Autism Interview #76: Amber Perry on Disability Advocacy

Interviews

Amber Perry is an ASAN Chapter Leader and Representative for the Lane County Chapter of the Autism Society of Oregon. She started Central Oregon Autism Support Team (COAST) in Central Oregon and was a member and webmaster for the Bend-Redmond Asperger’s Support group. Today she is an active self-advocate and community and Kindtree volunteer and pending member of the Kindtree Board of Directors. This week Amber shared a few important topics for disability advocates.

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Autism Interview #74: Austin Shinn on Advocacy in Childhood, College, and Beyond

Interviews, Practical Parenting

Austin Shinn is an author, editor, film buff, husband, father, and advocate for individuals diagnosed with autism. Austin is diagnosed with Aspergers and blogs mostly about his life with perspectives on autism, disability, and advocacy at A Flickering Life. He is also the author of A Flickering Life: A Memoir of Autism, which chronicles his struggle to live life no different than anyone else. This week he shared some specific supports and advocacy strategies that resonated with him in childhood, his college years, and adulthood, and offered advocacy advice for parents and caregivers of other autistics. …

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Autism Interview #73: Jamie Knight and Lion on Technology, Autonomy, and Safe Environment

Interviews

Jamie Knight is a developer, writer, public speaker and mountain biker who lives in London. By day he works for the BBC where he is a senior research engineer and spends his time working to make the BBC products usable by the whole audience. Lion is Jamie’s 4-foot plushie who goes everywhere with Jamie and has been working with him for over 10 years! This week Jamie shared his experience as a public speaker, as well as how he has worked with those around him to create a safe environment that encourages autonomy and independence.

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Autism Interview #72: Laura Nadine on Music, FC, and Presuming Competence

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Laura Nadine is an Autistic Self-Advocate, parent of a child with Autism, and teacher of people with Autism.  She works as a public speaker, author, educator and consultant and runs a music school called Enlightened Audio, LLC. This week she shared some of her experiences teaching music to autistic students, tips for promoting self-confidence in both children and adults, and the importance of presuming competence in Facilitated Communication and all areas of life.

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Autism Interview #70: Tom Iland on Law Enforcement, Self Discovery, and Advocacy

Interviews
Diagnosed with autism at 13 years old, Thomas “Tom” Iland has worked hard to achieve his goals: learning to drive, living on his own, graduating from college, obtaining full-time employment and having a girlfriend. Tom recently left his career as a certified public accountant (CPA) to educate, inspire and motivate people affected by autism and other learning differences. One of only 4,000 Distinguished Toastmasters in the world and a member of the National Speakers Association, his mantra “Know Yourself. Love Yourself. Be Yourself.” has been featured in keynote speeches in autism conferences around the country and is among the topics in his award-winning, bestselling book, “Come to Life! Your Guide to Self-Discovery.” This week Tom shared advice about advocacy and his background as a public speaker, including training individuals on how to interact with law enforcement.

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Autism Interview #68: Sara on Autistic Identity, Late-Diagnosis, and Socialization

Interviews

Sara is a 27-year-old Autistic woman with a degree in Intercultural Communication who taught English in Japan from 2014-2017. She was officially diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2017 after several years of self-exploration and research. She now writes her blog, “Seeking Sara,” where she explores life on the Spectrum. She enjoys reading, writing, swimming, and music. This week she shared her experience receiving her Autism diagnosis, her socialization preferences, and how she’s adjusted to her new Autistic identity.

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Autism Interview #70: Tom Iland on Law Enforcement, Self Discovery, and Advocacy

Interviews
Diagnosed with autism at 13 years old, Thomas “Tom” Iland has worked hard to achieve his goals: learning to drive, living on his own, graduating from college, obtaining full-time employment and having a girlfriend. Tom recently left his career as a certified public accountant (CPA) to educate, inspire and motivate people affected by autism and other learning differences. One of only 4,000 Distinguished Toastmasters in the world and a member of the National Speakers Association, his mantra “Know Yourself. Love Yourself. Be Yourself.” has been featured in keynote speeches in autism conferences around the country and is among the topics in his award-winning, bestselling book, “Come to Life! Your Guide to Self-Discovery.” This week Tom shared advice about advocacy and his background as a public speaker, including training individuals on how to interact with law enforcement.

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