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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

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

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

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

Moving towards a world where we can unmask and take pride in our autistic identity < Back Neurodiversity, News Autistic Pride Day 2024: The significance, history and theme Moving towards a world where we can unmask and take pride in our autistic identity MMS Staff 18 Jun 2024 2-min read Autistic Pride Day is observed annually on June 18. In 2024, this day falls on a Tuesday. This year's theme, ‘Taking the mask off,’ emphasises the importance of mental health and encourages autistic individuals to unmask safely, celebrating and expressing their true selves without conforming to societal expectations. This day promotes a liberating sense of self-acceptance and pride in one's autistic identity. Historical background Autistic Pride Day was initiated in 2005 by Aspies For Freedom (AFF), a group that chose June 18 to honour the birthday of their youngest member at the time. The day was inspired by the ethos of the gay pride movement, with a focus on positivity and acceptance rather than viewing autism as something that needs to be fixed. Kabie Brook, one of the co-founders of Autism Rights Group Highland (ARGH) says that Autistic Pride Day is a grassroots initiative led by autistic people themselves, ensuring that their voices and experiences are front and centre. Significance of the day Autistic Pride Day is not just a celebration but a powerful statement on neurodiversity and the importance of inclusivity. It's a day that challenges misconceptions about autism, advocating for equal rights and opportunities for autistic people. The day serves to educate the public about the lived experiences of autistic individuals and aims to dismantle the stigma surrounding autism. By celebrating this day, we affirm the value and contributions of autistic people, promoting respect, empathy, and an understanding that diversity in thinking and perceiving the world enriches our collective human experience. Celebrations worldwide Every year, Autistic Pride Day is marked by various events that both celebrate autistic culture and promote greater public understanding. Activities range from community gatherings, educational seminars and artistic performances to online campaigns and storytelling sessions. These events serve as a platform for sharing experiences, showcasing the talents of autistic individuals, and reinforcing the community's strength through solidarity and shared identity. How can you celebrate? Whether you're autistic yourself, the loved one of an autistic person, or an ally, you can participate in the celebration. Here are some ways to get involved: Educate yourself and others about the vast diversity within the autistic spectrum. Support autistic voices, seek out books by autistic authors, films by autistic directors, and patronise autistic businesses. Be mindful of light and noise levels in public spaces, and create spaces comfortable for everyone. Some videos you can share to raise awareness and celebrate this day: Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Chief Justice DY Chandrachud is challenging stereotypes to build an inclusive society < Back Disability, News Supreme Court of India drops guide to respectful disability language Chief Justice DY Chandrachud is challenging stereotypes to build an inclusive society MMS Staff 3 Oct 2024 2-min read As a disabled writer, I have witnessed firsthand how language can shape perceptions, attitudes, and ultimately, the treatment of individuals with disabilities. So, when the Supreme Court of India recently launched a handbook to redefine the conversation around disability, my heart swelled with hope. This isn’t just a legal document; it’s a call to action for all of us to rethink how we speak about disability. Chief Justice Dhananjay Chandrachud emphasised the power of language in the courtroom and beyond, stating that stereotypes and biases can subtly influence legal proceedings at the handbook’s unveiling. This resonates deeply with me and countless others who have faced the brunt of misguided assumptions. How often have we been labelled as “brave” or “heroic” merely for existing? It’s time to dismantle these stereotypes and advocate for language that reflects our humanity, not our limitations. The handbook explicitly discourages derogatory terms like “crippled,” “retard,” and “loony.” These words not only belittle our experiences but also contribute to a culture of stigma. In a society that is often quick to judge, it’s crucial to use language that respects our dignity. It’s a reminder that we are individuals first, with unique stories and identities beyond our disabilities. As someone who has navigated the complexities of living with a disability, I find the emphasis on respectful language refreshing. Chief Justice Chandrachud shared his personal experience with his foster daughters, who were born with a genetic condition. His story highlights the journey that comes with understanding disability on a deeper level. It’s about love, purpose, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive society where every child, regardless of their abilities, is cherished. But the handbook isn’t just about what to say or not to say; it addresses a critical gap in our legal system: data collection. The Chief Justice pointed out that the lack of reliable data on children with disabilities, especially those who have experienced abuse or come into conflict with the law, is a significant challenge. Without accurate data, how can we expect to create effective policies that protect and empower disabled individuals? The call for better data collection is a plea for accountability and meaningful reform. This handbook is a powerful tool for change, but it’s not the end of the road. It’s a stepping stone toward a more inclusive society that values every individual. By encouraging legal professionals, policymakers, and everyday citizens to adopt inclusive terminology, we can change the narrative around disability. The language we use can either uplift or diminish our experiences, and it’s time to choose words that uplift. As we move forward, let’s take this opportunity to engage in conversations about disability that are respectful, informed, and compassionate. The Supreme Court’s initiative is a significant leap toward breaking down barriers and fostering understanding. But it’s up to each of us to carry this message forward, ensuring that our words reflect the dignity and complexity of our lives. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

A show about murder, misogyny, and the men our boys are becoming < Back Gender, Education, Parenting The truth behind Adolescence, Netflix's new crime drama A show about murder, misogyny, and the men our boys are becoming Aditi Gangrade 7 Apr 2025 3-min read At first glance, Adolescence, Netflix’s new crime mini-series, looks like your standard whodunnit. A teenage girl is murdered. A teenage boy is arrested. We follow the fallout. But to reduce this show to a thriller about finding a killer is to miss its sharpest, most haunting truth. Adolescence isn’t a story about one violent boy. It’s a story about a violent system. About the schools, families, algorithms, governments, and silences that raised him. At the centre of Adolescence is 13-year-old Jamie — awkward, isolated, and slowly radicalised by a cocktail of neglect, toxic masculinity, and the internet’s darkest corners. He’s not an evil genius. He’s not even “bad.” He’s a kid. A kid raised in a home where power = manhood. In a school where bullying goes unnoticed and gender roles go unchallenged. And online, where influencers, and endless reels are teaching him that women are objects, weakness is failure, and violence is sometimes justified. The scariest part is that nothing about Jamie felt far-fetched. It felt familiar. This isn’t just happening “out there” As a woman in India, this hit close. Because we know this boy. We’ve seen him mocking his teachers. We’ve seen him online, saying “feminism has gone too far.” We’ve sat across the table from him, while adults — even women — excused his entitlement as “Boys will be boys.” We’ve seen how girls are trained to protect themselves from boys. But no one’s training boys to respect girls. Adolescence captures this divide in brutal detail — not just the physical violence, but the emotional breakdown of a society that rewards silent aggression in boys and constant self-policing in girls. Parenting isn't enough. It never was. Here’s the truth that often gets brushed aside: This isn’t just about parenting. Yes, parents play a big role. But children spend most of their time being shaped by everything else — schools, peers, gaming chatrooms, TV, TikTok, the government policies (or lack thereof) around sex education, digital safety, and gender rights. It’s not enough to tell parents to "monitor screen time." We need schools that actively teach consent and emotional intelligence, not just math. We need tech platforms to stop pushing toxic content to young boys in the name of “engagement.” We need governments to fund programs that challenge misogyny, rather than quietly enabling it. We need a whole system shift — not just better parenting books. It’s about the boys and the girls One of the most uncomfortable truths in Adolescence is that Katie — the girl Jamie is accused of killing — was also part of the cycle. She bullied him. She mocked him using the same incel language the internet gave her. Because when you live in a world that’s always teaching girls to perform toughness and boys to perform dominance — even the victims start playing along. There are no neat lines here. And that’s what makes the show so hard to watch — and so necessary. We don’t need more strong daughters. We need kinder sons. We’ve told girls to speak up, defend themselves, “be bold.” Now it’s time we start telling boys that strength isn’t about silence, or power, or control. That it’s okay to cry. That it’s good to be kind. That respect isn’t a favour, it's basic. And to do that, we need to give them real role models — not just alpha male influencers or “nice guys” with entitlement issues. We need teachers, uncles, coaches, politicians, fathers — and yes, even boys raised by strong women — to show them that masculinity can look like care. The real question isn't who killed Katie. It’s what killed all of them? What killed Jamie’s empathy? What killed Katie’s compassion? What killed our ability to see the signs? We won’t fix this with one campaign or one conversation. But we can start naming the systems that are failing our kids — and start building new ones. Because Adolescence doesn’t just show us what happened. It warns us what’s coming. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS