Autistic communication thrives with clarity, patience, understanding, inclusivity, and mutual respect. As an autistic adult, I often experience conversations differently from others. It’s important to understand that my perspective doesn’t represent everyone on the spectrum — autism is incredibly diverse. In this article, I’ll share some personal challenges I face in conversations, as well as how my communicationContinue reading “Bridging the Gap: My Experience as an Autistic Adult with Conversations”
Author Archives: Sam
NL: Ik ben Sam, ervaringswerker autisme / autismeambassadeur Sterkmakers in Autisme, en ben onder andere actief bij de Vlaamse Vereniging Autisme en GRIP vzw.
Ik ben samen met Roos. Daarnaast ben ik gek op schrijven, lezen, observatie, filosoferen, parafraseren, reageren, visualiseren enzo verder.
EN: I am Sam, known as Sam Peeters, known as 'Tistje', and I have been writing about autism in a broad sense since 2008. I am an adult man with autism and above-average intelligence. I have various limitations and disabilities. I live with my partner Roos, who is also intelligent and has autism. I work as an experience worker, for example at the Flemish parent and family association, for GRIPvzw, a civil rights organization advocating for equal rights for people with and without disabilities and have several others collaborations. I have experience in several kinds of support, contexts and both regular and higher education, where I have earned three bachelor's degrees. I have worked in different types of labor and various forms of support, aid, and care. I am also active on social media platforms like Facebook, X/Twitter, Tumblr, and Pinterest under the name 'Tistje'.
Unmasking Myself: Finding Strength and Joy in Being Autistic
Why happiness isn’t about achieving an ideal but about noticing the moments that resonate with who you are. Living with autism is a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and growth. It shapes how I experience the world — sometimes in ways that are challenging, but often in ways that offer unique insights. My path has not been without struggle,Continue reading “Unmasking Myself: Finding Strength and Joy in Being Autistic”
Autism and Expertise: Toward a Nuanced, Inclusive Approach
© Tistje.com, represents autistic thinking Autism is an integral part of human diversity, not a riddle to be solved. A profound understanding of the spectrum of challenges, opportunities, and perspectives comes from centering autistic voices and empowering autistic individuals to lead discussions about their lives. Embracing neurodiversity requires acknowledging autistic people as the primary agents ofContinue reading “Autism and Expertise: Toward a Nuanced, Inclusive Approach”
Towards a Neuro-Inclusive Society with the Triple Empathy Theory
Why Neurodivergent individuals don’t need another abstract theoretical construct but deserve a society that recognizes them. A AI-symbol for the neuro-inclusive society © Tistje.com The Value of NeurodiversityNeurodiversity recognizes that individuals engage with and respond to their environment in varied ways. Approximately one in seven people is neurodivergent (ND), encompassing traits such as ADHD, autism,Continue reading “Towards a Neuro-Inclusive Society with the Triple Empathy Theory”
Autism: Why We Need to Value Different Ways of Being
Autism isn’t a limitation but a unique lens on the world, one that society often overlooks. Valuing perspectives enriches us all — let’s break down barriers, value diversity, and recognize autism as a powerful, irreplaceable part of humanity. Autism is often viewed as something to “treat” or “fix,” but that perspective misses the point entirely. People withContinue reading “Autism: Why We Need to Value Different Ways of Being”
Autism and Society: Embracing Real Inclusion
True inclusion means valuing neurodivergent people as they are — no idealizing, no expectations, just respect. In a world that moves fast, values fitting in, and often keeps things on the surface, neurodivergent people bring a unique view. We help others see society’s blind spots and remind them of the need for real diversity and understanding, especially whenContinue reading “Autism and Society: Embracing Real Inclusion”
Living a Meaningful Life with Autism: Finding My Way in a Neurotypical World
How living a meaningful life for me consists of exploring myself, setting boundaries, finding balance, and valuing authentic connections. How I see myself drawn by AI Autism is a part of who I am, and it shapes how I see and feel things, how I connect (or sometimes don’t connect) with others, and how I navigateContinue reading “Living a Meaningful Life with Autism: Finding My Way in a Neurotypical World”
A tale of strenghts and struggles
Autistic living means navigating daily challenges and it requires resilience, clear communication, and embracing both personal boundaries and unique strengths. Photo by Jen Theodore on Unsplash Living with autism is a true adventure. Some of my days are full of triumphs, others are full of challenges that may not be immediately obvious to the people aroundContinue reading “A tale of strenghts and struggles”
Why Success Stories Are Problematic
A Critical Analysis of Their Impact on Neurodiversity Success stories are everywhere in our society. Think of figures like Temple Grandin, a highly accomplished autistic woman who revolutionized livestock farming and autism advocacy. While her achievements are certainly impressive, the focus on such success stories raises questions about the message this sends to other neurodivergentContinue reading “Why Success Stories Are Problematic”
Embracing Change in Our Political Beliefs: A Journey Through Autism
As an autistic adult, my journey with political beliefs has been a tapestry of unique experiences and evolving perspectives. Autism has offered me a distinctive lens through which I view the world, shaping my political thoughts in profound ways. Personal Experiences and Political Evolution I recall, in my younger years, being drawn to policies andContinue reading “Embracing Change in Our Political Beliefs: A Journey Through Autism”
The European Autist 