Blog - Learn From Autistics

Autism Interview #91 Part 1: Leanne Libas on Autistic Identity

March 19, 2019JennaInterviews

Leanne Libas is a writer, college student, and a/Autistic advocate. Leanne started her advocacy work after a life-changing experience at YLF (Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities). Leanne was an Autistic Scholarship Fellowship Recipient from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network and she was a regular contributor to the Art of Autism blog. This is the first part of a two-part interview with Leanne. This week she shared her experience understanding how autism affects her and how she has adopted a positive autistic identity.

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Lists of Autistic Representation in Literature

March 5, 2019JennaAutism Acceptance, Practical Parenting

Autistic representation in literature is growing, but all portrayals are not universally favorable. There are many different ways autistic people live, so no one representation should be accepted as truth. Other controversy arises when one portrayal is so narrow that it leads to damaging misconceptions. This is a complex issue, but increasing the amount of autistic portrayals and greater exposure to autistic-authored literature featuring autistic characters should at least get our society moving in the right direction.

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Autism Interview #89: Tracey Cohen on Late Diagnosis, Advocacy, and Running

February 26, 2019Jenna2 CommentsInterviews

Photo credit: Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Tracey Cohen is an experienced ultrarunner, author, and speaker, and has competed in thousands of races around the world. Tracey was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at the age of 39 and speaks regularly about autism to school groups and at conferences. She is the author of Six-Word Lessons on Female Asperger Syndrome and Six-Word Lessons on the Sport of Running. This week she shared some of her experiences growing up undiagnosed, her current advocacy work, and her love of running.

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Autism Interview #90: Robbie Ierubino on Art and Autism Acceptance

February 22, 2019JennaInterviews

Robbie Ierubino is an American artist with autism studying Graphic Design at Staffordshire University in Stoke-on-Trent, England. He has developed his own style of art which he calls “shapism” and uses his art to communicate his unique world perspective and advocate for acceptance. This week he shared how autism influences his art and his passion for working to improve autism acceptance.

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Autism Interview #88: Morgan Giosa on Freelancing, Music, and Art

February 19, 2019JennaInterviews

Morgan Giosa is a 26 year-old web developer, blues guitarist, photographer, and visual artist from Connecticut. Morgan says his music and visual art ultimately come to him from his “unique and unconventional intuition and emotions, and his quirky, idiosyncratic view of the world.” This week he shared his experience as a freelance web developer, musician, and how he recently learned to embrace his Autistic identity.

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Autistic and in Love: 3 Simple Guidelines for Parents

February 12, 2019JennaAutism Acceptance, Practical Parenting

Autistic romantic relationships may look different than neurotypical ones. The best way to understand how autistic individuals can create successful romantic relationships is talking and listening to autistic people who have been in them. This article offers a simple overview for parents of three fundamental principles to remember regarding autistic involvement in romantic relationships and cites additional relationship resources for further reading.

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Autism Interview #87: Austin Jones on Art, Advocacy, and Socialization

February 5, 2019JennaInterviews

Austin Jones is an Autistic artist, art teacher, gamer, storyteller, and advocacy writer. He graduated with an illustration degree from the Art Center College of Design. He loves Magic the Gathering, Spiral Knights, and Mexican Food. This week he shared advice for helping to advocate for individuals on the spectrum and encouraging safe socialization.

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Autism Interview #86: Gord Gates on Late Diagnosis, Marriage, and Advocacy

January 29, 2019JennaInterviews

Gord Gates is a Canadian author, mental health counselor, and Autistic activist. Gates’ new book, Trauma, Stigma, and Autism: Developing Resilience and Loosening the Grip of Shame offers a unique framework for combating the psychological and emotional impact of stigma and creates a brighter path for anyone who’s been made to feel like an “outsider.” He says stigma is a form of trauma and shows how trauma in various forms can create difficult emotional challenges. He describes how autism can help us better manage these challenges as it provides insight into the nature of stigma and helps us counter the automatic reactions that often stigmatize others. This week he shares his experiences growing up without a diagnosis and how parents and educators can better support Autistic children and adults.

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Autism Interview #85: Michael Gilberg on Special Education Advocacy

January 22, 2019JennaInterviews

Michael Gilberg is a Special Education and Disability Rights Attorney from New York. Michael is passionate about helping others because he knows what it’s like to navigate life without the proper support, since he lived many years without a proper diagnosis. Michael says, “My life experience of having been where your child is drives my desire every day to fight for justice for children with disabilities and their families.” This week Michael shared some of his experiences working as a disability advocate for school-aged children.

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The Autist’s Guide to Planet Earth

January 15, 2019JennaAutism Acceptance

How does the autistic mind perceive the neurotypical world? This autistic-authored “guide” offers insight into a perspective neurotypical parents may have never heard. The article below is an excerpt from Frank L. Ludwig‘s The Autist’s Guide to Planet Earth. It was originally posted on his website and is reprinted here with his permission.

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