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Autism and Neurodiversity

These posts shine a spotlight on authentic perspectives of autistic and neurodiverse writers, covering the topics that matter most in their communities.

Text against a dark olive green background reads "Mel Baggs Will Never Leave Us"

Mel Baggs Will Never Leave Us

Content note: includes discussion of eugenic ableism, medical abuse, institutionalization, white supremacist murder Memory is important. But your own personal memory is not necessary. The best of human memory is fallible, changing, and fickle. And memory can fail. In so…
Photo of Kris and his daughter. Kris is a biracial man who has short black curly hair and tinted glasses. He is smiling while sitting holding his 11 month old daughter who has short black hair in two ponytails and is wearing a pink jacket on a sunny day at a park.

As an Autistic Dad, Autism “Awareness” Month Brings Up Mixed Feelings for Me

Autism “Awareness” Month brings up mixed feelings for me. In one sense, I have excitement because I am a proud autistic dad of an amazing almost 1-year-old and it has been such joy. But I also have frustration because of…
The author as a young child sitting on the lap of her Sudanese grandfather, who is dressed in a traditional white jellabiya and headwrap.

As a British Sudanese Autistic Person, I’ve Learned that Cultures Shape How We Perceive Disability

I am mixed British/Sudanese and autistic. That first fact, along with a childhood spent split between the two countries, meant it was only last year I sought an official autism diagnosis. My multicultural background celebrated traits and interests I now…
A series of medical icons.

Hungry for Change: On Inaccessible, Exclusionary, and Discriminatory Care for Autistic People with Eating Disorders

Trigger warnings: eating disorders, racism/racist health disparities, mental health disparities; ableism, misogyny, gaslighting of Black women and Latinas with eating disorders, homophobia, transphobia, fatphobia, and oppressive barriers to care The link between autism and anorexia is an international conversation,…
Photo of Sia in a black dress and blonde wig with a black bow.

Sia’s New Film “Music” Isn’t Just Bad Representation of Autistic People; It’s Downright Dangerous.

Content note: includes discussion of mistreatment of autistic people, including prone restraint Amidst the utter mess that was 2020, I found a bright spot by discovering the tv show Everything’s Gonna be Okay on Freeform. Though it’s not perfect, I…
A photo of Isabella Ruffatti's family on Christmas.

I Am Who I Am: Being an Autistic Latina Woman on Christmas

My autism means that I have always had an uneasy relationship with Christmas. When I was younger, the day involved straightening my unruly curls and getting dressed up for a large gathering at my great grandmother’s house, where my extended…
Hudson in front of a stuffed eagle and other science equipment

Tortoises Say, “Fun for All!”

Hudson introduces his friend Rivera the Tortoise, and talks about his day at the Zoomazium on Sensory Friendly Friday at Woodland Park Zoo, where people of all abilities and disabilities can have fun.
Risa sits in front of a laptop.

DO-IT 2020 – Risa

If someone is falling asleep in class, it might not be because they were up all night. They might have a disorder like narcolepsy. Risa shares how support and accommodations help her be on a schedule that works for her.
Alexis waves to camera from behind a Dungeons and Dragons folder.

DO-IT 2020 – Alexis

Roll for initiative! Dungeon Master Alexis shares how playing Dungeons and Dragons helped improve her social skills, and how it’s accessible to people of all abilities and disabilities.