Autism Interview #107: Andy Burns on Autistic Identity

Andy is an autistic content creator from the United Kingdom, publishing content for the National Autistic Society and hosting his own YouTube channel, IndieAndy that raises autism awareness and promotes acceptance by showing the world that it’s okay to be different and okay to be your true “indie-self.” This week Andy shared some of his advocacy work and how he has developed a positive autistic identity.

Autism Interview #104: Dr. Natalie Engelbrecht on Late Diagnosis and Autism Research

Dr. Natalie Engelbrecht is a late-diagnosed, registered psychotherapist practicing for over twenty-five years who has a passion for helping individuals with autism reach their potential. She blogs at Embrace ASD on a variety of autism topics, including the latest autism research. This week she discussed her professional background with helping others on the spectrum (including those who are diagnosed later in life), her surprising diagnosis, and how she assesses the latest autism research.

Autism Interview #102: Marie Porter on Leading a Better Advocacy Movement

Marie Porter is a professional spandex costumer and cookbook author from Canada. She is an award-winning cake artist, and her cakes even landed her international magazine coverage, including “Every Day with Rachel Ray.” She blogs about new recipes, celebrations, crafts, and occasionally, autism. This week she shared her experiences growing up undiagnosed and ideas for how parents can better support autistics in leading a more positive advocacy movement.

Autism Interview #100! Julia Bascom on Autism Advocacy for All

I am pleased to announce this is the 100th interview on the Learn From Autistics site! I’m especially excited to introduce Julia Bascom, Executive Director of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. Julia is a leading voice in autistic self-advocacy and currently serves on the Centene National Disability Advisory Council, the advisory board of Felicity House, the board of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, and the board of Allies For Independence. Julia is also the editor of Loud Hands: Autistic People, Speaking, an anthology of writings by autistic people. This week Julia discussed autistic identity, autistic representation, and how The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) advocates for all autistic individuals.

Autism Interview #99 Part 2: C. L. Lynch on Autism Advocacy and Raising Non-ableist Families

This is the second part of a two-part interview with Canadian novelist and autistic advocate C. L. Lynch. Last week she shared her personal diagnosis story and explained why she advocates for a complete overhaul in autism severity labeling. She offered an excellent perspective on language surrounding autism and how we can better understand and support autistic individuals through the words we use. This week she discussed ableism in literature and how parents can raise their children without ableist attitudes and advocate for positive autistic identities.

Autism Interview #97 Part 2: Kmarie on Advocacy and Developing a Positive Autistic Identity

This is the second part in a two-part interview with Kmarie. Kmarie is an autistic wife, mother, and blogger from Canada. Her beautifully written blog details a variety of different life experiences, including (but not limited to) living with Asperger’s, INFJ personality, low ferritin, and chronic illness. Last week Kmarie discussed her relationship with music, the importance of self knowledge, and her struggles with executive functioning and language. This week Kmarie shared advocacy advice for parents who are trying to raise children with positive autistic identities.