Gareth Coates
@garethcoates.com
Writer. Dad. Autistic. Seriously jaded former volunteer in non-League and schools' football. Views expressed are my own.
Pinned
Gareth Coates
@garethcoates.com
· Nov 10
Hi, BlueSky. Having been lurking and replying for a while, I should introduce myself.
I'm an autistic non-fiction writer who is also an unpaid carer to my wife and son. I've just completed an MA in Creative Writing at the Open University and I was a huge football (soccer) fan for years.
I'm an autistic non-fiction writer who is also an unpaid carer to my wife and son. I've just completed an MA in Creative Writing at the Open University and I was a huge football (soccer) fan for years.
Five years ago today, our third child, Josie Jean Coates, was born sleeping. A few days later, I wrote something in an effort to process events and which I hoped might help other families in a similar boat. To mark Josie's heavenly birthday, here's that piece: www.garethcoates.com/2020/11/25/j...
Josie Jean Coates: A life not lived - Gareth Coates
I'd like to tell you the story behind a tweet which was sent out late on a Saturday night but has had a far greater impact than I could ever have imagined. This is the tweet: Josie Jean Coates was bor...
www.garethcoates.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Five years ago today, our third child, Josie Jean Coates, was born sleeping. A few days later, I wrote something in an effort to process events and which I hoped might help other families in a similar boat. To mark Josie's heavenly birthday, here's that piece: www.garethcoates.com/2020/11/25/j...
To mark #WorldMentalHealthDay I would like to share something I wrote back in 2023. It’s about being an #autistic parent to a child who’s not just autistic; they have other needs too. It’s called ‘What If?’ and is a snapshot of a really early, difficult morning.
www.garethcoates.com/2024/03/25/w...
www.garethcoates.com/2024/03/25/w...
What If? An early morning freewrite - Gareth Coates
What If? is a freewrite based on the realities of being a late-diagnosed autistic person trying to parent an autistic child with complex needs of their own.
www.garethcoates.com
October 10, 2025 at 2:21 PM
To mark #WorldMentalHealthDay I would like to share something I wrote back in 2023. It’s about being an #autistic parent to a child who’s not just autistic; they have other needs too. It’s called ‘What If?’ and is a snapshot of a really early, difficult morning.
www.garethcoates.com/2024/03/25/w...
www.garethcoates.com/2024/03/25/w...
This man told people to drink bleach to treat COVID-19. Autism isn’t “artificially induced” and it can’t be blamed on taking paracetamol during pregnancy. Or vaccines. This dangerous nonsense is going to kill people.
September 23, 2025 at 12:48 AM
This man told people to drink bleach to treat COVID-19. Autism isn’t “artificially induced” and it can’t be blamed on taking paracetamol during pregnancy. Or vaccines. This dangerous nonsense is going to kill people.
The new left wing party hasn't even got a name yet, and it has already disintegrated. Hopeless.
September 18, 2025 at 5:39 PM
The new left wing party hasn't even got a name yet, and it has already disintegrated. Hopeless.
No, sorry, as a working class autistic I can honestly say I have never done any of the things Gregg Wallace has been accused of. Neurodivergence is not an excuse for inappropriate behaviour and it never was. Nor is class. If he’d behaved with a shred of decency, Wallace would still have a job.
Gregg Wallace issues a new statement: “This has been brutal. For a working-class man with a direct manner, modern broadcasting has become a dangerous place. I was the headline this time. But I won’t be the last.”
July 14, 2025 at 1:53 PM
No, sorry, as a working class autistic I can honestly say I have never done any of the things Gregg Wallace has been accused of. Neurodivergence is not an excuse for inappropriate behaviour and it never was. Nor is class. If he’d behaved with a shred of decency, Wallace would still have a job.
Holy hell. If #DWP get this through, it will have massive ramifications. There are parts of the country where getting an NHS diagnosis for most/all kinds of neurodivergence is virtually impossible! I’m lucky in that I do have an NHS diagnosis but until provision is universal, many won’t
If your in #SEND or #Neurodivergent care. Private diagnosis just became unsafe. The latest #DisabilityBenefits documents just ruled out anything other than a NHS diagnosis will count. It has serious knock on effects this. Even for children now & later in life. #Autistic #Adhd
June 19, 2025 at 9:04 AM
Holy hell. If #DWP get this through, it will have massive ramifications. There are parts of the country where getting an NHS diagnosis for most/all kinds of neurodivergence is virtually impossible! I’m lucky in that I do have an NHS diagnosis but until provision is universal, many won’t
Cutting disability benefits will kill people. Fact. Plus the current claims process is cruel and unfit for purpose, as I discussed in my #Curae entry:
www.garethcoates.com/2025/05/01/t...
I’m hoping my MP, @anneliesemidgleymp.bsky.social will do the right thing and oppose the cuts
www.garethcoates.com/2025/05/01/t...
I’m hoping my MP, @anneliesemidgleymp.bsky.social will do the right thing and oppose the cuts
The reality of playing politics with PIP - Gareth Coates
The piece below was written in February 2025 and entered into the 2025 Curae Prize, which is for writers who are also unpaid carers. It hasn't made the shortlist, but I remain proud of it so am sharin...
www.garethcoates.com
June 19, 2025 at 8:26 AM
Cutting disability benefits will kill people. Fact. Plus the current claims process is cruel and unfit for purpose, as I discussed in my #Curae entry:
www.garethcoates.com/2025/05/01/t...
I’m hoping my MP, @anneliesemidgleymp.bsky.social will do the right thing and oppose the cuts
www.garethcoates.com/2025/05/01/t...
I’m hoping my MP, @anneliesemidgleymp.bsky.social will do the right thing and oppose the cuts
Reposted by Gareth Coates
For those asking when they will see the work of all our shortlisted and winning writers, the answer is in our second #Curae anthology published late this year. Intro from me and brilliantly edited & produced by @renardpress.com - and raising funds for carers’ charities
Introducing our three 2025 #Curae prize winners
Poetry. Charlotte Ansell. 'Sinkhole'
Nonfiction. Rebekah Lawler. '200 Pink Buns'
Fiction. Judy Gordon. 'Phyllis'
thecuraeprize.uk
Poetry. Charlotte Ansell. 'Sinkhole'
Nonfiction. Rebekah Lawler. '200 Pink Buns'
Fiction. Judy Gordon. 'Phyllis'
thecuraeprize.uk
the word congratulations is surrounded by colorful confetti on a white background
Alt: the word congratulations is surrounded by colorful confetti on a white background
media.tenor.com
June 4, 2025 at 8:24 AM
For those asking when they will see the work of all our shortlisted and winning writers, the answer is in our second #Curae anthology published late this year. Intro from me and brilliantly edited & produced by @renardpress.com - and raising funds for carers’ charities
If @elsawilliams.bsky.social can write so bravely about her experiences with PIP, then maybe I can share something I wrote in February but couldn't publish at the time. It's a story of knockbacks, tribunals and about DWP #TakingThePIP
www.garethcoates.com/2025/05/01/t...
www.garethcoates.com/2025/05/01/t...
The reality of playing politics with PIP - Gareth Coates
The piece below was written in February 2025 and entered into the 2025 Curae Prize, which is for writers who are also unpaid carers. It hasn't made the shortlist, but I remain proud of it so am sharin...
www.garethcoates.com
June 1, 2025 at 4:18 PM
If @elsawilliams.bsky.social can write so bravely about her experiences with PIP, then maybe I can share something I wrote in February but couldn't publish at the time. It's a story of knockbacks, tribunals and about DWP #TakingThePIP
www.garethcoates.com/2025/05/01/t...
www.garethcoates.com/2025/05/01/t...
Congratulations to Charlotte, Rebekah and Judy, of course. But also to everyone else who was shortlisted for this year’s #Curae. Clearly, you are all awesome because you are simultaneously fantastic writers and unpaid carers. Thanks to the judges and everyone who helped make the prize happen.
Introducing our three 2025 #Curae prize winners
Poetry. Charlotte Ansell. 'Sinkhole'
Nonfiction. Rebekah Lawler. '200 Pink Buns'
Fiction. Judy Gordon. 'Phyllis'
thecuraeprize.uk
Poetry. Charlotte Ansell. 'Sinkhole'
Nonfiction. Rebekah Lawler. '200 Pink Buns'
Fiction. Judy Gordon. 'Phyllis'
thecuraeprize.uk
the word congratulations is surrounded by colorful confetti on a white background
Alt: the word congratulations is surrounded by colorful confetti on a white background
media.tenor.com
June 1, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Congratulations to Charlotte, Rebekah and Judy, of course. But also to everyone else who was shortlisted for this year’s #Curae. Clearly, you are all awesome because you are simultaneously fantastic writers and unpaid carers. Thanks to the judges and everyone who helped make the prize happen.
I won’t be winning the #curae, but I am very excited to find out who is. Putting my entry together gave me some much needed mojo at a time when I really needed it. I’m so grateful to have been able to take part.
May 31, 2025 at 5:19 PM
I won’t be winning the #curae, but I am very excited to find out who is. Putting my entry together gave me some much needed mojo at a time when I really needed it. I’m so grateful to have been able to take part.
I enjoyed Kate’s early work but wasn’t familiar with her recent material. This is brilliant. Thanks to @untidymusic.com for reposting this into my timeline.
#JustListened
I'm not terribly familiar with Kate's discography outside of a few bigger hits here and there but FUCK, she just scored big on the respect scale with me!
Absolutely, 100% recommended!
katenashmusic.bandcamp.com/album/germ
I'm not terribly familiar with Kate's discography outside of a few bigger hits here and there but FUCK, she just scored big on the respect scale with me!
Absolutely, 100% recommended!
katenashmusic.bandcamp.com/album/germ
GERM, by Kate Nash
1 track album
katenashmusic.bandcamp.com
May 30, 2025 at 8:21 AM
I enjoyed Kate’s early work but wasn’t familiar with her recent material. This is brilliant. Thanks to @untidymusic.com for reposting this into my timeline.
Reposted by Gareth Coates
From the creators of "I don't like Rage against the Machine anymore, they've gone woke", we bring you a new, thrilling journey of self discovery:
May 17, 2025 at 1:19 PM
From the creators of "I don't like Rage against the Machine anymore, they've gone woke", we bring you a new, thrilling journey of self discovery:
Who’s going to tell Darren “Pocket Money” Jones that his Government’s proposed reforms to disability benefits are the opposite of “love and compassion”?
We are in an era of five party politics. But there’s only two sides.
Our side: a politics of love, compassion and community. With the ideas to transform Britain.
And their side: a politics of anger, division and blame. Posing only a risk to Britain.
I say to the populist right: bring it on.
Our side: a politics of love, compassion and community. With the ideas to transform Britain.
And their side: a politics of anger, division and blame. Posing only a risk to Britain.
I say to the populist right: bring it on.
May 16, 2025 at 7:52 AM
Who’s going to tell Darren “Pocket Money” Jones that his Government’s proposed reforms to disability benefits are the opposite of “love and compassion”?
Back in February, I entered a personal essay into the non-fiction category of the #Curae Prize. It hasn't made the shortlist, so I'm free to publish it myself.
As an Unpaid Carer who is #ActuallyAutistic, I've been through the mill, as the essay discusses:
www.garethcoates.com/2025/05/01/t...
As an Unpaid Carer who is #ActuallyAutistic, I've been through the mill, as the essay discusses:
www.garethcoates.com/2025/05/01/t...
The reality of playing politics with PIP - Gareth Coates
The piece below was written in February 2025 and entered into the 2025 Curae Prize, which is for writers who are also unpaid carers. It hasn't made the shortlist, but I remain proud of it so am sharin...
www.garethcoates.com
May 2, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Back in February, I entered a personal essay into the non-fiction category of the #Curae Prize. It hasn't made the shortlist, so I'm free to publish it myself.
As an Unpaid Carer who is #ActuallyAutistic, I've been through the mill, as the essay discusses:
www.garethcoates.com/2025/05/01/t...
As an Unpaid Carer who is #ActuallyAutistic, I've been through the mill, as the essay discusses:
www.garethcoates.com/2025/05/01/t...
Massive congratulations to everyone listed below. I can’t wait to read your work in the anthology. Now to think about whether I should put my entry out there via my website.
NONFICTION (including creative nonfiction)
This is a car park for the parents of DISABLED children. Georgie Steele.
The Life I Lead. Elaine Gregersen.
200 Pink Buns. Rebekah Lawler
Metamorphosis. Anoushka Yeoh
Displaced. Sue Wright
#Curae
This is a car park for the parents of DISABLED children. Georgie Steele.
The Life I Lead. Elaine Gregersen.
200 Pink Buns. Rebekah Lawler
Metamorphosis. Anoushka Yeoh
Displaced. Sue Wright
#Curae
May 1, 2025 at 11:12 AM
Massive congratulations to everyone listed below. I can’t wait to read your work in the anthology. Now to think about whether I should put my entry out there via my website.
Good luck to everyone who has joined me in entering the 2025 #Curae Prize. If nothing else, this vital project sees unpaid carers and allows us to show that we have other qualities.
I confirmed the 2025 #Curae prize shortlist just now. Emotional? Me?
Shortlist announced at 12 on 1st of May across socials and I will have let winners know just before. We can be in touch throughout the day.
Life can be so hard; so sad, but community, love, creativity - those are golden.
Shortlist announced at 12 on 1st of May across socials and I will have let winners know just before. We can be in touch throughout the day.
Life can be so hard; so sad, but community, love, creativity - those are golden.
April 28, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Good luck to everyone who has joined me in entering the 2025 #Curae Prize. If nothing else, this vital project sees unpaid carers and allows us to show that we have other qualities.
Reposted by Gareth Coates
"any addict can relapse and, for me, non-League football is essentially a legal narcotic".
Most #ActuallyAutistic folk have Special Interests. I stepped away from my original SI a year ago but this week, I’m going back to a special place. More here:
www.garethcoates.com/2025/04/22/j...
Most #ActuallyAutistic folk have Special Interests. I stepped away from my original SI a year ago but this week, I’m going back to a special place. More here:
www.garethcoates.com/2025/04/22/j...
Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in! - Gareth Coates
This Saturday (26 April), I am going to a football match. For anyone who read the blog I wrote last November called Losing Interest, this might be a surprise. If I’m honest with myself, it is a surpri...
www.garethcoates.com
April 23, 2025 at 12:58 PM
"any addict can relapse and, for me, non-League football is essentially a legal narcotic".
Most #ActuallyAutistic folk have Special Interests. I stepped away from my original SI a year ago but this week, I’m going back to a special place. More here:
www.garethcoates.com/2025/04/22/j...
Most #ActuallyAutistic folk have Special Interests. I stepped away from my original SI a year ago but this week, I’m going back to a special place. More here:
www.garethcoates.com/2025/04/22/j...
"any addict can relapse and, for me, non-League football is essentially a legal narcotic".
Most #ActuallyAutistic folk have Special Interests. I stepped away from my original SI a year ago but this week, I’m going back to a special place. More here:
www.garethcoates.com/2025/04/22/j...
Most #ActuallyAutistic folk have Special Interests. I stepped away from my original SI a year ago but this week, I’m going back to a special place. More here:
www.garethcoates.com/2025/04/22/j...
Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in! - Gareth Coates
This Saturday (26 April), I am going to a football match. For anyone who read the blog I wrote last November called Losing Interest, this might be a surprise. If I’m honest with myself, it is a surpri...
www.garethcoates.com
April 23, 2025 at 12:58 PM
"any addict can relapse and, for me, non-League football is essentially a legal narcotic".
Most #ActuallyAutistic folk have Special Interests. I stepped away from my original SI a year ago but this week, I’m going back to a special place. More here:
www.garethcoates.com/2025/04/22/j...
Most #ActuallyAutistic folk have Special Interests. I stepped away from my original SI a year ago but this week, I’m going back to a special place. More here:
www.garethcoates.com/2025/04/22/j...
Reposted by Gareth Coates
This is for you #curae entrants
I’ve got my lists back from @michaellangan.bsky.social @seaninhughes.bsky.social @tenpennydreams.bsky.social & Elissa Soave. I’ve read all the hundreds of entries and next week the shortlist will be drafted - announced 1st May. I am so proud of you all ❤️
I’ve got my lists back from @michaellangan.bsky.social @seaninhughes.bsky.social @tenpennydreams.bsky.social & Elissa Soave. I’ve read all the hundreds of entries and next week the shortlist will be drafted - announced 1st May. I am so proud of you all ❤️
April 14, 2025 at 6:52 PM
This is for you #curae entrants
I’ve got my lists back from @michaellangan.bsky.social @seaninhughes.bsky.social @tenpennydreams.bsky.social & Elissa Soave. I’ve read all the hundreds of entries and next week the shortlist will be drafted - announced 1st May. I am so proud of you all ❤️
I’ve got my lists back from @michaellangan.bsky.social @seaninhughes.bsky.social @tenpennydreams.bsky.social & Elissa Soave. I’ve read all the hundreds of entries and next week the shortlist will be drafted - announced 1st May. I am so proud of you all ❤️
Dan is spot on about Drama Queen. Sara gifted me a Kindle copy when I was newly diagnosed and I have recommended it widely (and not just in autistic spaces).
Drama Queen by @sararoseg.bsky.social is hands down one of my favourite books about being autistic, by an autistic author. It is warm, funny, relatable, and my go to read for when I am struggling with being autistic. 2/
April 11, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Dan is spot on about Drama Queen. Sara gifted me a Kindle copy when I was newly diagnosed and I have recommended it widely (and not just in autistic spaces).
BBC iPlayer is currently showing the appeal hearing for Tommy Ten Names and his barrister has already tried to use ADHD as a reason his sentence is wrong.
For the millionth time: NEURODIVERGENCE DOESN’T MAKE YOU A FASCIST.
If you’re a dreadful person, it doesn’t matter how your brain is wired.
For the millionth time: NEURODIVERGENCE DOESN’T MAKE YOU A FASCIST.
If you’re a dreadful person, it doesn’t matter how your brain is wired.
April 11, 2025 at 9:55 AM
BBC iPlayer is currently showing the appeal hearing for Tommy Ten Names and his barrister has already tried to use ADHD as a reason his sentence is wrong.
For the millionth time: NEURODIVERGENCE DOESN’T MAKE YOU A FASCIST.
If you’re a dreadful person, it doesn’t matter how your brain is wired.
For the millionth time: NEURODIVERGENCE DOESN’T MAKE YOU A FASCIST.
If you’re a dreadful person, it doesn’t matter how your brain is wired.
There isn’t an “autism epidemic”. There is an improvement in understanding of the condition and in diagnostic techniques. This means more people are receiving diagnosis.
Autism isn’t a disease that needs curing. It’s a complex neurotype which needs support.
Autism isn’t a disease that needs curing. It’s a complex neurotype which needs support.
RFK Jr. claims “by September we’ll know what has caused the autism epidemic”
April 11, 2025 at 8:09 AM
There isn’t an “autism epidemic”. There is an improvement in understanding of the condition and in diagnostic techniques. This means more people are receiving diagnosis.
Autism isn’t a disease that needs curing. It’s a complex neurotype which needs support.
Autism isn’t a disease that needs curing. It’s a complex neurotype which needs support.
It is slightly mad to think that I graduated from the @openuniversity.bsky.social with an MA in Creative Writing on Saturday. I put my qualification to use with a few reflections on the day and the #OUFamily on my website.
www.garethcoates.com/2025/04/01/g...
www.garethcoates.com/2025/04/01/g...
April 1, 2025 at 4:43 PM
It is slightly mad to think that I graduated from the @openuniversity.bsky.social with an MA in Creative Writing on Saturday. I put my qualification to use with a few reflections on the day and the #OUFamily on my website.
www.garethcoates.com/2025/04/01/g...
www.garethcoates.com/2025/04/01/g...
It’s #Graduation day. Crossing the stage at the Barbican later with most of my @openuniversity.bsky.social tutor group! Overjoyed to meet them all IRL and celebrate our all gaining MAs in Creative Writing.
March 29, 2025 at 9:14 AM
It’s #Graduation day. Crossing the stage at the Barbican later with most of my @openuniversity.bsky.social tutor group! Overjoyed to meet them all IRL and celebrate our all gaining MAs in Creative Writing.