Hello, I am Keira Fulton-Lees, an Autistic individual and a multifaceted creator. My journey encompasses roles as a publication owner, editor, writer, artist, photographer, musician, and IT expert, fueled by an insatiable quest for knowledge. I am deeply committed to advocating for autism, frequently sharing my personal experiences living with the condition.

My primary aim is to enhance awareness surrounding autism and its associated challenges, including anxiety, PTSD, sensory processing disorder, alexithymia, synesthesia, ADHD, depression, and more. Ultimately, I aspire to foster total equality and genuine acceptance for autistic individuals, neurodivergent people, and those who defy societal norms, including the LGBTQ+ community.

Through my writing and the contributions of other authors at my publication, Artfully Autistic, I hope to offer relatable narratives that resonate with our shared experiences. I seek to inspire courage, self-acceptance, and improved quality of life for fellow neurodivergent individuals, emphasizing that we should not merely exist but thrive while embracing our authentic autistic identities.

I actively combat the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health issues, which remains prevalent in contemporary society. My creative expressions include stories, poetry, and poetic prose. Interestingly, while a significant portion of my work focuses on autism and mental health, these themes are interwoven throughout all aspects of my life.

You may have noticed my introduction: "Hi, I am Autistic and my name is Keira Fulton-Lees." This phrasing emphasizes my identity, contrasting with a more traditional introduction that places my name first. This choice reflects an ongoing dialogue within the autistic community regarding person-first language versus identity-first language. The mental health system tends to favor the former, but many in the autistic community advocate for the latter.

As I often explain, autism is not merely something we possess; it is an intrinsic part of who we are. Unlike other conditions, autism is deeply intertwined with our core identity, as confirmed by both social perceptions and scientific research.

Research shows that the neural pathways in autistic individuals differ significantly from those of neurotypical individuals. Autistic brains exhibit what is termed "aberrant neuroplasticity," meaning they do not adapt or regenerate neurons in response to experiences as neurotypical brains do. This fact underscores the challenges faced by autistic individuals and the limitations of interventions designed for neurotypical people.

Understanding this difference can be a painful realization, especially when interventions that succeed for others prove ineffective for us. Moreover, many autistic individuals resist the notion of "curing" autism, believing that such changes would compromise our essential selves. The way we experience the world is beautifully unique, filled with vibrant sensory experiences that defy adequate description.

Living with autism often feels like existing on a different planet, navigating a world that sometimes feels out of reach. Despite the struggles, I find strength in creativity and imagination, which flourish in the spaces between challenges.

In this ongoing journey of acceptance, I have come to embrace my autism and celebrate my differences. Understanding why I have often felt out of place has empowered me tremendously.

I have finally recognized that while I cannot change my autism, I can manage it, leading to a sense of self-acceptance and pride in my identity. I celebrate my unique interests, which include:

• The Moon – My Beloved Glowing Friend
• Music – I compose and play original instrumental pieces
• Art – Drawing and painting bring me joy
• Writing and Poetry – I explore my life experiences related to the spectrum and mental health
• Photography – Capturing moments in time is a passion of mine
• Coding – Particularly in Java and Perl, a language dear to my heart
• My Son – The love of my life and my greatest joy

Sincerely,

Keira Fulton-Lees Artfully Autistic Advocate for Autism [email protected]

Owner of the Medium Publication Artfully Autistic and Neurodiverse Writers – In Our Own Words

I am a writer for:

• Illumination Curated
• Illumination
• The POM
• Storymaker
• The Art of Autism
• The Mighty
• Yahoo! (Distribution of the preceding article on “The Mighty”)

My Profile on Medium Examples of my instrumental music compositions can be found on Bandcamp.

Footnotes ¹ Code of Virginia § 37.2–809. Involuntary temporary detention; issuance and execution of order.