• Tamara.

Isn’t it ironic, don’t you think?

World Autism Awareness Day April 2nd

World Autism awareness day is marked on April 2nd and to celebrate the occasion we would like to introduce you to Tamara, Tamara is a young neurodiverse single mother who prides herself on innovative thinking, problem solving and creativity.

We have been working with Tamara over the last year as she creates a book and a series of art that shares her personal journey and the revolution of neurodiversity. Neurodiversity is a new concept where neurological differences are to be recognized and respected as any other human variation. These differences can include those labelled with Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Dyscalculia, Autistic Spectrum and Tourette syndrome.

What inspired you to create this book?

“Though the challenges that I face, I find that it is important that others who feel different can feel accepted in the neuro-typical world.”

What are you hoping to achieve?

“That people can find acceptance in themselves and the environment around them, just not in the physical sense but an emotional sense too.”

What are some social barriers that you face?

"Sensory issues such as loud noises, Lights and social interactions that involve sarcasm, inside jokes and when people say one thing but mean another.”  

Fave 90s pop star?

“90s pop music??”

Your take on Alanis Morissette?

“Who?”

Well isn’t that ironic, don’t you think?

“Wait, what?”

As you stare into the confronting canvas that Tamara has created, you are transported in to her everyday life. You feel the conformity of all the “who you have to be” and then the freedom that is expressed by being yourself. So let’s not only embrace, but celebrate all of our differences.

www.yesdisability.org.nz


By: , YES Disability Resource Centre News: with Sonia Thursby (CEO)
sonia@yesdisability.org.nz

Issue 97 April 2019