Healthcare and Social Media
“It’s a running joke in my family that my life pretty much revolves around social media. Some of it can be explained away by the fact that almost all of my professional work is online, but there’s only so much ‘research’ one can get away with before others realise that you’re actually just nosing through Twitter for the latest gossip.
But there’s another reason I love sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I’m autistic, and I struggle with communication. If there’s a misinterpretation to be made, I’ll make it. I’m forever being offended – and offending others in turn – simply because I’ve misunderstood the tone of a conversation.
But online I can read a comment several times, look for the context against other comments around it, and then write a response with a reasonable expectation of not completely messing up. Social media enables people with a similar experience to me to have a social life without having to leave the house. If I’m struggling and feeling alone then I just have to click through the #actuallyautistic hashtag on Twitter to find others feeling the same, or offering support and advice.”
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