This week Monique chats with Sienna Macalister (they/them), who listeners may know by their Instagram handle @sienna.stims, about being an Autistic person with high support needs. Sienna is a non-binary, ‘unreliably speaking’ Autistic advocate, diagnosed with Autism Level 3. They are multiply neurodivergent and have a number of co-occurring health conditions, including Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). Sienna is passionate about creating a world where Autistic people are not just accepted but celebrated, with a deep affinity for exploring neurodivergence with nuance.

Monique and Sienna cover:

• What does ‘unreliably speaking’ mean?
• What neurodivergence means to Sienna and the importance of understanding the term to mean more than just Autism and ADHD.
• Sienna’s experience of early diagnosis of Autism and the diagnostic overshadowing this led to, particularly around diagnosis of their health conditions.
• The evolution of Sienna’s neurodivergent identity.
• Sienna’s experience of using mobility, communication, and health and wellbeing supports.
• Support needs, disability, and therapeutic intervention as a valid part of the neurodivergent experience, and the difference between affirming and non-affirming therapies.
• The role of lateral violence and internalised ableism in excluding people with higher support needs from the cultural conversation on Autism.
• Sienna’s suggestions to increase inclusion and representation for Autistic people with higher support needs.
• Sienna’s current special interest – budgie breeding!

Find Sienna on TikTok and Instagram @sienna.stims, on their professional Instagram @sienna.macalister_media, or on YouTube @sienna_stims.

Sienna’s writing is features in the anthologies Someone Like Me, edited by Clem Bastow and Jo Case, and Hyperfocus, edited by Spectrum Writing.

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