Retrophiliac

I reflect on taking responsibility and learning, while highlighting how autistic traits are often misunderstood or punished, and why our communities should support rather than exclude each other.

These four images explore my experiences of lateral ableism from other Autistic people. They show being judged for following rules, hyperfixating, struggling to process information, and panic responses.

Ethical sharing means crediting creators, sharing from the source, and respecting the time, effort, and care behind every piece. Always check the source and uplift creators instead of reposting without permission.

My work was shared without permission and my watermark removed. Taking content without credit misrepresents creators, erases our voices, and sends the message that it’s okay to steal work.

I know my own past behaviour may have sometimes added to this, but I made the choice to grow and change. It is never too late to pause, reflect, and choose compassion over division. Our community is stronger when we uplift one another instead of tearing each other down.

That does not build credibility; it shows a willingness to accept whatever “truth” suits the moment without leaving room for nuance. Sadly, this is how lateral ableism continues to thrive, with our own community pitted against each other instead of supported.

Sometimes people will misinterpret a post and twist it into something it was never meant to be. When others rush to like or share that kind of content, even when it is just an opinion, it can spread harmful and untrue narratives.

www.ebay.ca/usr/retrophi...

Still focusing on my retrophiliac business but also starting to focus on my re-sale clothing & accessory biz because it seems to be where I am finding more success these days.

Thank you

YouTube video by Retrophiliac Spending the Day With Me: Autistic in Vancouver

Clips from a day in my life as an autistic person in Vancouver! Sharing little moments, routines, and what everyday life may look like for me.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUxV...

First rejection email of the day and then one response saying they'll keep my info on file and another response saying they'll send my stuff to a different department.

It's still early and I found more email addresses to send my information to.

If these organizations really want to work with me, they can start by supporting my disability-focused business instead of ignoring my needs.

Disabled people have been hearing ableist comments from organizations for years. Being told 'you’re the kind of person we’d work with, not work for' is just another example of that dismissal.

I'm working on designing stickers I can put up easily where posters are up in the city.
However, I'm having a difficult time maintaining a bright vibrant pastel purple in CMYK.

Does anyone have any pointers or even advice on what this should look like?

52 emails sent out today.

Self-employment lets me control my environment, protect my health, and create meaningful work. I design enamel pins and communication tools, run workshops, and advocate for others. Your support helps me share my work, reach the right audiences, and build sustainable opportunities.

I’m autistic and experienced autonomic nervous system overload during a job trial. Traditional work can be overwhelming.

Such responses undermine the idea of truly caring for the community. If you witness it, consider disengaging from those who do it, because they will likely choose not to care about you or your mental health either. Their focus is on controlling the narrative, not on supporting people’s well-being.

Autism advocacy and activism must make space for mental health. Silencing someone who is responding in panic or in other extreme ways happens far too often, and I am calling it out because it has to stop.

It is okay to protect your boundaries, step away from unsafe spaces, and prioritize your well-being. Recognizing patterns, holding space for mental health, and staying compassionate while accountable helps build safer, healthier autistic spaces online.

No autistic person is perfect, even public-facing influencers. Manipulation, exclusion, and unacknowledged mental health can harm communities.

If you can, please share my link with retailers or organizations who might carry my items. Every referral helps me continue supporting the communities I care about most.

🌎 Retailer perks at retrophiliac.faire.com:
• 60-day payment terms (eligible retailers)
• Easy ordering with one Faire account
• Free returns on your first order (handled by Faire)
• New referrals get 50% off + 1 year of free shipping

My wholesale on Faire has plummeted almost 50%, and that makes it harder for me to survive and keep expanding the work I do. I design disability advocacy, neurodiversity, and queer pride enamel pins, stickers, lanyards, and accessories—tools that help people with self-advocacy and visibility.

Each pin is polished by hand so small variations may occur but I always do my best to send the best one I have. Designed in Canada.

This enamel pin reads “I HAVE FND Functional Neurological Disorder” in bold black text on a white background with a black border. It measures 1.5 inches wide by 0.58 inches tall and has two posts for secure wear.

Please check out retrophiliac.etsy.com & shopretrophiliac.com
I have thousands of units of products sitting untouched and this has been the hardest time for me & many other small businesses.

f you're queer, autistic, neurodivergent, disabled - i am in Canada & I design merchandise you may be interested in.
Unfortunately, with the tariff situation & de minimis going away, I am definitely struggling. I appreciate everyone who is helping me brainstorm places to get my items out there!

Highlighting their stories would increase visibility and acknowledge their contributions.