My teenage son gets fired up sometimes. Not always because of teenage moodiness or power struggles, but because he’s gradually become more aware of the injustices of a world not very welcoming to him. Recently he mentioned how he hated being patronized by adults and other people around his age due to his disabilities. This…
Elliot Harper is Elliot Harper is a senior manager in the UK public sector, an autistic advocate, and a passionate blogger. Recently diagnosed with autism, Elliot shares insights on navigating neurodivergence in the workplace and life. He is also the Vice Chair of his organization’s Autism and Neurodiversity Network, where he advocates for inclusive environments.…
Life can be A LOT. The whirlwind of daily expectations from others or ourselves can be overwhelming at times. As I’ve grown older, I’ve been better able to appreciate how complex managing a growing family truly is and give myself the grace to not be perfect. We are all faced with situations that smack us…
The end of my sophomore year was very difficult. I needed a break. In June, my oldest son was looking forward to transitioning to a different environment and schedule, having just finished his sophomore year of high school, which, according to him, “was noticeably hard.” Summer is often full of transitions for families, as schedules,…
Traci Neal is a poet, speaker, and public advocate. Neal’s writings are featured in The Elevation Review, 1619 Speaks Anthology, Sims Library of Poetry, Spoken Black Girl Magazine, The Art of Autism, Poetry X Hunger, Text Power Telling Magazine, Black Art Magazine, and many other media publications. She has been featured as a guest poet…
Ayanna Davis is an autism advocate from New York advocating for proper resources & visibility for black Autistic women. Along with being Autistic, she has survived over 300 seizures, lives with Chronic illnesses, has 5 autoimmune diseases, and spreads her messages of self love, joy, equality, diversity,inclusion and autism acceptance through the Arts. Tell me…
Dave Bochichio is an Autistic financial advisor serving neurodivergent individuals, their families, and professionals supporting them. His mission is to help clients reduce uncertainty, stress, and time spent worrying about their finances. Aside from partnering on financial goals, Dave also serves to be a behavioral coach around money, a financial educator, and a family coordinator on…
Ann discovered she was Autistic at age 11. It wasn’t until then that she saw autism as a spectrum. Ever since discovering she was Autistic, she has wanted everyone to know and be understanding of how it affects her. Unfortunately, she has had negative experiences with stereotypical assumptions, talking about her behind her back, and ignoring her. This week Ann discussed inclusion, friendship, and the dangers of making assumptions.
…I have some exciting news to share! My incomparable writing partner, Dr. Jennifer Elizabeth Brunton, and I are clawing our way to the finish line of our second book, which focuses on advice for teens and young adults transitioning to adulthood. The book will be tentatively titled The #ActuallyAutistic Guide to Building Independence: Practical, Step-By-Step…
“I want to find friends who really want to hang out with me. Not just people who are nice, but people who make me feel like an integral part of their group.” Parents, teachers, and administrators teach kindness and inclusion in formal and informal ways. They encourage social interactions via playdates and birthday invites extended…