Amanda Van Slyke

As you grow older, you might become suicidal, or have unexplained health issues.

As one autistic friend said to me, “a lot of us live online” — but we don’t have to. We can create a world where there’s more understanding of people who are neuro-diverse, starting by talking about it.

When I consistently feel like I’m coming down with a fever, the last thing on my mind is leaving my apartment to run errands or socialize ,  never mind having sex. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want it.

If you find yourself in a crossroads rights now, where you don’t know if you should quit school or find a new career or move into your parents’ basement to figure out your life — know that whatever you’re doing, you’re not worthless.

The other night I was supposed to have a bunch of friends over. I made the event on Facebook weeks in advance when I was feeling really social, checking off ‘interested’ to a ton of other events in anticipation that I would soon be doing ALL THE THINGS.

I’ve spent most of my adult life trying various treatments for my mood — antidepressants, which helped my anxiety but made it impossible to orgasm, alcohol which made my anxiety worse the day after. I was curious to see if microdosing edibles would help me take my symptoms from tolerable to non-existent.

I’ve always been seen as difficult — even from the beginning. And I’m sick of being expected by society to bow my head and be quiet.

It wasn’t until looking into solo polyamory I realized I don’t have to feel guilty for having separate needs from my partner.