ABOUT ME AND LIFE ON A DIFFERENT FREQUENCY
Hi, I’m Angie
My best friend calls me Ang, but please call me Angie, or Dipshit. Anything, really, but Ang.
Years ago, I told readers of my then-current book that they could call me Ang.
I hated it, for reasons I’m sure you understand.
Who Am I and What is Life on a Different Frequency?
I sat down with my inner voice and did a little interview about me and Life on a Different Frequency. I hope you enjoy it.
Content Warning: I cannot be serious. I’m sorry. Also I swear.
About Angie Dixon
What inspired you to create Life on a Different Frequency?
I was diagnosed with Inattentive ADD 30 years ago. Three weeks ago, my diagnosis was changed to ADHD and autism. That. Explained. Everything.
How so?
In 2006, I wrote a book called The Leonardo Trait. It was an exploration of profound creativity and an attempt to figure out how to be in the World.
As a self-exploration, it answered some questions, but raised a lot more.
“Autism” answered the rest.
So will there be a new book?
I sure hope so.
Can you describe a moment in your life when you realized you were living on a ‘different frequency’?
Just one?
Hmm. Let me think.
This is me thinking.
Okay. I’ve always said I have two speeds, fast and stop.
I’ve also always known I was different, but I didn’t think of it as “gifted.”
A while back, I was talking with a publisher about The Leonardo Trait. I said I created some collateral materials for the first edition.
I mentioned emails, weekly creativity tips, some articles, and some short eBooks. Both editors were pretty impressed with all of that.
Then I remembered that I invented a board game. They both laughed and said, “Oh, by the way.” Then one of them, I think Jane, pointed out that I don’t think I’m special.
And do you? Think you’re special?
No. I think I’m an octopus in a China shop.
An octopus?
Think about it. A bull can knock shit over. But an octopus, man. An octopus can throw shit. A lot of shit. You know, because of the eight arms.
That’s a good point.
Why did you choose that story, about the publishers?
We all have stories of being teased or bullied. I wanted to showcase being treasured.
How has your understanding of being ‘gifted’ evolved over time?
I was never called gifted as a child, but my crazy junior high only had two classes, and I was in the smart one.
No one knew anything about ADHD or autism, especially in girls. I was just the weird kid.
I stuck out like an–
Octopus?
I was going to say sore thumb, but octopus works.
What challenges have you faced due to your unique way of experiencing the world, and how have you overcome them?**
I’m going to talk about friendships and work.
Friends are hard, especially as an adult. I’ve always been “A Lot,” and a lot of people don’t know how to deal with me.
I’ve had some definite heartbreaks, but I’ve been friends with my best friend for over 40 years, and other friendships have sustained.
It’s about finding the people who love my brand of different.
And I’ve been married to the most neurotypical man in the world for over 30 years.
I think it’s telling that most of my friends are neurotypical. They obviously needed some neurospice in their lives.
And work?
I’m basically retired now because of chronic back and nerve pain, but I worked as a freelance writer and author for 20 years because I was basically unemployable.
I can’t follow stupid directions or inane rules. I can’t sit still. I can’t respect disrespectful people.
That about sums up some workplaces.
Yeah.
Who are your role models or inspirations in embracing a ‘different frequency’ life?
Can I name two?
Sure.
First, I think I’ve known something was different in my brain for over 30 years, since first hearing Temple Grandin on the radio promoting Thinking in Pictures. She described how I think, but I knew I wasn’t autistic.
You were wrong about that?
So confidently wrong.
Who’s your other major influence?
My son Jack. He is the most interesting and intelligent person I know, also autistic, and as an adult, one of my closest friends. Also basically my brain in a Different body.
But you still didn’t think you were autistic?
So very wrong, but confident.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who feels they don’t fit into the conventional spectrum?
Embrace that. Find your own path. You are truly special and distinctive and important.
About Life on a Different Frequency
What is the core mission of Life on a Different Frequency?
Besides keeping me out of jail and off the street?
My goal is to provide something to think about and someone to talk to about it.
How do you hope to impact the lives of your visitors and community members?
I just want them to know they’re not octopuses.
Octopi?
No, I’m pretty sure it’s octopuses.
Anyway. I want neurodivergers to know they are beyond okay.
Can you describe the types of content and resources visitors can expect to find on your site?
The blog will feature information and musings on all aspects of life as a neurodivergent adult, and the community will give us all someone to play with.
How can someone get involved with or contribute to Life on a Different Frequency?
Comment on the blog. Join the Facebook group. Be a beta reader for the eventual book. Shoot me a message and we can chat.
What has been the most rewarding part of creating and running this website?
I say welcome home to my visitors, but truly I’ve found my own home.
What future plans or developments can visitors look forward to on Life on a Different Frequency?
The community and blog will grow, we’ll all have fun, and we’ll see what happens.