Intellectual Disability

Hi my name is Saida Mahoney and this is my story

I am more than my Autism Spectrum Disorder and the chronic conditions I live with.

My life cannot be defined by medical labels alone, and my identity is not limited to diagnosis or circumstances.

Yes, I live with chronic complex disabilities. Yes, they shape parts of my daily life and the way I move through the world.

But they do not define the fullness of who I am and what I am about.

My chronic disabilities are part of my story and my journey but they are not my ending.

Beyond my chronic health conditions, I am someone who learns, grows, creates, Lead and advocates.

I am a writer, I am an author of 13 books, I am a podcaster. I am someone who uses my voice to share my experiences and to help others feel seen, be heard and understood.

I care deeply about community, connection, and belonging.

I am still becoming.

Living with my chronic disabilities has shaped my perspective, but it has never taken away my ability to dream, to hope, to believe or to build meaning in my life.

It has taught me resilience, patience, awareness, courage and strength—but it is only one part of a much larger journey.

I am not only someone who lives with challenges. I am also someone who lives with purpose.

There are many layers to who I am, what I am and none of them exist alone.

My experiences with multiple chronic complex disabilities are real, but so are my dreams and my wishes.

My experiences with my Autism make communication challenging and so much more etc and I am more unique because of it

My limitations are real, but so are my possibilities.

I refuse to be reduced to a diagnosis.

I am shaped by my experiences, but I am not confined by them.

Every day, I continue to grow into myself. I continue to learn, to express, to grow and to move forward with hope.

My life is still unfolding, still expanding, still blossoming and still becoming.

My disabilities are part of my story—but they are not the ending.

I am still becoming.

#Autism #IntellectualDisability

I’m new here I have intellectual disability & autism & high anxiety. Looking for friends for support.

What Is Fragile X Syndrome
Fragile X Syndrome is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability. It results from a mutation in the FMR1 gene that stops the production of a vital brain protein (FMRP)which can lead to developmental, learning, and behavioral issues like anxiety, ADHD, and autism-like traits. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Fragile X Syndrome, but the good news is that early interventions like speech, occupational, and physical therapy and medications for mental health disorders or ADHD can significantly help manage symptoms, improve skills, and enhance the quality of life of people who have this syndrome. Oh and ongoing research is currently exploring gene therapies for people living with Fragile X Syndrome.

What Is Angelman Syndrome
Angelman Syndrome (AS) is a rare genetic disorder that causes severe developmental delays, intellectual disability, limited speech, seizures, and movement and balance issues. It is often accompanied by a happy demeanor, frequent smiling and laughter, and a fascination with water. On the other hand, Angelmen Syndrome is caused by the absence or malfunction of the maternal UBE3A gene on chromosome 15. Last but not least, while there's no cure for Angelman Syndrome the good news is that therapies like occupational, physical and speech can help people who have it manage symptoms and live a healthy and productive life,