About

Hi! My name is Courtney, and I’m an autistic adult trying to navigate life as independently as possible.

I have experience in both being autistic, as well as helping raise my younger brother before I left for university. I am engaged to my best friend, who is also autistic. I have several other disabilities and chronic illnesses, including traumatic brain injury and a connective tissue disorder. I use a wheelchair due to my health conditions, and also use an alternative/augmentative communication device due to aphasia from TBIs.

Person with blonde hair and glasses is sitting on a tree swing. They are wearing a dark blue graduation gown and boots.

 

I graduated on December 10, 2022 – with my Bachelors of Science degree in Sociology and a minor in Family Studies, magna cum laude.

At my university, I founded and served as the President of our Neurodiversity Club. I am also a past Ronald E. McNair Scholar and was involved in several other activities on campus. It took 7 years to graduate due to health complications and a global pandemic, but I did it!

My past experience includes being the volunteer Teen and Adult Social Scene Coordinator for the local Autism Society’s community center. I led workshops on IEPs, sensory systems, and more! I also have presented at various conferences on subjects such as managing meltdowns, tips for executive dysfunction, and experiences of using AAC in higher education. I’ve been a past participant in the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network’s Autism Campus Inclusion program as well.

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A person with blonde hair and glasses smirking at the camera. They’re wearing a suit and tie, and wearing an ASAN pin, a Tennessee pin, and a United States flag pin. This photo was taken during the Autistic Self Advocacy Network’s Autism Campus Inclusion program in 2018.

These days, I do some public presentations, panels, and also try to help provide other autistic people and their families with resources and advice. I also am a facilitator for Tennessee’s AAC Out and About group, where we meet once a month to socialize among other AAC users – and strengthen communication and self-advocacy skills! 

I’m a graduate of Tennessee’s Partners in Policymaking program, and currently serve as an appointed member of the Tennessee’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. I am also part of the Self-Advocate Leadership Circle for the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities.

When I’m not busy with advocacy things, organizations, or doctor appointments, I’m usually napping with my cats. I take a lot of naps.

I created this blog mainly in order to form a comprehensive and helpful resource for autistic people and their families. I also occasionally vent and generally just document life as an autistic adult. It’s not always active, but you can generally find me over on Instagram.

Welcome to the website; I hope it helps!