Kate Blackham is an astrophysics editor, tutor, mother, and blogger. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she took a teacher training course where she realized she had ‘high levels of autistic traits’ and is now awaiting a formal diagnosis. This week Kate shared her experience pursuing an autism diagnosis, advocacy, and autism acceptance.
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Melanie Magowan is a personal trainer and British Ex Pat currently living in New Zealand. She’s also a triathlete and former Autism Specialist teacher. She has documented in her blog her life experiences as an emigrant, late diagnosed Autistic person, and amputee. Melanie has also documented her journey in vlogs through a total knee replacement and a below the knee amputation on her YouTube Channel Ryding Footloose!. This week she discussed her experience as an Autism Specialist teacher and autism acceptance and inclusion in her communities.
…This is Part 2 of a two-part interview with Ettina Kitten. Ettina Kitten is a legal assistant, blogger, and mother-to-be from Canada. Ettina blogs at Abnormaldiversity on a variety of topics related to autism. Last week, Ettina shared her unique perspective as both a receiver and provider of autism therapy. This week she shared suggestions for how to find a therapist with an autism positive approach to therapy and challenges people to question their determination of “essential” life skills.
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This is Part 1 of a two-part interview with Ettina Kitten. Ettina Kitten is a legal assistant, blogger, and mother-to-be from Canada. Ettina blogs at Abnormaldiversity on a variety of topics related to autism. This week she shared her unique perspective as both a receiver and provider of autism therapy.
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Jeff was born on March 27, 1989 in Providence, RI and has lived his entire life in Seekonk, MA. He was diagnosed with Autism in 1990, and ever since then, he has achieved multiple successes in his life in areas of education, long-term employment, independent living, and speaking/panel engagements. This week Jeff shared some of his experiences as a self advocate.
*Disclaimer from Jeff: I am not a medical professional. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health care provider.
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I’m so excited to announce that The #ActuallyAutistic Guide to Advocacy is now available for pre-sale! This guide represents the advice of over 100 Autistic people and honors the authority of personal experience and Autistic expertise.
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Alan Conrad is an autistic father and author with over 40 years working in the personal injury business. Conrad is the author of several books, including The Shyness Guide, which explores shyness, introversion, autism, and social anxiety. This week Conrad shared his experiences with shyness and advocacy for shy people.
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Lucy McCombe is an advocate from Australia with experience navigating multiple diagnoses as she searches for something that feels right. McCombe blogs at A Mythical Creature on a variety of topics related to autism advocacy and autism acceptance. This week she shared her experience pursuing an autism diagnosis, autistic burnout, and self-advocacy.
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Medusa (Lucy Alexandra Hall) is an 18-year-old from Scotland diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, depression, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Medusa blogs at The Medusa Diaries on a variety of topics, including the fears and struggles of being newly-diagnosed and her journey coming to terms with her diagnoses. This week she shared her experience as a recent high school graduate, just beginning work and education transitions.
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Bart is a husband, father, grandfather from North Carolina. He has worked both in ministry, and in Continuous Improvement, both in food manufacturing and now in the printing industry. He blogs at ManualTransmissionAutism.com.
Bart struggled for years with anxiety, social skills, and sleep disorders and was not diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder until his mid 50s. This diagnosis, although painful and confusing at first, has given him a lot of understanding about why he acts and reacts certain ways. He is now on the journey to find “autism life hacks” and hopes to share these with others along the way.