The Personal Guide of Pete TheWiz:
Understanding My Neurodiversity
Ah, I am Pete TheWiz, Founder of InclusiMate, a man of many talents and unique interests! Born Pieter Moens on April 22, 1971, in bustling Brussels, I now temporarily reside in the serene nature of Grand Est, France. But don’t be fooled by the tranquility; my home is a marvel of 11 self-built shipping containers brimming with home automation and technology. It’s like stepping into the future when you enter my house. Yet, I haven’t found the peace I seek here and dream of moving to a vibrant city like Sofia as a digital nomad.
My favorite color? Purple, of course—a shade as unique and bold as I am. While my physical circle of friends is small, I find companionship in my pets: a cat named TomPoes, also known as MilleFuille in French, and two Spanish water dogs, Plumo and Buddy. My friendships mostly exist within the online Fortnite community, where I actively stream and create YouTube content. Creating in general makes me happy, though I have to restrain myself from posting three long articles about AI daily, as there is still so much to learn.
My favorite foods and drinks are anything but ordinary: young cheese on dark bread, chocolate spread on white bread, fries with stew sauce and Andalouse sauce, and everything I smoke myself because cooking is one of my great passions. Summer is my favorite season because I’m always cold.
My “neurospicy” recipe includes ADHD, autism, high intelligence, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, and high sensitivity (but not to everything), giving me a rich life experience. I was adopted and spent two years in a nun’s orphanage. My first language was French, then Dutch, but I prefer speaking English.
What sets us apart is our relentless pursuit of perfection and our unwavering commitment to quality. From formulation to packaging, every aspect of our production process is meticulously curated to ensure the highest standards of excellence.
Sensory Experiences
I have a unique relationship with my senses. High-pitched sounds? Pure stress. Heavy techno on headphones? Wonderfully relaxing. I almost always wear headphones to block out external sounds. Bright light, such as fluorescent lighting, makes me uncomfortable and can even make me vomit. Sunlight is fine as long as I wear a cap.
01.
When it comes to clothing, all labels must come out, and soft fabrics like bikini material are great. Terry cloth? An absolute nightmare. I prefer to dry off with bamboo towels. Busy and chaotic environments make me nervous, and I prefer to withdraw, sometimes with a drink to ease the tension.
02.
Regarding scents, I avoid warm food smells in the morning and strong hair products. Sweet, fruity scents without herbs are pleasant to me. Physical contact is another story; I value my personal space. Unexpected touches can make me recoil, while with familiar people, I often pat their back a few times during a hug to indicate it was good.
03.
Food textures like kiwi and banana are awful to me, as well as butter and other fatty, sticky things. Situations that cause stress? Everything, from leaving the house to unexpected social contact. My favorite relaxation spot? My room, shut off from the world.
04.
Stress-Relieving Tools and Methods
Chill time
After a stressful day, I find peace in music and deep shows. Reading has become difficult due to poor focus and small print. I use cannabis, weed, and hash to relax; meditation or breathing techniques are not my thing.
Music an Shows
My favorite music to relax includes techno, minimal, electro, drum and bass, dark tech, old school rap, and hip hop. Rituals? Dancing to loud music that drums through my skull helps me return to myself after stressful situations. Anything with adrenaline, speed, and height, like downhill skating, snowboarding, and fast driving, also helps. When stressed, the best support is to leave me alone.
Hobbies and Free Time
I am a man of many interests. I love reading John le Carré and fantasy stories with dragons. My favorite films and TV shows are sci-fi series like One Piece, The Seven Deadly Sins, Shield Hero, Vikings, and anything historical or futuristic. I enjoy listening to electro and anything with beats without vocals. Sports? Absolutely, I do snowboarding, downhill skate, luge, streetluge, and surfing.
Creativity flows through me with AI, writing, art, and photography. I have also dabbled in sculpting and graffiti. Clubs or groups? No, that’s not for me. I love playing video games like Fortnite and Borderlands and avoid crowded places like museums or concerts.
My dream vacation spot? Anywhere with snow or sea and waves, especially the Pyrenees between France and Spain. Activities with friends? Gaming, of course.
Communication and Social Interaction
I prefer communication via chat messages, where I can respond in text. Social situations where I must follow the “normal” rules? Pure stress. If I’m stressed, leave me alone, and I’ll come back on my own. Meeting new people? Fine, as long as I can talk.
I love discussing anything related to AI and innovation, but societal themes make me angry. Social habits? Too many to mention. When I need time for myself, I just walk away. Friendships and relationships? No friends and at 52, I’ve seen it all. My favorite way to spend quality time with friends? Gaming, obviously.
Understanding my needs and planning ahead can make social gatherings more enjoyable for everyone. Knowing the details of the event, like who will be there and what the environment will be like, can help me prepare. Discussing this beforehand and planning for breaks or quieter spaces can ease the stress of social interactions
Planning Ahead:
Physical contact can be stressful, and I may not always respond to social cues in the expected way. Allowing me to set the pace for interactions and respecting my need for personal space can make social gatherings more comfortable. Be patient with my communication style, which might include less eye contact or different body language  .
Respecting Personal Space and Communication Styles
Finding common ground and engaging in activities I enjoy, like gaming or discussing AI, can make social interactions more enjoyable and less stressful. Asking me what I would like to do rather than making assumptions can help create a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for both of us .
Engaging in Preferred Activities:
Sensory overload is a significant challenge. Loud noises, strong smells, and bright lights can be overwhelming. Providing a quieter space or allowing the use of headphones can help me manage these sensory inputs. Understanding that I might need to step away to a quieter area is also essential .
Creating a Comfortable Environment:
Emotional regulation can be challenging, and I might experience meltdowns or need to take breaks to manage stress. Providing a supportive and non-judgmental environment where I can express my needs without feeling embarrassed or judged is crucial .
Understanding Emotional Needs:
By keeping these points in mind, you can help create a more inclusive and enjoyable environment for me at social gatherings. Understanding and accommodating my neurodiversity is key to making these interactions positive and fulfilling.