It can take us longer to process certain things on the phone. I can't see your body language. It is even harder than normal for me to interpret what you mean, especially when you refuse to say exactly what you mean and instead confound your speech with metaphors and sarcasm. /6

Many rely on lip reading. Lip reading helps me to process what is being said quicker. I don't know why, but my processing ability seems to be at a slower speed than many neurotypical's. Lip reading is hugely beneficial with this and obviously this isn't present on the phone. /7

It is even harder than normal to gauge social cues. Knowing when it is my turn to speak in conversation is even harder on the phone. I have to be super careful not to interrupt by accident, speak for the acceptable length of time and ensure my words are appropriate. /8

On phone calls there is no time to prepare responses. Often I need longer to process what you've said and formulate a response. Face to face this is easier for the other person to understand. On the phone I may feel rushed, so say things I don't mean, or not explain properly. /9

As a result of not being able to think things through, I may feel pressured into saying 'yes' to everything asked of me, due to a desire to please. Afterwards I may realise this is not something I can cope with and then panic because I have already agreed to it. /10

Phone calls can be more intense. Many find silence less comfortable on the phone. There is no normal environmental distractions which may provide a few moments relief. If there are distractions, the other person can't see/hear them, so we have to focus even harder. /11

These are just a few of the reasons why many autistic people and people with anxiety struggle with phone calls. Some things that can be helpful are asking when is a good time to call, preparing the other person as to what the topic is and planning a time in advance. /12

Additionally, offer other means of communication which the person may find more comfortable, such as emails. Some may find video calls easier. Or even simple adjustments like discussing on the phone but having time afterwards to think and then emailing decisions later on. /13

The only scenario where phone calls are OK is talking to ND friends. Having to stick to a single task helps my ADHD brain focus, trusting the person lessens the anxiety. It also helps connecting since I'm terrible at replying text messages. The rest of the calls? Nightmare.

"Believe me, I know what it’s like to feel all alone…the worst kind of loneliness in the world is isolation that comes from being misunderstood, it can make people lose their grasp on reality." — Dan Brown, Inferno

I used to live in such constant emotional distress that I didn't even notice acute Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) until I reached breaking point. That made me unable to figure out the source of the rejection, so it kept causing distress in a self feeding loop. 1/

Awareness about Neurodiversity and the mechanisms that caused this and proper treatment have increased emotional stability. Now I notice when rejection starts to creep up and I can reflect on what caused it and act on it. It has made a huge difference. 2/2

"I loved her against reason, against promise, against peace, against hope, against happiness, against all discouragement that could be." — Charles Dickens, Great Expectations

A better connection with animals than with people. Many autistic people love animals. This is a common special interest for autistic girls. We can find animals easier to connect to and understand than other people, and they give us unconditional love. /9

Me: wakes up early to get work done Also me: needs 3 hours until brain is completely awake and ready to get up

what some people do: go to bed and sleep what writers do: go to bed and plan a scene, imagine soft domestic moments for their stabby character kids, smother in self-doubt, fill a plot hole, get up to write something down, make a little deal with a devil, have one piece of sleep

Apophis, Ba’al, Nirrti and Hathor take on #HathorHosts TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 1PM EST, 4PM PDT, 9PM BST. CLIFF SIMON Peter Williams Jacqueline Samuda Together again on my you tube channel. We’ll be taking your questions, chatting all things Stargate and MUCH more.

I still remember the first time I read that too much daydreaming was a sign of poor mental health. I was a bit baffled, I daydreamed a lot. Looking back, I used to to both escape reality, but also self stimulate when I was bored or feeling numb. Any daydreamers around?