Autism Interview #129: Daniel Maskit on Workplace Accommodations and Autistic Expertise

Interviews

Daniel Maskit is a creative technologist, runner, writer, and public speaker based in the U.K. He holds a Ph.D. in computer science from Caltech, and has held research appointments at MIT, Stanford, and the MIT Media Lab. His twenty year career in visual effects for feature films saw him work on projects such as I, Robot, The Lord of The Rings, and Harry Potter. He is a member of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). He loves bears and blogs at Zen Master Bear Speaks on a variety of different topics, including autism, disability, and running. This week he discussed workplace accommodations and the importance of engaging with the Autistic community.

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Autism Interview #128: Dr. James McGrath on Representation, Transition Supports, and Reframing the Autism Identity Narrative

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Dr. James McGrath is Lecturer in English and Creative Writing at Leeds Beckett University, UK. His book Naming Adult Autism: Culture, Science, Identity is available in paperback from Rowman & Littlefield International and his poems have appeared in various literary magazines. His next book will be a new set of experimental poems, titled an autistic figuration. This week he discussed autistic representation in literature, transition obstacles and supports, and reframing the autism identity narrative.

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Autism Interview #127: Louis Scarantino on Dating, Advocacy, and Life Coaching

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Louis Scarantino is a writer, motivational speaker, and public advocate. His motivational speeches fight the stigma associated with mental health around the world. He is a contributor for Autism Parenting Magazine and The Mighty. He also publishes blogs, videos, audio notes, and has also authored a book based on personal experience. This week he discussed his personal journey as an Autistic advocate. An excerpt from his book, Love is Too Hard: The Dating (Mis)Adventures of a Man with Autism is included below his interview, with his permission.

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Autism Interview #124: Lydia Wilkins on Autism Acceptance

Interviews
Lydia (right) is pictured above with her mentor, biographer Lesley Ann Jones

Lydia Wilkins is a freelance journalist based in the UK. She has written for publications including The Independent, Readers Digest, The Metro, Refinery 29, and others. She also documents life with Aspergers Syndrome, over at her blog Mademoiselle Women. Here she regularly interviews people such as Anastacia, journalist Paul Conroy, and others, as well as discussing topics such as interoception. This week she discusses Autism acceptance and offers some advocacy tips for parents.

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Autism Interview #123: Evaleen Whelton on Connecting with the Autistic Community

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Evaleen Whelton is a public speaker and trainer advocating for positive change for autistic people in Ireland. As an advocate Evaleen concentrates her efforts in raising appreciation for Autistic thinking, delivering educational workshops, writing articles, and organizing conferences relating to autism (including Ireland’s only all-Autistic conference). Evaleen has trained professional groups, schools, and businesses on Neurodiversity and Inclusion. This week she discussed the benefits of connecting with the Autistic community.

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Autism Interview #122: Lance McLemore on AAC and Relationships

Interviews
Photo credit: LAMP Words for Life https://aacapps.com/

Lance McLemore is an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) user from Ohio who uses LAMP Words for Life. I recently met Lance at the ATIA (Assistive Technology Industry Association) conference in Orlando last month. He is a regular public speaker on the topics of AAC and forming relationships with AAC users. This week he discussed some of the loneliness and social isolation he experienced growing up, his experience using an AAC device, and tips to improve inclusion for AAC users.

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Autism Interview #121: Autistic Soul on Late Diagnosis, Fantasy, and Autistic Identity

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Autistic Soul is a 49-year-old wife and mother to three children (one also diagnosed Autistic) and the guardian of one flatulent, but lovable, lurcher. She lives in the UK and is passionate about film, tv, music, and literature. Her blog Autistic Soul is amusing and enlightening, and discusses autism, anxiety, fibromyalgia, menopause, and aging on the spectrum. This week she shared her experience growing up without a diagnosis and how she manages the physical limitations resulting from fibromyalgia. She also offers advice for families trying to balance escapism and reality.

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