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As a high-functioning autistic, I can tell you that being social is not typically a strong suit. Conversations, especially with people we don’t know, can be terrifying and we will often avoid them at all costs.
As an adult autism advocate, author, blogger and speaker, there is one conversation I will happily have over and over again and, in fact, without this conversation, our society will quickly slide into decline.
For me, that topic is neurodiversity, or making sure that all races, economic, religious and social groups are represented in society as are those with disabilities, hidden or visible, and anyone else I may have mentioned.
The basic idea is to get everyone a seat at the table and a voice in the conversation as we work towards including everyone in what we would consider mainstream society.
Making sure everyone is included is a great idea, but take my word for it, it’s more difficult than it sounds.
The important thing is that it doesn’t matter what the individual mental health or neurological condition is; keeping an active conversation going about it and doing what you can to help make the situation better for your individual group and finding a way for them to fit in with mainstream society is critical.
Recently, I was lucky enough to be a guest on Autism Live With Shannon and Nancy, two people with a weekly Internet TV show that do just what I’m talking about. They keep the autism conversation going. The fact that they decided to have me on, as a guest is just a bonus!
One of their production assistants saw my July 4 column, If Autism Is My Superpower, Then July 4th Is My Kryptonite, right here at Good Men Project and decided to have a conversation with me.
Whether it’s at a grassroots, local, national or international level, make sure you’re getting involved with a mental health conversation in a field that interests you. Not sure what you want to talk about?
Join the Mental Health Social Interest Group Call that I host for Good Men Project on Thursday nights at 9 pm Eastern/6 pm Pacific. Our rotating topics and conversational, flowing format makes it easy to join the conversation or just listen in.
Whatever you do, don’t wait on the sidelines; hoping someone else will join the conversation. Look to your left and you’ll notice that person is right next to you, waiting for you to join.
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RSVP for Mental Wellness Calls
Join the Mental Wellness FACEBOOK GROUP here.
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Photo credit: Pixabay