“Neurodiversity” is a popular term that's used to describe differences in the way people's brains work. The idea is that there's no “correct” way for the brain to work. Instead, there is a wide range of ways that people perceive and respond to the world, and these differences are to be embraced and encouraged.

childmind.org

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Even though everyone has their differences, it's not easy being different in commonly stigmatised ways. Although sometimes challenging to the individuals, there can be advantages linked to neurodiversity too. Francesco is on the autism spectrum: No, he is not "mentally ill", nor a savant (and please don't web search things like, "What does autism look like?") - he and most folks on the spectrum are not particularly different from most typical people, certainly visually. But there are some subtle distinct ways in which they will stand-out, each in their own way. ​

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Francesco comes with default likes and dislikes, which are an integral part of his personality - these can include: Liking clarity, knowing what he can and cannot do in daily situations. He is obsessive and can get hyper-focused with certain special topics; veganism, history and filmmaking among a few others. He is a visual thinker and is very alert for tiny details that most others don't notice... Colours, patterns etc. Working with numbers (aside for certain dates) is not his thing. He associates well with facts and factual materials, he finds most fiction uninteresting. He gets very serious about rules and ethics, oh and he is very precise and reliable!

 

Disliking: loud noises, last minute schedule changes to plans, crowded rooms, chaos and confusion. Oh yes - he frequently has a hard time understanding average people's social cues, especially smaller mannerisms. Folks on the spectrum can be very opinionated, outspoken and direct (black and white with their opinions). For activists this can lead to good or questionable results.​​

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Similar common conditions include: Dyslexia, ADHD, 4S, Hypertension. He also has 4S (Selected Sound Sensitivity Syndrome), a hyper-sensitivity to certain human sounds which negatively trigger reactors in hi brain. Although some elements of these conditions are clearly frustrating, he takes advantage of their best qualities as unique superpowers.​

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Climate anxiety​

This is a real issue, as real as climate change. Many folks, especially youth, are facing climate anxiety in some form and neurodiverse folks may be getting the worst of it. As an advocate for healthy living and animal rights, I am also very much an advocate for climate justice. So naturally, as a neurodiverse person I have much to say about this. Extra reason to contact me!

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*Please watch his film fridAy to understand autism more.  

Would you like to speak about neurodiversity with him? DM or email, he welcomes your messages!

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Book Francesco to come and speak live or remotely at your school or community centre about neurodiversity intersecting with ethical living, and creative advocacy work.​​​​

 

Guess who also is vegan and autistic?

 

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“I have Aspergers and that means I'm sometimes a bit different form the norm.” 

“And – given the right circumstances – being different is a superpower.”

Greta Thunberg

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"We don't need a cure, there is nothing wrong with us – we are different.

And that difference has enormous biological and social importance."

Chris Packham