This past Saturday, I presented at the 2nd Annual Southeast Adult Autism Symposium! It was a very fun experience, and I met lots of interesting people. As always, I try to upload the presentation information online. I know it's difficult for some people to attend these events, whether it's due to cost, distance, or other … Continue reading Executive Functioning and Independent Living
Tag: autism
No, I’m Not “Overcoming” Autism
The other day, someone said to me "it's so inspiring that you're overcoming your autism!" Not surprisingly, I hear this one a lot. "Overcoming" autism. "Despite" the autism. "Fighting" autism. "Don't forget; you're a person with autism." It's something that always throws me off, really. It's as if autism is supposed to be a roommate - you know, the … Continue reading No, I’m Not “Overcoming” Autism
When You’re Afraid of Autism Awareness Month
Content note: this post may be upsetting for some, especially for my fellow autistics who also are anxious about April. And of course, April is 'Autism Awareness Month.' I'm already cringing inside. The urge to burrow underneath my weighted blanket until May is honestly very tempting. You might've gathered it from my last post, but … Continue reading When You’re Afraid of Autism Awareness Month
Autism Speaks: We’re not listening to you.
I imagined I'd make an eventual post on my disdain for Autism Speaks eventually. While all the chants of "Light it up blue" and puzzle pieces surround us as April approaches, I'm already covering my ears. Surely by now, people are aware of the horrid things Autism Speaks is responsible for. Right? ...apparently not. If … Continue reading Autism Speaks: We’re not listening to you.
#StopTheShock
As I type this, there is a large gathering of people assembled outside in D.C. You may have not heard, but the disability rights' organization ADAPT has been fighting relentlessly for the FDA to ban the torture on people with disabilities. The Judge Rotenberg Center, in the middle of it all, is notorious for its … Continue reading #StopTheShock
An Open Letter to Parents and Caregivers
To the parents of kids with disabilities: Take it easy. Take a breath. Be gentle on yourselves. More importantly, be gentle on your kiddos. Parenting is difficult, no matter how typical your child is (or isn't). It's tough, especially when you have to worry about things that other parents don't. Those late nights where no … Continue reading An Open Letter to Parents and Caregivers
The Case for Identity-first
[Note: this post is specifically in regard to the autism community. As an aside, the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community also prefers identity-first. However, many other disability communities still prefer person-first. Remember that some people on the spectrum may actually prefer person-first, and it's always nice to ask. However, general consensus in the autism community is … Continue reading The Case for Identity-first
