iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 15h

**Discussion around suicide** . . . . SEMA was invited to a Suicide Prevention networking event earlier this month by the Glasgow HSCP. It was interesting to hear about the changing demographics of the city and the interlinked cases of mental health issues.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Autistic people are significantly more likely to experience suicidal ideation than the general population. For racialised Autistic people, the risk is compounded by the very systems that should be keeping them safe. Burnout from years of masking. Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Recently we have had discussions around mental health and suicide ideation. Given that Autistic people, particularly women, are over represented in statistics around suicide, we should take time to analyse the factors that cause this. Being Autistic is not the cause.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Content warning *mention of suicide at the end* We dedicate this video in memory of Dr. Jason Arday, an openly autistic Black sociologist and educator who died on 14th August after the pile on by media hate.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Have you ever found yourself so deep in a daydream that you lost track of time completely? That the world around you faded out and you were somewhere else entirely, living out a scenario that felt almost real?

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Today is Women's Equality Day. A day that reminds us how far women have fought for the right to simply be treated as equal, and how far there is still to go. At SEMA, equality for women means nothing if it does not include racialised women. Disabled women. 👇🧵

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Today, 22nd August, is the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. A day to honour those who have been targeted, harmed, or killed simply for what they believe.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

This year the global community is honouring fallen humanitarians and calling for greater protection of health care workers in conflict zones and crisis settings. People who show up for others at enormous personal cost. People who keep going when the world looks away.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

We sincerely wish Jason's family our condolences and solidarity, and vow to keep fighting for justice. At SEMA many of us needed time to process this news as we watched the past month's onslaught of articles against him and the wider neurodivergent community from many angles.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

Today is the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. This year's theme, "Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being," shines a light on Indigenous midwives as custodians of cultural knowledge, community health, and intergenerational traditions.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Amongst all of the many articles, think-pieces and social media responses regarding the allegations made about Professor Jason Arday, the media coverage, and his subsequent resignation there is a stark lack of discussion on the role of supporting neurodiversity amongst academics.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

In many cultures, respect and shame carry enormous weight. Your worth can feel tied to how you present yourself, how you speak, how you move, how you behave in front of others. For Autistic people navigating those cultural expectations, this can be an exhausting and painful place to live.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

Today is the International Day of Hope. 12th July. A day to recognise hope as something real and active, a force that moves people forward, that builds communities, and that holds people together when systems fail them.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

July is South Asian Heritage Month, and this year's theme is Unity in Diversity. A celebration of the extraordinary breadth of South Asian communities and the values, histories, and connections that weave through them.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

SEMA and ARGH Scotland have come together to offer a free 8-week post-diagnosis and identification support course for Autistic adults in Scotland. Funded by Inspiring Scotland and built entirely by Autistic people, for Autistic people.

Promotional flyer for a free 8-week post-diagnosis support course for autistic people, created by autistic people. Logos for Inspiring Scotland, SEMA (Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics), and ARCH Scotland appear at the top. The flyer asks, “Have you recently identified as Autistic?” and lists course topics including understanding autism, sensory differences, PDA and inertia, mental health, Equality Act rights, communication, and more. Decorative illustrations show a person standing among outlines of people and a group sitting in a supportive circle. The course offers two groups (End of Summer and New Year), with 10 places per group and weekly Zoom sessions for autistic people only. Registration deadline is 26 June, with the registration link available in the accompanying post.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

Today is #WorldRefugeeDay. This year's theme is "Until Everyone Is Safe," marking 75 years since the 1951 Geneva Convention, the agreement that established the right to seek safety and protection. At SEMA, we think about what "safe" really means.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Today, 19th June, is the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. A day to honour survivors, demand accountability, and acknowledge that the impact of sexual violence reaches far beyond the moment it occurs.

Poster by SEMA (Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics) marking the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict on 19 June. The design features a beige background with brown text and floral accents. At the center, an illustration shows a distressed woman bound with rope while two large hands pull the rope tight from either side, symbolizing coercion, control, and violence. The poster raises awareness of sexual violence in conflict and supports efforts to eliminate it.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

SEMA and ARGH Scotland have created a FREE 8-week post-diagnosis/identification support course, specifically designed for Scottish racialised Autistic adults. FULL DETAILS: sema.scot/training-ses...

Promotional flyer for a free 8-week post-diagnosis support course for autistic people, created by and for autistic people. Logos for Inspiring Scotland, Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA), and ARGH Scotland appear at the top. The flyer asks, “Have you recently identified as Autistic?” and lists course topics including understanding autism, sensory differences, PDA and inertia, mental health, Equality Act rights, and communication. Information is displayed on a decorative scroll graphic. The course will run in two groups (end of summer and New Year), with 10 places per group and weekly Zoom sessions for autistic people only. Registration deadline is 26 June, and the registration link is stated to be in the post.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

“You’re not normal” No that wasn’t me being told, but instead me telling a neurotypical attendee at a recent training session. “You are female, Brown, wear hijab. Therefore, you are not normal. Normal is when you are a white man” [cis]

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

More than 1 billion people across the world are living with mental health conditions, according to new figures from the World Health Organization. Behind that number are real people trying to get through each day while feeling unseen, unsupported, exhausted, or overwhelmed.

Poster by SEMA (Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics) featuring the text “Over 1 Billion People Living With Mental Health Conditions (WHO).” The design includes an illustration of a distressed person sitting with their head in their hands beside a scribbled thought bubble, using purple and gold tones on a beige background.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

Many thanks for everyone who voted! Your support & appreciation means a lot to us as a small new org. We have far to travel and sometimes the journey feels overwhelming, but its the support from loved ones, friends, colleagues & our community that keeps us going. Our cause is bigger than us.

Promotional graphic for Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA) asking supporters to nominate them for the National Diversity Awards 2026. Text reads: “Have you benefitted/supported/appreciated work by SEMA? We would appreciate your support with our nomination at the National Diversity Awards 2026.” Voting deadline extended until 20th May. Below is a colourful National Diversity Awards banner congratulating Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics on their nomination for the Community Organisation Award for Race, Religion & Faith, with sponsor logos including HSBC UK, Kantar, and Airbus.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

Just a reminder that voting for the 2026 National Diversity Awards closes in 2 days. If our work has supported or helped you in any way, we’d really appreciate your vote. Every single one means a lot to us 💛 Vote here: www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/awards-2026/... Thank you for all.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

During the community training sessions with RISE FV last week, I mentioned mental health quite a few times. Not be because autism is a mental health condition. Not because being Autistic automatically means you will have a mental health difficulty. No.

Poster for SEMA (Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics) promoting Mental Health Awareness Week, taking place 11–17 May. The design features a beige background with brown text and dotted abstract patterns. At the bottom right, a black-and-white photo shows a person sitting curled up on a sofa with their head resting on folded arms, conveying sadness or emotional distress.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

We’re so honoured to have been nominated for this year’s NDA26. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported us 💛 If our work has helped or supported you in any way, we’d really appreciate your vote. Voting closes on May 13th. Vote here: www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/awards-2026/...

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

We’ve put together a short animated video exploring what Pervasive Drive for Autonomy can feel like, both on the outside and from within. Sometimes it might look like: • avoiding or delaying things • struggling with everyday demands 👇🧵

Poster by SEMA (Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics) and Community Fund titled “Pervasive Drive for Autonomy: what can it look like?” It notes that Urdu, English, and Pashto versions are available. Below the text is an illustration of a young person with a concerned or uncertain expression against a neutral background.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

This month, we shared a special video series as part of our Autism Acceptance Month work, focusing on community education in Urdu with English subtitles. Through this series, we explored a simple but powerful question: What is Autism? 👇🧵

Poster for Autism Acceptance Month by SEMA (Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics) and Community Fund. The heading reads “Explaining the essence of being Autistic.” Four illustrated sections are shown: “Context” (with Urdu text), depicting two people communicating; “Nervous System” (with Urdu text), showing a neuron; “Hierarchy” (with Urdu text), showing people arranged in levels; and “Autonomy” (with Urdu text), showing a woman in traditional South Asian clothing. At the bottom is the hashtag “#CelebrateDifferences” alongside an infinity symbol.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

This year, the focus is on something that doesn’t always get named. What it actually feels like to be at work. For a lot of people, especially racialised Autistic people, work can feel like something you have to get through rather than somewhere you can just be.

Poster for SEMA (Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics) promoting World Day for Safety and Health at Work on 28 April 2026, with the message “Ensuring a healthy psychosocial working environment for all.” The design features three women in professional attire in black and white, standing against a beige background with abstract shapes, and the website “sema.scot” at the bottom.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

We are delighted to announce that some kind souls have nominated us at this year's NDAwards! Thank you so much! If you think our work is beneficial and would like to support us, please enter a wee votes if you can. Thank you so much! www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/awards-2026/... #NDA26

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

🖤 Stephen Lawrence Day | April 22, 2026 We mark this day every year, not because of the horror of the incident itself, but for what it exposed in the very systems we seek safety. The theme is The Power of Learning - Knowledge Changes Everything A legacy of hope, a fight for justice...

Poster for SEMA (Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics) featuring a black-and-white portrait of a smiling young boy in a school uniform on the left. Large bold orange and black text reads “Stephen Lawrence Day” with an equals symbol. On the right, the message says “The Power of Learning – Knowledge Changes Everything.” The background is light beige.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA) is partnering with RISE Forth Valley to deliver a series of community sessions on Understanding and Supporting Autistic People. For questions or to book, contact the RISE Parent Club Coordinator on 07740 283292. #AutismTraining #CommunitySupport

Flyer promoting a series of community information sessions on understanding and supporting autistic people, delivered by Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics in partnership with RISE Forth Valley. Topics include what autism is, common myths, communication and sensory differences, how to support autistic people, and rights of autistic people and their carers.
Sessions are held at:

Tullibody Community Centre, Alloa on 21 and 28 April and 5 May, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Polmont Community Hub, Falkirk on 22 and 29 April and 6 May, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Mayfield Centre, Stirling on 30 April, 7 May (online), and 14 May, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Information is available in Urdu if needed. Contact details are provided for the RISE Parent Club coordinator. Logos for SEMA, RISE Forth Valley, and the Community Fund appear at the bottom.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Being assessed, or realising you are Autistic later in life, can be both a positive and emotional experience. It may help you understand why your experiences have felt different from those around you, or it may leave you with more questions than answers. @arghscotland.bsky.social 🧵👇

Free online “Post Diagnosis/Identification Course” for late-identified autistic adults in Scotland, specifically for Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic individuals. The flyer features a scenic green Scottish valley background and logos for Inspiring Scotland, SEMA (Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics), and ARGH Scotland. It invites participants to explore their autistic identity in a safe, supportive space. The course runs Sundays from 17 May to 5 July, 7:00–9:00 PM, for 8 weeks. Limited places available. Delivered by SEMA and ARGH Scotland through the Improving Access Fund.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Today, many in our communities are marking Baisakhi. For Sikh communities, it holds deep spiritual meaning. It marks the founding of the Khalsa. For others, it’s a time of harvest, renewal, and coming together. #SEMA #Baisakhi

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

There have been brief moments recently where I wished I wasn’t autistic. This was because of other people’s treatment, not because of any intrinsic flaws within me. When those people are very close relationships, it hurts even more.

Poster for Self Acceptance Month by SEMA (Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics). Background shows yellow tulips with one red tulip in the foreground. Text reads “Autistic, Not Weird!” with an infinity symbol. A bar chart shows responses to the statement “If there were a cure for my autism, I would take it.” Most respondents selected “strongly disagree” (54.99%) and “disagree” (26.95%), with smaller percentages agreeing or neutral. Bottom text reads “#CelebrateDifferences” and “sema.scot”.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 11/04/2026

So for Autism Acceptance Month we would like to take the reflections from our community training project and try to educate folks about the basic principles of supporting Autistics in our communities. @thendeducator.bsky.social 👇 🧵

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

We purposely didn’t post about World Autism Day this year. There are merits to mark a day where organisations (private, public & 3rd sectors) all speak about this, however, a lot of times, they initiate conversations by omitting actually autistic voices. 👇🧵

Two hands of different skin tones form a heart shape around a gold infinity symbol, with text reading “SEMA – Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics,” “World Autism Day?” and “#CelebrateDifferences,” plus the website sema.scot.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA) is partnering with RISE Forth Valley to deliver a series of community sessions on Understanding and Supporting Autistic People. These sessions are designed to build awareness, challenge misconceptions, and support communities to better understand Autism. 👇🧵

Flyer announcing a series of community information sessions by Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA) in partnership with RISE Forth Valley. The sessions focus on understanding and supporting autistic people, covering topics such as what autism is, common myths, communication and sensory differences, how to provide support, and the rights of autistic people and their carers.

Three locations and dates are listed:

Alloa (venue TBC): 21st and 28th April, 5th May, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Polmont Community Hub, Falkirk: 22nd and 29th April, 6th May, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Mayfield Centre, Stirling: 30th April, 7th and 14th May, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Additional note says information can be explained in Urdu if needed and encourages wider community attendance to build understanding and support. Contact number provided for the RISE Parent Club coordinator: 07740283292. Logos for SEMA, RISE Forth Valley, and The National Lottery Community Fund appear at the bottom.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 05/04/2026

Today marks the end of Holy Week. A well deserved day of celebration for those who observed Lent, reflecting on the sacrifices made by Jesus (peace be upon him) to maintain humanity in us humans.

Happy Easter card from SEMA (Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics). Cream background with floral garlands at the top and a gold “Happy Easter” headline. Below, a message reads: “A time to remember that hope keeps us alive and nature demonstrates the beauty of steadfastness and regrowth.” On the right, a wooden cross is surrounded by green leaves and spring flowers. Website “sema.scot” appears at the bottom.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Today is about recognising and celebrating transgender people and their contributions, while also acknowledging the challenges many still face in living safely and authentically.

Poster for International Transgender Day of Visibility on 31st March 2026 by SEMA (Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics). Below the title, a photo shows two people in traditional South Asian clothing outdoors; one gently places a flower garland on the other, who has eyes closed. The website sema.scot appears at the bottom.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

We are offering free community training on Autism Fully funded through the Ethnic Minority Development Fund (EMDF) Available until July 2026 Delivered by SEMA, this training is led by lived experience and shaped by the realities of racialised Autistic communities. 👇🧵

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

For too long, autistic people have been unheard, unsupported, and excluded from decisions about our own lives. SEMA, along with @amase.org.uk , @arghscotland.bsky.social @auroraconsulting.bsky.social & AVATAR have come together to set out a shared vision for change. 👇🧵

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 22/03/2026

Neurodiversity & colonialism are linked in various ways, primarily through the historical and ongoing impact of colonialism on diverse populations, including neurodivergent individuals. There are some ways in which they are connected. Learn more here: www.instagram.com/p/DWMXsnZNIev/

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 21/03/2026

21st March marks the #InternationalDayfortheElimination of Racial Discrimination. This day reminds us that racism is not just something that exists in history. It continues to shape the experiences, opportunities, and safety of many people around the world.

Poster for SEMA (Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics) marking International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21 March 2026. Background shows diverse hands stacked together. Text reads: “Eliminating racial discrimination means recognising every identity people carry. Race, culture, faith, and neurodivergence all shape how justice is experienced.” Website: sema.scot.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

Different community groups can become neuro-affirming in their practice by implementing the following strategies: 1. Education & Training 2. Accessibility & Accommodation 3. Inclusive Language & Communication

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

There are several reasons why there may be a lack of vocabulary regarding neurodiversity in many cultures: 1.Cultural Differences 2.Stigma and Shame 3.Medicalisation & Pathologisation 4.Lack of Awareness & Education 5.Historical & Socioeconomic Factors Read more: www.instagram.com/p/DWB2DJGMVE5/

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

#neurodivergency may not be as widely accepted within racialised communities for several reasons: 1. Lack of Awareness 2. Cultural Stigma 3. Access to Resources 4. Intersectional Discrimination 5. Cultural Norms and Expectations Read full post here: www.instagram.com/p/DV_KpEph9Fp/

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

#MothersDay can hold many emotions. Today, we honour mothers in all their forms. Mothers who nurture, protect, teach, and hold their families together through quiet strength and endless care. We recognise the Autistic mothers raising children with love despite the exhaustion. 👇🧵

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

Sleep is not always simple. For many Autistic people, sleep can already be a fragile balance. Sensory sensitivities, racing thoughts, anxiety, or disrupted routines can make rest difficult to find. During Ramadan, this balance can become even more challenging.

Poster from SEMA (Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics) for World Sleep Day, 13 March 2026. It asks “Do Women Need More Sleep Than Men?” and answers “Yes.” The graphic explains that women sleep about 11 minutes more on average but often experience more fragmented, poorer quality sleep. Reasons listed include higher caregiving responsibilities, being 40% more likely to experience insomnia, twice as likely to have restless legs syndrome, and being more prone to poor sleep due to chronic pain. Illustrations show a woman holding her stomach to represent pain during menstruation or pregnancy and another woman lying awake in bed. The poster encourages people with sleep problems to speak to their doctor. Website links: sleepfoundation.org and sema.scot.

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Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics @semascot.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

Happy Women's day to all the women around us! Today is a reminder to take a moment to reflect, recognise, and take action at a time when women and girls are politicised, victimised and terrorised. #Internationalwomen'sday

Poster from SEMA (Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics) for International Women’s Day, 8 March 2026. The text reads: “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls. #IWD2026.” A message explains that visibility, support, and understanding for women and girls facing multiple barriers help create pathways for justice and equality, highlighting the importance of recognition, representation, and culturally aware support for racialised autistic women. Background image shows a diverse group of smiling women with purple butterfly graphics. Website: sema.scot.

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