meet her needs. Determined to avoid the discrimination she might face in a traditional classroom, Ana Victoria completed her high school education online. She then enrolled at the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas to study law. It was here that she encountered one of her greatest challenges: a legal education system unprepared for her specific needs. With the help of a dedicated shadow professor, known as a ‘maestra sombra,’ who provided personalised support, she went on with studies. But even before Ana Victoria completed her law degree, she was making her mark as an advocate for disability rights. She actively participated in legislative forums, sharing her story and advocating for the inclusion of people with disabilities. Her contributions to these discussions were a vital part of her growing understanding of the legal field. Ana Victoria, also an accomplished artist, has held several painting exhibitions since 2014, showcasing her talent at prestigious venues, including the lobby of the Congress of the Union in Mexico City. Her collection, titled “Desde mi cielo” (“From My Sky”), was met with acclaim. Ana Victoria says her goal is not just personal achievement but to pave the way for others with disabilities to occupy decision-making spaces in society. A fervent advocate for disability rights, she is using her platform to push for greater inclusion and disability representation in all sectors. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

A series featuring people with different backgrounds discuss important topics through personal experiences and expert opinions. < Back Series Unheard Stories A series featuring people with different backgrounds discuss important topics through personal experiences and expert opinions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lSvoxPJjh8 To celebrate International Women's Day ‘23 we featured 11 incredible women who shared their honest and unfiltered experiences of ableism, gender bias, microaggressions, and exclusion. From autism and ADHD to disability and caregiving, these women give voice to the discrimination and challenges that women with disabilities encounter every day. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back ORIGINALS

Dealing with mental health struggles, well-meaning ableism, finding community & self-acceptance < Back Neurodiversity, Gender, Health Life with Tourette Syndrome as an Indian woman - Manisha’s story Dealing with mental health struggles, well-meaning ableism, finding community & self-acceptance Manisha Manoharan 7 Jun 2024 9-min read Trigger warning: This blog post contains sensitive content related to suicide and mental health challenges. The content may be distressing or triggering for individuals who have experienced similar struggles or who are currently facing mental health issues. If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or if you are in crisis, please seek immediate help from a mental health professional, counsellor, or emergency services in your area. You are not alone, and support is available. As much as I am a movie buff, it makes me very anxious every time I want to watch a movie in a theatre. Because, as the film progresses, so do my tics. And the concerned stranger in the neighbouring seat always makes it a point to check in on me to see if I am choking myself to death. As always, I explain to them that I am not dying. And that I have Tourette Syndrome which causes my body to twitch and have ‘tics’. Then my neighbour goes on to tell me about how they had never heard of something like that and ask me why I wouldn’t just “control” my tics because it was distracting to them. Trust me. If I could, I would. But I can’t. So, I won’t. You know why? Because Tourette Syndrome can be very painful and debilitating. The more I try to control or suppress my tics, the worse they get. Would you rather want me to constantly feel pain in my body so you can relax? Imagine getting bitten by a thousand fire ants all at once and fighting the urge to scratch the bites. That’s exactly what it feels like when trying to suppress a tic. I could still try to suppress them but that would make me more anxious and stressed, intensifying my tics which eventually wears me out. And tiredness just amplifies the cycle! And it hurts physically, emotionally, and mentally. Tourette’s hurts So, this Tourette’s Awareness Day, observed annually on 7th June, I want to talk about my journey with Tourette’s and how wide-spread awareness of this debilitating condition can go a long way in supporting people like me. What is Tourette Syndrome? It is a neurological condition characterised by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalisations called tics which commonly start during their childhood, around the ages of 6-8 years. There are different types of tics: vocal tics such as grunting, coughing, sniffing, sighing; simple motor tics like rapid eye blinking, winking; and complex motor tics such as head jerking, neck twisting, shoulder shrugging, and abdominal wall jerking. And no. It is not contagious. You will not “catch tics” from me if you are seated beside me or involved in any relationship with me. Some people have tics where they uncontrollably swear, and this condition is known as coprolalia. Unfortunately, whenever Tourette’s was represented in mainstream media, most often, the focus has been on coprolalia even though research states that only 1 in 10 people with Tourette’s have this condition. This has also contributed to creating a negative bias on people with Tourette’s which in turn affects their personal and professional lives. The cause of Tourette’s is yet to be determined. However, there is plenty of research that suggests that the occurrence of Tourette’s is linked to genetics and pregnancy-related complications. My family believes in the myth that it is past-life karma and/or a generational curse. To each their own. And I? I honestly couldn’t care less why I have Tourette’s. All that matters to me is what I do with this lived experience. I had my onset of tics when I was about 6 years old, thanks to a neighbourhood boy who believed I was infatuated with him because I kept winking at him uncontrollably and I had no awareness of that! My ophthalmologist wrongly attributed my strange behaviour to excessive television-time which then led to my parents taking away the one element of joy in all our lives — the television. But that did not discourage me as I continued to wink uncontrollably at a space that once held the magic box that taught me about the world outside. It was only in early 2021 that I understood and acknowledged that what I had was not merely a bunch of odd-looking physical movements. What I had had a name — Tourette syndrome. Growing up in a country like India where if you do not conform to the conventional standards of normalcy, beautiful or healthy, especially if you are a girl, you are considered an abomination. A burden to the family that chose to bring you into this world. Although my parents are postgraduates in science and medicine, Tourette’s has always been something of an extraterrestrial phenomenon for them to comprehend. They have always loved me the most and do their best to protect me from the prying eyes of society, in hopes that there will be a cure to this someday. Here’s the thing – Tourette’s has no cure. So, I had to do what I did best – masking my tics and letting loose when I was on my own, with arms and legs flailing around like an inflatable tube man, because the people around me found my tics “awkward”. That made things worse. It destroyed my mental health, made me constantly feel like an imposter, and left me feeling that the real me wasn’t worthy of love and acceptance. The worst of all the evils was that I had no understanding of Tourette’s myself to make sense of why I was the way I was. I believed something was wrong with me and needed to be corrected and gave into the weight of people’s unsolicited advice and remarks that buried me alive. “Have willpower and you can control it!” “Don’t let your tics get the better of you. You MUST control it!” “There is nothing called tics. It is just all in your head!” “You don’t need therapy. You need an exorcism!” “You are ugly and demented. No wonder you are seeking attention with your tics!” “You need to be more religious. God is punishing you for not performing your rituals.” “Lose weight and your tics will vanish!” “No one will want you or love you if you have tics.” From self-proclaimed life coaches to neurologists, I went around trying to find answers but everywhere I went, I hit a dead end. When my mental health plummeted in 2014, I was recommended to see a psychiatrist who put me on a cocktail of drugs, possibly to numb my brain. Did it help? I don’t think it did because all I could remember was feeling extremely drowsy with my emotions caught in the crossfire of suppressed neuronal activity. On a fateful day, after a nervous breakdown, I wilfully overdosed myself on the pills. Developed a second-degree heart block, with tubes down my nose pumping activated charcoal. I was hospitalised for a week, being chastised by every other person who assumed to have a right to tell me about how ungrateful and foolish I was in trying to take my life. The tubes down my nose flushed out the toxins along with the last ounce of hope that was hanging by a thread. Somehow it seemed to have missed everyone’s spectrum of thoughts and judgements that I wasn’t giving up on life because I felt hopeless. Rather, I was crying out in pain loudly, for the world to hear. It was a cry for help. For someone to show me even the tiniest ray of light in a world where darkness seemed to drown me. In hindsight, I realised that the only person who could save me then and make me the woman that I am today was myself. But I did not do that alone. I was blessed with an inner circle that accepted me for who I was, loved me, pushed me to be better, and comforted me when the world seemed to be against my existence. It was the faith they had in me that gave me the courage to make the bravest move of my life – moving to the UK. Why is Tourette Syndrome Awareness important? Despite the unbearable cold, the lack of sunshine for most months, and the constant struggle to sustain myself financially, I have found my freedom and the strength to be myself in the UK. I tic wherever I want, whenever I need to. It isn’t my tics or my bodily appearance that people here base their perception of me on. For the first time in my existence, I felt like I could breathe freely. I didn’t have to mask or drain myself at the quest of being someone else. I could be my authentic self. That got me wondering, why the UK was able to give me what I could never receive from my own family and people. It is because of the higher levels of awareness and efforts at breaking the myths and stigma around Tourette’s in the UK that helped more people to accept and embrace people like me. In the words of the American actor, Dylan McDermott, “Once you understand that someone has Tourette’s and they can’t help their tics, it takes away the distraction. And you can engage your compassion. You feel for them. You embrace them.” Let me give you another example. Lewis Capaldi in an interview talked about his Tourette’s, just a few weeks before his concert in Frankfurt in 2023. At the concert, he started experiencing severe tics and stopped mid-song. Do you know what the audience did? No, they did not boo him off the stage. Instead, the entire audience made a powerful gesture to assist him by singing the rest of the song for him till he could feel better. That is what happens when there is awareness created around this debilitating condition. I agree not everyone with Tourette’s is a celebrity with a massive fan following. But ensuring that their environment and the people in it are aware of their condition can significantly enhance the life experience of people with Tourette’s. This also facilitates inclusion and dispels the myths and stigma associated with the condition because 75% of people with Tourette’s say they feel compelled to hide or mask their tics out of the fear of stigma and discrimination. It’s not just tics. Tourette’s has a number of co-occurring conditions or comorbidities that include attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder or behaviours (OCD/B), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), whereas some of the common coexistent problems include anxiety, depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, difficulty sleeping, sensory processing difficulties, and executive dysfunction. And research states that people with Tourette Syndrome and/or Chronic Tic Disorder show an increased risk of suicidal deaths and attempts. Despite these challenges that Tourette’s brings, people who live with it are just as amazing as you and me. In all shapes, sizes, moods, and all of their tics. All they need is someone who has the decency to be humane and empathetic to understand them; to accept them for who they are. Not everyone has the luxury of having an inner circle to rely on or move to a different country to seek freedom like I did. Not everyone dares to speak up in a society that doesn’t accept you if you are different. And not everyone receives a second chance after trying to take their own life. And, that is why more people need to know about this debilitating condition so they can open their minds and hearts to accept their own for who they are. Our country shouldn’t be a threat for people like me to live in. It needs to be the nurturing motherland that we pine for. We owe it to them all – every single soul battling a disability, visible or invisible. Tourette’s or not, if we cannot engage with each other with empathy, we have failed as a race of so-called advanced beings. Manisha Manoharan (she/her) is an Indian woman living in the UK. She identifies as a Neurofabulous Touretter (have Tourette's, ADHD, anxiety and chronic depression, and potentially on the ASD spectrum) You can follow Manisha here . Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

The first report in a 3-part series based on #ChatterFest '23 < Back Diversity Equity Inclusion at Work The first report in a 3-part series based on #ChatterFest '23 Chatter Fest is a global inclusion festival where professionals, creatives, people with lived experience, and leaders from around the globe come together to discuss all things inclusion. Click below to download the report: MMS_DEI-at-work_ChatterFest-23_2024 .pdf Download PDF • 5.22MB WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link Much much relate? Share it now! < Back CAMPAIGNS

What to say (and what not to say) when your friend discovers they’re neurodivergent < Back Neurodiversity 4 ways to validate someone coming out to you about their neurodivergence What to say (and what not to say) when your friend discovers they’re neurodivergent MMS Staff 2 Aug 2024 3-min read Autism and ADHD diagnoses rates around the world have risen considerably over the past few years. More and more people are finding out they’re neurodivergent. Which means it’s not entirely unlikely you may come across someone you know - maybe a friend, colleague or acquaintance - who has either recently been diagnosed (or discovered), or will at some point in the future. If you know someone who’s just been diagnosed (or discovered), read on below. And if not yet, read on still, because this is good information to have. First up, you definitely want to avoid saying things like, “Oh., everyone’s neurodivergent now,” or “It’s become a trend,” or “You can’t be autistic because of XYZ reason,” or - our absolute favourite (read: NOT), “But you don’t look autistic!” These just don’t help, even if you say it jokingly, because, for a lot of people, their neurodivergence discovery is already a bit overwhelming to begin with. You kind of don’t know what to make of it, and hearing things such as these aren’t going to help. Plus impostor syndrome is BIG in the neurodivergent world (if you don’t know about it, read up on it here ). Instead, try the following: If they seem unsure about it: “This doesn't change anything about the person you are, only about what you thought you knew about yourself all along. At least now you know...” Always helps to be affirming, and let them know that nothing changes. Sure they now have the added hyper-awareness about their triggers and glimmers, and some changes they might need to make in their day-to-day lifestyle. But the people who care for them will stick around no matter what. If you’ve always thought they might be autistic: “ I’ve kind of suspected that for a while. Thanks for letting me know. ” While it’s generally not a good idea to tell an undiscovered/ undiagnosed person they might be neurodivergent if they haven’t brought it up with you first, depending on the circumstances it might be okay to let them know you’ve wondered whether they were neurodivergent due to a past incident. Soon after a realisation/ diagnosis, neurodivergent people might tend to think back on past experiences and wonder if they went the way they did because of their different wiring. Bringing up past incidents might help them have realisations that help prepare them for the future. If you don’t have the slightest idea what being neurodivergent or getting a diagnosis means, try going with: “I’m sorry I don’t know much about that. Could you tell me more about it?” Sure, a lot of us might have heard about or even come across terms such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, etc in passing on the Internet. Trouble is, the Internet is replete with misinformation on these conditions. It’s best to read accounts of neurodivergent people while trying to learn more about neurodiversity. And if you’re still unsure, the classic: “I’m sorry, could you tell me more...” approach always works. And if they’re happy about it: “Congratulations! This must feel so freeing. If you want to talk about it, I’m here.” Depending on the circumstances, a person’s discovery can be very liberating. It’s like finding all the answers to a bunch of very difficult questions. While it’s generally a good idea to congratulate them and share in their happiness, it’s also important to realise that you need to give them space to make sense of it. A good way to do that is by letting them know that if they want to talk to you about it, you’re around. Remember that this can be a confusing and challenging time for many who neurodivergents, especially those who have had experiences with bullying, exclusion, social isolation, and infantilisation. The time it takes to come to terms with accepting your neurodivergence may differ with every person, but it’s important to know that having someone around who understands is always helpful. So be there for your loved one, let them know that you care, and, if they’re keen on it, help them connect with other neurodivergent folx. There’s quite nothing like community :) Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS