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The singer, diagnosed in 2022 with Stiff Person Syndrome, teared up belting out an Edith Piaf classic < Back Disability, News, Health Celine Dion makes grand comeback at Paris Olympics opening ceremony The singer, diagnosed in 2022 with Stiff Person Syndrome, teared up belting out an Edith Piaf classic MMS Staff 29 Jul 2024 2-min read Singer Celine Dion’s performance at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024 on Friday left the audience mesmerised. Performing her rendition of an Edith Piaf classic from atop the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Dion’s was the last act of the opening ceremony. With Friday’s event, the Canadian singer-performer (56) broke her three-year hiatus, which she had gone on after being diagnosed with the neurological condition Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS). News of her diagnosis first came in December 2022, when she revealed that she had been having involuntary spasms and muscle rigidity. At the time, Dion had posted a video to her Instagram saying the spasms were impacting ‘every aspect’ of her daily life. “It’s been a struggle. All I know is singing.” Last month, Prime Video released the documentary I Am: Celine Dion , directed by Irene Taylor, which shows what the singer’s journey has been like living with the condition. In one of the scenes, during a physical therapy session, Dion is seen having a seizure. Taylor said she and Dion discussed about retaining the entirety of the scene in the final cut. “‘I think this film can help others understand what it’s like to be in my body… I don’t want you to shorten that scene,’” Taylor said Dion told her at the time. SPS is a rare, chronic neurological disorder that causes muscle stiffness and sometimes intense muscle spasms in the trunk and limbs, affecting posture, balance, and the ability to use certain muscles. It usually has an autoimmune component, and, in some cases, can be progressive and painful. Only one in about a million people gets SPS, and the condition affects twice as many women as men. The condition is diagnosed based on symptoms, through neurological and neuromuscular exams, including electromyography, or EMG, to test muscle and nerve function. Diagnosis also often relies on a blood test that measures the GAD antibody. At the time of her diagnosis, lots of her fans expressed their worry openly about how Dion - one of the top-selling artists of all time with over 200 million albums sold - would never be able to make a mainstream comeback. However, Dion’s Friday evening performance demonstrates that with an accurate diagnosis, timely therapies and the right treatment plans, some conditions can be managed effectively, if not completely reversed. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

If you’re following the Paralympics 2024 as closely as us, you’ll want to keep this handy < Back Disability, News Team India’s schedule at the Paralympics 2024 If you’re following the Paralympics 2024 as closely as us, you’ll want to keep this handy MMS Staff 27 Aug 2024 9-min read Get ready to cheer for Team India at the Paris Paralympics 2024! If you're excited to follow every thrilling moment, we've got you covered with the full schedule—perfect for keeping track of when to tune in and support our incredible athletes. August 30 13:30 - Women’s Discus Throw F55 Final - Karam Jyoti, Sakshi Kasana 14:00 - Women’s 100m T35 Round 1 - Preethi Pal 16:39 - Women’s 100m T35 Round 1 Final - Preethi Pal* 00:20 - Men’s Shot Put F37 Final - Manu August 31 22:30 - Men’s Javelin Throw F57 Final - Parveen Kumar September 1 13:40 - Women’s 1500m T11 Round 1 - Rakshitha Raju 15:09 - Men’s Shot Put F40 Final - Ravi Rongali 22:58 - Men’s High Jump T47 Final - Ram Pal, Nishad Kumar 23:08 - Women’s 200m T35 Final - Preethi Pal September 2 13:35 - Men’s Discus Throw F56 Final - Yogesh Kathuniya 13:40 - Women’s 1500m T11 Final - Rakshitha Raju* 22:30 - Men’s Javelin Throw F64 Final - Sumit Antil, Sandeep, Sandip Sanjay Sargar 22:34 - Women’s Discus Throw F53 Final - Kanchan Lakhani 23:50 - Women’s 400m T20 Round 1 - Deepthi Jeevanji 00:10 - Men’s Javelin Throw F46 Final - Ajeet Singh, Rinku, Sundar Singh Gurjar September 3 14:26 - Women’s Shot Put F34 Final - Bhagyashri Madhavrao Jadhav 22:38 - Women’s 400m T20 Final - Deepthi Jeevanji* 23:40 - Men’s High Jump T63 Final - Mariyappan Thangavelu, Shailesh Kumar, Sharad Kumar September 4 13:35 - Men’s Shot Put F46 Final - Sachin Sarjerao Khilari, Mohd. Yasser, Rohit Kumar 15:16 - Women’s Shot Put F46 Final - Amisha Rawat 22:50 - Men’s Club Throw F51 Final - Dharambir, Amit Kumar, Pranav Soorma 23:00 - Women’s 100m T12 Round 1 - Simran September 5 15:10 - Women’s 100m T12 Semifinal - Simran* 22:47 - Women’s 100m T12 Final - Simran* 23:49 - Men’s Shot Put F35 - Arvind September 6 13:39 - Women’s 200m T12 Round 1 - Simran 14:08 - Men’s Javelin Throw F54 - Dipesh Kumar 14:47 - Men’s 400m T47 Round 1 - Dilip Mahadu Gavit 15:18 - Men’s High Jump T64 Final - Praveen Kumar 22:30 - Men’s Shot Put F57 Final - Soman Rana, Hokato Hotozhe Sema 22:48 - Women’s Javelin Throw F46 Final - Bhavanaben Ajabaji Chaudhary 23:10 - Women’s 200m T12 Semifinal - Simran* September 7 22:30 - Men’s Javelin Throw F41 Final- Navdeep 23:03 - Women’s 200m T12 Final - Simran* 00:29 - Men’s 400m T47 Final - Dilip Mahadu Gavit* Para Judo Indian schedule September 5 13:30 - Women’s -48kg J2 Preliminary Rounds 13:30 - Men’s -60kg J1 Preliminary Rounds 19:30 - Women’s -48kg J2 Final Block* 19:30 - Men’s -60kg J1 Final Block* Para Rowing Indian schedule August 30 15:00 - PR3 Mixed Doubles Sculls Heats August 31 14:40 - PR3 Mixed Double Sculls Repechages * September 1 14:00 - PR3 Mixed Double Sculls Final B (to determine position) 15:40 - PR3 Mixed Double Sculls Final A (medal match) Para archery Indian schedule August 29 16:30 - Women’s Individual Compound Open Ranking Round - Sheetal Devi (ST category), Sarita (W2 category) 16:30 - Men’s Individual Recurve Open Ranking Round - Harvinder Singh (ST category) 20:30 - Men’s Individual Compound Open Ranking Round - Rakesh Kumar (W2 category), Shyam Sundar Swami (ST category) 20:30 - Women’s Individual Recurve Open Ranking Round - Pooja (ST category) August 30 12:30 - Women’s Individual Compound Open 1/16 elimination 19:00 - Men’s Individual Compound Open 1/16 elimination August 31 19:00 - Women’s Individual Compound Open 1/8 elimination* 21:16 - Women’s Individual Compound Open Quarterfinal* 22:24 - Women’s Individual Compound Open Semifinal* 23:13 - Women’s Individual Compound Open Bronze Medal Match* 23:30 - Women’s Individual Compound Open Gold Medal Match* September 1 19:00 - Men’s Individual Compound Open 1/8 elimination* 21:16 - Men’s Individual Compound Open Quarterfinal* 22:24 - Men’s Individual Compound Open Semifinal* 23:13 - Men’s Individual Compound Open Bronze Medal Match* 23:30 - Men’s Individual Compound Open Gold Medal Match* September 2 19:00 - Mixed Team Compound Open 1/8 elimination 20:20 - Mixed Team Compound Open Quarterfinal* 21:40 - Mixed Team Compound Open Semifinal* 22:35 - Mixed Team Compound Open Bronze Medal Match* 22:55 - Mixed Team Compound Open Gold Medal Match* September 3 12:30 - Women’s Individual Recurve Open 1/16 elimination followed by 1/8 elimination* 20:30 - Women’s Individual Recurve Open Quarterfinal* 21:18 - Women’s Individual Recurve Open Semifinal* 22:27 - Women’s Individual Recurve Open Bronze Medal Match* 22:44 - Women’s Individual Recurve Open Gold Medal Match* September 4 12:30 - Men’s Individual Recurve Open 1/16 elimination followed by 1/8 elimination round* 21:00 - Men’s Individual Recurve Open Quarterfinal* 22:08 - Men’s Individual Recurve Open Semifinal* 22:54 - Men’s Individual Recurve Open Bronze Medal Match* 23:14 - Men’s Individual Recurve Open Gold Medal Match* September 5 13:30 - Mixed Team Recurve Open 1/8 elimination 18:30 - Mixed Team Recurve Open Quarterfinal* 19:50 - Mixed Team Recurve Open Semifinal* 20:45 - Mixed Team Recurve Bronze Medal Match* 21:05 - Mixed Team Recurve Gold Medal Match* Para Shooting Indian schedule August 30 12:30 - R2 - Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 Qualification - Avani Lekhara, Mona Agarwal 14:45 - P1 - Men’s 10m Air Pistol SH1 Qualification - Manish Narwal, Rudransh Khandelwal 15:15 - R2 - Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 Final - Avani Lekhara, Mona Agarwal* 17:00 - R4 - Mixed 10m Air Rifle Standing SH2 Qualification - Sriharsha Devaraddi Ramakrishna 17:30 - P1 - Men’s 10m Air Pistol SH1 Final - Manish Narwal, Rudransh Khandelwal* 19:45 - R4 - Mixed 10m Air Rifle Standing SH2 Final - Sriharsha Devaraddi Ramakrishna* August 31 13:00 - R1 - Men’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 Qualification - Swaroop Mahavir Unhalkar 15:30 - P2 - Women’s 10m Air Pistol SH1 Qualification - Rubina Francis 15:45 - R1 - Men’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 Final - Swaroop Mahavir Unhalkar* 18:15 - P2 - Women’s 10m Air Pistol SH1 Final - Rubina Francis* September 1 13:00 - R3 - Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone SH1 Qualification - Avani Lekhara, Sidhartha Babu 15:00 - R5 - Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone SH2 Qualification - Sriharsha Devaraddi Ramakrishna 16:30 - R3 - Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone SH1 Final - Avani Lekhara, Sidhartha Babu* 18:30 - R5 - Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone SH2 Final - Sriharsha Devaraddi Ramakrishna* September 2 12:30 - P3 - Mixed 25m Pistol SH1 Qualification Precision Stage - Amir Ahmad Bhat, Nihal Singh 16:30 - P3 - Mixed 25m Pistol SH1 Qualification Rapid Stage - Amir Ahmad Bhat, Nihal Singh 20:15 - P3 - Mixed 25m Pistol SH1 Final - Amir Ahmad Bhat, Nihal Singh* September 3 13:00 - R8 - Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions SH1 Qualification - Avani Lekhara, Mona Agarwal 19:30 - R8 - Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions SH1 Final - Avani Lekhara, Mona Agarwal* September 4 13:00 - P4 - Mixed 50m Pistol SH1 Qualification - Nihal Singh, Rudransh Khandelwal 15:45 - P4 - Mixed 50m Pistol SH1 Final - Nihal Singh, Rudransh Khandelwal* September 5 13:00 - R6 - Mixed 50m Rifle Prone SH1 Qualification - Mona Agarwal, Sidhartha Babu 15:15 - R6 - Mixed 50m Rifle Prone SH1 Final - Mona Agarwal, Sidhartha Babu* Indian Paracanoe Athletes at the Paris 2024 Paralympics September 6 13:30 - Men’s Kayak Single 200m -KL1 Heats 13:50 - Women’s Va’a Single 200m VL2 Heats 14:55 - Women’s Kayak Single 200m -KL1 Heats September 7 13:30 - Men’s Kayak Single 200m -KL1 Semifinal* 13:58 - Women’s Va’a Single 200m VL2 Semifinal* 14:50 - Men’s Kayak Single 200m -KL1 Final A (Medal Round)* 15:14 - Women’s Va’a Single 200m VL2 Final B* 15:22 - Women’s Va’a Single 200m VL2 Final A(Medal Round)* September 8 13:30 - Women’s Kayak Single 200m - KL1 Semifinal* 14:55 - Women’s Kayak Single 200m - KL1 Final A* Para Taekwondo Indian schedule August 29 13:30 onwards - Women K 44-47 kg Round of 16 15:40 onwards - Women K 44-47 kg Quarterfinals* 20:30 onwards - Women K 44-47 kg Repechage* 21:34 onwards - Women K 44-47 kg Semifinal* 22:40 onwards - Women K 44-47 kg Bronze Medal Contests* August 30 00:04 - Women K44-47 kg Gold Medal Contest* Indian Para Powerlifters at the Paris 2024 Paralympics September 4 15:30 - Men’s up to 49kg (Medal Round) 20:30 - Women’s up to 45kg (Medal Round) September 5 22:05 - Men’s up to 65kg (Medal Round) September 6 20:30 - Women’s up to 67 kg (Medal Round) The 17th edition of the Summer Paralympics will take place in Paris, France, from August 28 to September 8 this year. There will be 549 events in 22 sports. Full schedule Event Date Opening Ceremony August 28 Blind Football September 1-7 Boccia August 29 - September 5 Goalball August 29 - September 5 Para Archery August 29 - September 5 Para Athletics August 30 - September 8 Para Badminton August 29 - September 2 Para Canoe September 6-8 Para Cycling Road September 4-7 Para Cycling Track August 29 - September 1 Para Equestrian September 2-7 Para Judo September 5-7 Para Powerlifting September 4-8 Para Rowing August 30 - September 1 Para Swimming August 29 - September 7 Para Table Tennis August 29 - September 7 Para Taekwondo August 29-31 Para Triathlon September 1-2 Shooting Para Sport August 30 - September 5 Sitting Volleyball August 29 - September 7 Wheelchair Basketball August 29 - September 8 Wheelchair Fencing September 3-7 Wheelchair Rugby August 29 - September 2 Wheelchair Tennis August 30 - September 7 Closing Ceremony September 8 *Denotes subject to qualification Much much relate? 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A guide for parents and allies to support autistic children and adults < Back Neurodiversity, Parenting Understanding Autistic shutdown and how to help someone experiencing it A guide for parents and allies to support autistic children and adults MMS Staff 13 Aug 2024 2-min read An autistic shutdown kind of feels like when you’ve had constant, discomforting sensory input all day, and by the end of it, you just can’t take anymore. And now your body just wants to ease off the overwhelm and sensory overload by shutting out any more discomforting inputs, and easing off until the senses feel regulated again. Shutdowns are a way for autistic people to cope when they’re overwhelmed by sensory or emotional input. It’s not a choice but a natural response to too much going on. Autistic shutdowns happen when the brain needs a break from all the input (sensory, emotional, physical) it’s constantly processing. As a lot of autistic people can be especially sensitive to sensory inputs - hearing more, feeling more and seeing more than allistic people - these shutdowns can have an especially exhausting effect on autistic people. Unexpected events or sudden changes in plan may cause a lot of stress, leading to a shutdown. Just like every autistic person is different from the other, shutdowns can also differ between different autistic people. This makes them difficult to spot, but once you know what to look for, you can be there to help. What are some signs of an autistic shutdown? The presentations can vary from person to person, but here are some common indicators: Fatigue: The person might seem really tired. Reduced coordination: Unsteady, uncoordinated movements can show up. Quiet: They might reduce or stop talking, or give very brief responses. Detachment: The person might seem emotionally distant or struggle to express their feelings. Passivity: Their usual enthusiasm might be replaced with a more passive attitude. Withdrawal: Avoiding activities they usually enjoy or not responding to social interactions. Seeking Calm: Finding a quiet spot to decompress or engaging in self-soothing actions like stimming. Sometimes there are hints before a full shutdown hits. They might include: Confusion Dissociation Sudden fatigue Headaches Irritability or anger Feeling emotionally numb How to support someone experiencing an Autistic shutdown The first thing you might want to consider is helping the autistic person move away from the space that’s dysregulating them. As a lot of autistic people also frequently experience alexithymia, they might not realise when they’re starting to feel dysregulated. Catching on to the symptoms early might help. Show empathy: Understanding and compassion are crucial. Remember, it’s their body and mind’s response to overwhelm and physical and mental distress. Be patient: Offer your support and don’t ask them to ‘snap’ out of it. Give them space and time to recover at their own pace. Create a calm environment: If possible, help them find a quiet, less stimulating place to rest and self-regulate. Reassurance and comfort: Let them know it’s okay to take a break and that you’re there for them without judgement. Stimming: Autistics often engage in repetitive movements called stims to self-regulate. This can reduce distress from overstimulation. Avoid shaming them: Never blame or criticise, or talk down on them for how they’re feeling. It’s not a temper tantrum or a manipulation tactic; it’s literally their body and mind telling them their current environment doesn’t suit them, and that they need a break. While recovery can take a few minutes or hours, or even days, your understanding and support can make a huge difference in helping them feel better and bounce back. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

क्या बच्चों को उनके ऑटिज़म के बारे बताना ठीक है? (विडियो की यूट्यूब लिंक के साथ) < Back Neurodiversity, Hindi, Parenting बच्चे को ऑटिज़म के बारे में बताएँ या नहीं? - Disclosing my child’s autism क्या बच्चों को उनके ऑटिज़म के बारे बताना ठीक है? (विडियो की यूट्यूब लिंक के साथ) MMS Staff 22 Jul 2024 3-min read अक्सर जब बच्चों का ऑटिज़म, डिस्लेक्सिया या किसी अन्य स्थिति के साथ निदान होता है, तो माता-पिता उन्हें उनके निदान के बारे में बताने से हिचकिचाते हैं। यह सवाल अक्सर उठता है कि क्या बच्चों को उनकी स्थिति के बारे में जानकारी देना सही होगा या नहीं। निदान के महत्व को समझना बच्चों को उनके निदान के बारे में बताने से पहले, यह समझना जरूरी है कि निदान के बारे में जानकारी क्यों महत्वपूर्ण है। जब बच्चे अपनी स्थिति के बारे में जानते हैं, तो वे अपनी चुनौतियों और क्षमताओं को बेहतर समझ सकते हैं। यह समझ उन्हें आत्मविश्वास और आत्म-स्वीकृति में वृद्धि देती है। व्यक्तिगत अनुभव और सामुदायिक उदाहरण हाल के वर्षों में कई ऐसे उदाहरण सामने आए हैं जहां लोगों ने देर से निदान होने के बाद अपने जीवन में महत्वपूर्ण बदलाव देखे हैं। अदिति गंगराड़े (मच मच मीडिया की फ़ाउंडर) बताती हैं कि उन्हें 24 साल की उम्र में ऑटिज़म और ADHD के बारे में पता चला। इससे पहले वे हमेशा यह सोचती थी कि वे बाकी लोगों से अलग क्यों हैं और चीजें सामान्य तरीके से क्यों नहीं कर पाती। निदान के बाद उन्हें अपने सवालों के जवाब मिले और उन्होंने खुद को समझने और स्वीकारने का नया रास्ता अपनाया। देरी से निदान के नकारात्मक प्रभाव कई लोगों के अनुभवों से यह भी पता चलता है कि अगर उन्हें पहले अपने निदान के बारे में पता होता, तो वे अपने जीवन में बेहतर निर्णय ले पाते। देर से निदान के कारण कई बार बच्चों को उनकी परिस्थितियों से निपटने के लिए आवश्यक समर्थन और संसाधन नहीं मिल पाते। जागरूकता की कमी और सामाजिक चुनौतियाँ दूसरी ओर, यह भी सच है कि ऑटिज़म और ADHD जैसी स्थितियों के बारे में जागरूकता और समझ बहुत कम है। जिन लोगों को अपने ऑटिज़म के बारे में पहले पता चला, उन्हें समाज के नकारात्मक व्यवहार और सीमित सोच का सामना करना पड़ा। माता-पिता अक्सर अपने बच्चों को उनकी विकलांगता के बारे में न बताने का निर्णय इस डर से लेते हैं कि लोग उनके बच्चे के प्रति बुरा व्यवहार कर सकते हैं। निदान के बारे में बताने के लाभ हालांकि, ऑटिज़म, ADHD, या किसी भी neurodivergent स्थिति में होना कोई बुरी बात नहीं है। यह सच है कि इन स्थितियों के साथ चुनौतियाँ आती हैं, लेकिन बच्चों को उनकी स्थिति के बारे में न बताने पर भी ये चुनौतियाँ बनी रहती हैं। इसके विपरीत, अगर बच्चे अपनी स्थिति के बारे में जानते हैं, तो वे इन चुनौतियों से निपटने के लिए बेहतर तरीके से तैयार हो सकते हैं। सही समय और तरीका बच्चों को उनके निदान के बारे में बताने का सही समय और तरीका महत्वपूर्ण है। इस निर्णय को लेने से पहले माता-पिता को पेशेवरों से सलाह लेनी चाहिए, जैसे कि विकासात्मक बाल विशेषज्ञ, अन्य माता-पिता जिनके बच्चे ऑटिस्टिक हैं, या ऑटिस्टिक वयस्क। इन सभी लोगों से परामर्श लेने के बाद ही निर्णय लेना चाहिए। जब माता-पिता को लगे कि समय और परिस्थिति सही है, तो यह निर्णय लेना फायदेमंद हो सकता है। इससे बच्चों को उनके जीवन में स्पष्टता मिलेगी और वे अपनी पहचान को बेहतर ढंग से समझ पाएंगे। हालांकि, दूसरों को बताने का फैसला बच्चों पर निर्भर करेगा कि वे अपनी स्थिति को साझा करना चाहते हैं या नहीं। समर्थन और मार्गदर्शन दोनों ही स्थितियों में, माता-पिता को अपने बच्चों के साथ खड़ा रहना होगा। यह सुनिश्चित करना जरूरी है कि बच्चे को हर स्थिति में उनका समर्थन और मार्गदर्शन मिले। अंत में, बच्चों को उनकी स्थिति के बारे में बताने का निर्णय एक संवेदनशील और महत्वपूर्ण निर्णय है। इससे बच्चों को आत्म-स्वीकृति और आत्मविश्वास मिलता है और वे अपनी चुनौतियों का सामना करने में सक्षम होते हैं। अगले कदम अगर माता-पिता यह निर्णय ले चुके हैं कि वे अपने बच्चे को उनके ऑटिज़म या अन्य neurodivergence के बारे में बताना चाहते हैं, तो उन्हें यह भी जानना चाहिए कि इस बारे में बात करते वक्त किन चीजों का ख्याल रखना चाहिए। हमारे अगले यूट्यूब विडीओ में हम इस पर चर्चा करेंगे कि बच्चों को उनकी स्थिति के बारे में किस तरह से बताया जा सकता है और इस बातचीत को कैसे संवेदनशील और प्रभावी बनाया जा सकता है। यह लेख को आप विडीओ के रूप में देख सकते हैं: Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Suhasini - a late discovered autistic woman - writes about making friends as an autistic person < Back Neurodiversity ‘Friendship, an enigma’ (a short poem) - Friendship Day special Suhasini - a late discovered autistic woman - writes about making friends as an autistic person Suhasini Sundaresan 5 Aug 2024 1-min read A LOT of (though, not all) autistic people will agree... making friends is hard. But what’s even harder is keeping them. There’s even a phrase for it - it’s called ‘incidental friendship.’ There’s many reasons why these friendships don’t stand the test of time. Suhasini Sundaresan - a late-diagnosed autistic woman from Mumbai, India - tells us her lived experience with incidental friendships in this beautiful poem. Happy Friendship Day, everyone! Friendship is an enigma in my autistic world Just like finding love That has eluded me mysteriously Friendship has dodged me frantically I can make friends easily They never sustain, unfortunately Is it me or the situation, it's unfathomable Well that's life and one gotta move on but it's unnavigable It's funny when I reflect How situations digress When strangers turned friends And friends to strangers I assumed that my autism Would help me break the shackles Instead it created more hurdles As people wondered Why is she behaving differently Only to realise that they preferred the masked me I am aware that the world doesn't revolve around me That everyone go through difficulties But why it that one trauma is greater than thee Communication became a punishment Acceptance was a distant dream Constantly pleasing others Wondering where did I get lost in translation I am not a pro in maintaining friendships I often get blamed for my non-subtlety Masking gets exhausting Why can't people just be? There are some silver linings too Not everything's gloomy I found my fellow neurodivergents Or folks who instantly stirred conversations with me "This is the world that we live in, I feel myself get tired" Crooned The Killers I often think they might have penned this for us Navigating these neurotypical constructs Of relationships and friendships Challenging and rewriting the rules And deconstructing every molecule My friendships have a pattern, like the crashing waves Some choose to leave While some choose to stay When they leave, They leave something in their wake A bundle of memories bitter and sweet A reminiscence An essence Of moments and it's brisance Aches tipped with huisache. Follow Suhasini on Instagram Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

With deepfakes becoming a global threat, founders call for an increase in funding to women-led AI companies < Back Gender, Work, News Fund women AI founders NOW With deepfakes becoming a global threat, founders call for an increase in funding to women-led AI companies MMS Staff 23 Jul 2024 5-min read In what seems to be the latest in a string of gross misuse cases of AI technology, a teenage schoolboy from Victoria, Australia was arrested last month for allegedly generating and distributing deepfakes of his female classmates. The accused - who shared the images on social media - was caught by police, and soon released without charge. The incident has prompted renewed conversation around the gendered nature of the misuse of this technology and how concrete action can be taken to ensure the safety of girls and women. This is also not the first time AI-generated deepfakes have made their way into schools. Similar events have unfolded in Beverly Hills, California, Spain and New Jersey. And nudes aren’t the only kind of deepfake imagery being made. The last couple of years have seen AI-generated deepfake videos of political speeches, such as this one featuring Duwaraka Prabhakaran, daughter of Tamil Tiger militant chief Velupillai Prabhakaran, who - at the time of the release of this video - had died more than a decade ago. Then late last year, a deepfake video featuring Indian actor Rashmika Mandanna went viral. The actor subsequently tweeted: “...if this happened to me when I was in school or college, I genuinely can’t imagine how could I (sic) ever tackle this.” And more recently, the content creator and actor Bhuvan Bam saw his face in a deepfake, promoting betting in sport. The actor was quick to put out a clarification saying it wasn’t him but a deepfake, and that his team had already filed a police complaint alerting the authorities. On July 8, this story in the Deccan Chronicle mentioned that the Indian government plans to introduce a bill in parliament to put a check on AI technology and regulate online content. ‘According to sources, the bill aims to explore better ways to use technology and develop legal frameworks to address challenges posed by deepfakes and AI-generated content, reflecting the growing global concern about these issues,’ the article said. However, culpability, it seems, doesn’t rest on the creators of deepfake apps. ‘These platforms make money from platforming content but take no responsibility for doing so,’ says the Guardian . Moreover, it has for long now been amply clear that the current landscape of these spaces is marked by a dominance of male perspectives. This story by Routledge points out how this affects the safety of women and girls in the digital world. The emergence of AI-driven deepfake technology has provided perpetrators with frightening new avenues for sexual exploitation, violation and abuse. With the help of this new technology, offenders can seamlessly blend and manipulate different visuals and audio clips taken from social media platforms, cameras placed in public, or private, settings, hacked devices, discussion boards, pornography websites, and other online spaces to create lifelike explicit content.  What is especially alarming is the sheer scale and scope of this phenomenon. Because of this new technology, perpetrators have a nearly limitless capacity to exploit anyone across the globe who has ever been photographed or captured on video. Such malicious content is at risk of being continuously shared, traded, consumed, distributed, and further manipulated by other men participating in these crimes. So, while recent developments in AI tools may be exciting to many, for women and girls in particular, there is a range of current and potential disadvantages and violations. Entrepreneur Cindy Gallop - who runs the crowdsourced social sex video sharing platform MakeLoveNotPorn - reacted to the Victoria news with this LinkedIn post, which reads: “FUND. FEMALE. AI. FOUNDERS. Because that’s the only way we can scale solutions to this.” Gallop’s call for funding for women entrepreneurs working in AI is a growing chorus of voices demanding a more equitable funding - and representation - landscape in AI. AI gender bias is all too common , resulting from skewed data and underrepresentation and misrepresentation of women, which has a bearing on machine learning technology and algorithms, further perpetuating biases, which, in less severe cases manifest in the form of denied opportunities to women, and, in more severe cases, as gender-based violence in the form of deepfakes. This 2019 research shows that women are the primary victims of deepfakes. And a related, concerning trend is the growing use of deepfake technology as a tool of revenge. ‘96% of this type of online videos were of intimate or sexual nature. The victims were primarily women, often actresses, musicians, and to a lesser extent, media professionals. In contrast, videos without explicit content primarily targeted men (61 percent), mainly politicians and corporate figures,’ the study says. While discussions around protecting women’s safety in the AI era are multifaceted, one place to begin could be to have more women representation in tech companies and AI teams, partner up with more women founders, especially in AI, and use feminist data practices to help fill data gaps where women aren’t correctly - or adequately - represented. However, it’s also clear that AI is a space dominated by powerful, wealthy men who, as Gallop puts it, “have no intention of welcoming, listening to, funding, and working with women leaders, founders, technologists, and scientists whose views are not completely aligned with and preferably subordinate to theirs.” “The young white male founders of the giant tech platforms that dominate our lives today are not the primary targets (online or offline) of harassment, abuse, racism, sexual assault, violence, rape, revenge porn. So they didn’t, and they don’t, proactively design for the prevention of any of those things. Those of us who are at risk every single day — women, Black people, people of color (sic), LGBTQ, disabled — design safe spaces, and safe experiences,” she says. Gallop’s thinking and her approach to AI clearly goes to show how data and machine learning technologies not working with datasets that are heavily influenced by the white man’s view of the world can produce AI technology coded with algorithms that ensure women’s safety - both online and offline. Time to rewrite the rulebook - can AI become a tool for empowerment, or will it forever be coded with bias? 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

Fans reflect on the lasting impact of Linkin Park's music and Chester's legacy < Back Health, Media, Neurodiversity Remembering Chester Bennington: 7 years later Fans reflect on the lasting impact of Linkin Park's music and Chester's legacy MMS Staff 20 Jul 2024 2-min read July 20 marks seven years since the tragic, sudden death of Chester Bennington, the frontman of rock band Linkin Park. Bennington lived with a history of abuse and addiction, and had on many instances spoken openly about his depression. Many of Linkin Park’s songs were written by him, and allude to depressive thoughts and suicidal ideation. In this article from last year, Linkin Park rapper and Bennington's bandmate Mike Shinoda mentioned they were about his condition but "nobody knew the depths of it." "I've never heard such a crazy upbringing, such a crazy childhood. Like, running wild in the streets and doing hard drugs on the roof of his high school, just like barely staying out of jail. That's what made our dynamic what it was... He was outside because he was scrawny, he was like picked on, he was bullied all the time," Shinoda said. At the time of his death, reports also mentioned he had a hard time dealing with the suicide of his friend Chris Cornell, frontman of the band Soundgarden. Listen to Bennington's heartwarming eulogy to Cornell below: Bennington's difficult childhood experiences growing up, his parents' divorce, followed by rampant bullying in school caused him major emotional distress. He also grappled with substance abuse throughout his early adulthood and into his 20s, until he joined Linkin Park as lead vocalist and the band shot to fame with their 2000 album Hybrid Theory. The rest, as they say, is history. Bennington was found hanging in his CA home this day in 2017, survived by his wife Talinda and six children. A year after his passing, Talinda said in an interview about his depression: “I am now more educated about those signs, but they were definitely there: the hopelessness, the change of behaviour, isolation,” she told CNN during an interview with Anderson Cooper. On his seventh death anniversary, we spoke to some of our readers for whom Linkin Park and Chester’s music have been a constant companion through tough times. Swara Swami: As a kid, I was bullied heavily and it took a huge toll on me. And, listening to Linkin Park would help me channel all my aggression. Just listening to their music, their lyrics was a huge release. Pranav Sethi: I learned that poetry will make sense only when you start living those moments, those words will mean nothing to those who have not experienced any of it. That’s why poetry is so confusing for everyone. People don’t get it, they don’t understand because their experiences won’t allow them to grasp the meaning behind it. For many people around me they will never know the meaning of your songs nor will they understand the trauma I have lived through. I guess I connected with you so closely because I know we share a similar history. This tribute is a few years late but I guess I was figuring out what to say and how to say it. I guess I am breaking the habit tonight. Venkat Baliga: Being always at odds with the world, not understanding the ways of the world as a teen, the sheer rage towards bullies and people who constantly brought me down - 'Numb' made me feel like I wasn't alone. Now, after my autism and ADHD discovery, and understanding my mental health struggles, when I watch the music videos of Linkin Park and when I watch Chester Bennington sing (old videos), and observing the lyrics of most of their songs being so relatable - it all makes so much sense. Farhad Samiwalla: Hybrid Theory got me through some really tough times back when it came out. It was the first album that really hit me at the perfect time and every single song just spoke to where I was at mentally. Chester’s passionate screaming coupled with Mike’s poetic lyricism also blended so perfectly to express some really deep emotions. Allan D'souza: "Your friends all plead for you to stay Sometimes beginnings aren't so simple Sometimes goodbye's the only way" What is your favourite Linkin Park song/ lyric? Tell us in the comments below. 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

Latest additions to the brand’s Fashionistas line include a blind Barbie and a black Barbie with Down Syndrome < Back Disability, News Mattel releases first-ever blind Barbie Latest additions to the brand’s Fashionistas line include a blind Barbie and a black Barbie with Down Syndrome MMS Staff 27 Jul 2024 2-min read Barbie by Mattel, known for its inclusive line of products, has added two new dolls to their ever-expanding repertoire. The first is a blind Barbie complete with a satiny blouse, textured ruffle skirt, a cane with a marshmallow tip, and functional sunglasses. The doll comes in accessible packaging with ‘Barbie’ written in Braille. Reportedly Mattel collaborated with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) both to make sure the doll was accessible and to ensure the depiction of low visibility and blindness was on point. The release marks the last few days of July, celebrated globally as Disability Pride Month. “As we wrap up Disability Pride month, we believe this is an excellent way to make children worldwide feel included, regardless of their abilities,” said Tony Stephens of the AFB. Eric Bridges, CEO of the AFB, said blind people have historically been misrepresented in the media, so he hopes this will educate people about blindness and vision impairment. In early 2020, the company had released its most diverse line yet , called the Barbie Fashionistas, featuring a doll with vitiligo, another with no hair, and yet another with dark skin and a prosthetic limb. These dolls were released with the intent of shining a light on conditions such as vitiligo and alopecia, as well as limb difference. Then, in 2023, Mattel collaborated with the National Down Syndrome Society and released the first-ever Barbie with Down Syndrome. What’s worthy of mention is the brand has been including people with lived experience of all these conditions in the production of the dolls that represent them. “Our latest additions to the Barbie Fashionista line are part of our continued effort to represent global diversity and inclusivity in the fashion doll aisle and reflect the world children experience today, encouraging empathy through play,” said Krista Berger, the senior vice president of Barbie, in a press release. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS