Life is, at bottom, diversity
All living systems, from the smallest forms of life to the planetary ecosystem are best understood as complex systems of feedback loops. Metaphors we… Life is, at bottom, diversity
Read moreTag Archives: ASD
Autism Acceptance Week and Applied Behavior Analysis
The only way ABA knows how to “train” a child, to “motivate” them..is to negate their needs or take away their joy. Autism Acceptance Week and Applied Behavior Analysis
Read moreFrom “Unexpected” to Acceptance: Why Social Skills Programs Must Stop Vilifying Neurodivergent Behaviors
Image description: Five of the “Unthinkable” villains from the Superflex curriculum, including Topic Twistmeister, Body Snatcher, WasFunnyOnce, … From “Unexpected” to Acceptance: Why Social Skills Programs Must Stop Vilifying Neurodivergent Behaviors
Read moreBook Review: I Will Die on This Hill
Sebastian Rubino reviews the long-awaited book, I Will Die on This Hill, by autistic advocate and parent, Jules Edwards, and allistic ally and parent… Book Review: I Will Die on This Hill
Read more2022- Roundup!
Wow it’s almost January! Where does the time go?? I got a new e-bike this year that was a lot of fun to ride around town but since I got it near the end of the summer.. I didn’t get out as much as I will be able to come spring this year. I wasn’t exercising for a bit there
Read moreBook Review: What I Mean When I Say I’m Autistic by Annie Kotowicz
What I Mean When I Say I’m Autistic: Unpuzzling a Life on the Autism Spectrum is part memoir, part survival guide, and all relatable. This brand new … Book Review: What I Mean When I Say I’m Autistic by Annie Kotowicz
Read moreAutistic lives and legibility in research
Given the current uncertainty regarding the future viability of Twitter, I’ve started screen-capturing some of the threads I wrote there that I would… Autistic lives and legibility in research
Read moreAutistic advocacy in Ontario: Highlights from 2022
The past year has been exciting, as we returned to in-person events and continue to grow, with new projects and connections across Canada! Some … Autistic advocacy in Ontario: Highlights from 2022
Read moreAutism: Not Such a Hidden Disability with Apraxia
Article quick facts: Referring to autism and other neurodivergence as “hidden” or “invisible” lacks nuance because sensory and coordination … Autism: Not Such a Hidden Disability with Apraxia
Read more“Severe Autism” Is a Label that Tells You Nothing about an Autistic Person
The label “severe” or “profound“ autism is intended to keep you from listening to any autistic people or learning enough to know lobbyists benefit … “Severe Autism” Is a Label that Tells You Nothing about an Autistic Person
Read moreElection 2022: Ontario NDP’s autism disinformation campaign
Image 1. Source: Chris Bonello, online survey of 11,000+, including 7,491 autistics, published 2022 From a leaked memo to candidates by the Ontario … Election 2022: Ontario NDP’s autism disinformation campaign
Read more“Canadian autism policy needs to move from a charity perspective to a rights perspective”: Autistic-led groups present before the Canadian Senate
In March 2022, A4A member Anne Borden King delivered a speech before the Canadian Senate on the need for a paradigm shift in federal autism policy. … “Canadian autism policy needs to move from a charity perspective to a rights perspective”: Autistic-led groups present before the Canadian Senate
Read moreMonthly Roundup! -May 2022
Wow May has gone by pretty quick! There’s been some great weather for cycling, so that’s exactly what I’ve been doing. I admit that I haven’t been recapping dramas as much because after a long cycle I need time to recover. I’ll try to see if I can break my record by hitting 55km in June but so far the
Read moreMonthly Roundup! -April 2022
April is finally ending! The weather has warmed up enough so that I could go cycling outside. My record for cycling this year stands at 38.77 km but I hope to be able to cycle farther in May. It’s always a bit rough when you start cycling outside again because while indoor trainers are nice they don’t have wind resistance
Read moreThe Military Family Services Has Fallen To Autism Speaks
It is with a heavy heart that I have to report that Military Family Services (MFRC) has fallen to Autism Speaks. They have partnered with Autism Speaks to make a free downloadable toolkit. There have been some comments left by those that know how evil Autism Speaks is but the MFRC refused to listen. Instead they doubled down. I guarantee
Read moreGarmin, Medic Alert and Autistic Health
Oddly enough most people don’t know that Medic Alert Canada is actually partnered with Garmin Canada! The partnership has been out awhile but it’s amazing how neither organization seems to openly promote this. It seems silly not to promote it since Garmin itself has many health tracking benefits including Stress levels, body battery, and so much more! However Medic Alert
Read moreAutism day/week/month. What’s the point?
April has always been a difficult time for the autistic community because of autism awareness and acceptance days, weeks or Month (referred to as ‘… Autism day/week/month. What’s the point?
Read moreThe Big Gag: Autism science and autistic heresy
Teen nonspeaker Anantha Krishnamurthy compares the treatment of progressive science during the Renaissance era to modern autism science— and it hits … The Big Gag: Autism science and autistic heresy
Read moreOur letter to the Canadian Senate: An Opportunity to Reshape Canada’s Autism Policy Landscape
On March 30, a representative of A4A appeared before the Senate of Canada, on their invitation, to present about federal autism policy. As well, … Our letter to the Canadian Senate: An Opportunity to Reshape Canada’s Autism Policy Landscape
Read moreDiscrimination, dehumanization, minimization, vilifying, Autistic slurs and hate speech in the name of ‘autism awareness’ month | Eve Reiland #…
Eve Reiland It’s that time again — Discrimination, dehumanization, minimization, villifying, name calling Autistics and hate speech in the name of ‘… Discrimination, dehumanization, minimization, vilifying, Autistic slurs and hate speech in the name of ‘autism awareness’ month | Eve Reiland #…
Read moreMedic Alert Canada: Epic Failure at Representation
It’s April which is commonly known as Autism Awareness Month. Autistic people are being subjected to Parent Advocates and the tragedy narrative all over the internet this month. Medic Alert Canada was also sadly quite guilty of this. They featured a Video that was labeled as Autism Safety: Resources, tools and advice from experienced moms. However there was 1 Mom
Read moreMonthly Roundup!- March 2022
Wow another month has come and gone.. where did March go? The weather has been pretty nice, so I managed to get in a few good walks this month. I even managed to walk down and up a huge hill. I did that walk two days in a row.. and my body said no to a third day, as I
Read moreAn open letter to Kismutt Rescue from Autistic adults in London Ontario:
London Autistics Standing Together is a peer-support and mutual aid network for Autistic Adults living in London Ontario and the surrounding areas. … An open letter to Kismutt Rescue from Autistic adults in London Ontario:
Read moreKismutt Rescue and Discrimination
It came to my attention yesterday that an Ontario animal rescue was discriminating against Autistic children. This was horrible because the only reason given for their “rule” was a child’s neurology. They did try to claim that Autistic children were abusive to animals and listed two examples from their own experience. This was immediately called out as bullshit (BS) as
Read moreThe Right to Privacy for Nonspeaking Autistics
Nick Barry, a young nonspeaking advocate, writes about how the privacy and autonomy of nonspeakers is often violated by those around them, how it … The Right to Privacy for Nonspeaking Autistics
Read moreMonthly Roundup! -February 2022
This month was huge because I got an indoor exercise bike from Costco that is IFIT compatible. I’ve been exploring the programs, testing out various beginner ones as I prepare myself for spring when I can actually go outdoors on my own bike and cycle around. Oddly enough I even managed to lose a little bit of weight, but I’m
Read moreA Brief Overview Of Simon Baron-Cohen’s Autism Research
*Please note this is a critique of Simon’s research and published work and not personal character defamation. As I have never met Simon, I cannot … A Brief Overview Of Simon Baron-Cohen’s Autism Research
Read moreCanada’s Autistic-led organization oppose the National Autism Strategy: Here’s why
For more than two years, Canada’s national autistic-led advocacy groups have actively opposed the proposed National Autism Strategy, which has been … Canada’s Autistic-led organization oppose the National Autism Strategy: Here’s why
Read moreAutistic trauma peer support
In 2022 the Autistic Collaboration community is in the process of co-creating and operationalising peer support services for Autistic Trauma based on… Autistic trauma peer support
Read more“This is our lane”: Autistics speak out against antivax rallies in Ottawa, Toronto
Image by Glacier Medical Associates Autistics for Autistics unequivocally condemns the antivaccine convoy rallies in Toronto, Ottawa and elsewhere in… “This is our lane”: Autistics speak out against antivax rallies in Ottawa, Toronto
Read moreAbolish Long-Term Care: Nationalize Home Care in Canada
Abolish Long-Term Care: Nationalize Home Care in Canada Megan Linton and Sarah Jama 649 more words Abolish Long-Term Care: Nationalize Home Care in Canada
Read moreMonthly Roundup! – January 2022
So yeah January was a big month as I was finally able to get my 3rd Covid vaccination. I also had to get a bit more active as there were a few months there were I just didn’t have energy. Having my 3rd dose of the vaccine meant that I felt comfortable enough to head back to the swimming pool.
Read moreHow I Saw ‘As We See It’ – Autistic Perspective
This show has given me A LOT of feels. There’s so much to process, but I’m going to try to find the right words. I’m trying not to give too many … How I Saw ‘As We See It’ – Autistic Perspective
Read moreFacebook Isn’t Protecting Marginalized Communities
Here’s how it usually goes. Autistic advocate posts about something important to them as an advocate or that affects the Autistic Community as a … Facebook Isn’t Protecting Marginalized Communities
Read more#WeSeeYouSia and Your Non Apology
After dumping on the autistic community all over Twitter, Sia reached international and mainstream media outlets. They broadcasted exactly how Sia … #WeSeeYouSia and Your Non Apology
Read moreI might be Autistic: Exploring and accepting my autism
Mo has had a lifetime of experiences that are unique and familiar to autistic people, and now she is committed to healing, accepting her true self, … I might be Autistic: Exploring and accepting my autism
Read moreMasking
As part of my exploration of Neurodivergence (see recent post Neuroqueer on the Queer River site), I’ve been learning about Masking (alternatively … Masking
Read morePuzzle Piece is Hated by the Autistic Community: the history and what to use instead
A hate symbol. Why is the puzzle piece a hate symbol? I get asked this a lot. They tell me to reclaim it. As a Holocaust educator, no one tells the … Puzzle Piece is Hated by the Autistic Community: the history and what to use instead
Read moreDiagnosis of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and What a Flare Up is Like
Clues From My Childhood My whole life I had had random pain and injuries I could not explain. I was often told I was faking it or doing it for … Diagnosis of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and What a Flare Up is Like
Read moreA Letter to Black and Indigenous Autistic Teens
Wolfheart Sanchez is Black and Native American, and he writes a letter to Autistic teens about how the lack of representation is harmful, but they … A Letter to Black and Indigenous Autistic Teens
Read moreASHA’s Position Statement on FC and RPM Violates My Child’s Human Rights
What Parents and Educators Should Know About FC and RPM ASHA’s Position Statement on FC and RPM Violates My Child’s Human Rights
Read more2021 Roundup!
I started this site with my very first on Jan 28th 2021 by recapping the first episode of Psych Hunter, I have since completed recapping all 36 episodes earlier this year. I then moved on to other Recaps such as A Tale of a Thousand Stars, and Ingredients. That actually took up a good portion of the year. I didn’t
Read moreAutism and Christmas
Christmas is usually perceived to be a time of connection and joy, but for many people it can be fraught with anxiety and stress. For some Autistic … Autism and Christmas
Read moreAutistics advocates unite to stop 11 Alive TV’s unethical use of “meltdown videos”
December 10, 2021. Autistics for Autistics and other disability advocacy groups and individuals were shocked to see that 11Alive, a news station in … Autistics advocates unite to stop 11 Alive TV’s unethical use of “meltdown videos”
Read moreNovember 2021 Monthly Roundup!
It’s that time again, just before the winter holidays and all the good food.. so time to do a roundup and see how I’m doing. There will also be some sad news in this one so be warned! I’ve been pretty active this month, but it’s getting back in the habit of working out that’s hard. My weight has stayed
Read moreThe Dentist
Not that long ago I posted on my social media that I would be seeing the dentist. A lot of people wished me well, and some mentioned feeling anxiety even though they weren’t the one to go to the dentist. If you are seeing a new dentist it can be quite scary. One way to help with that is to
Read moreHarsh Truths & Cold Reality
Identity is made up of a multiple parts. It’s like one of those multi sided gaming dice or a multifaceted gem. It’s complex and deeply personal. You can’t love a person without loving them for all that they are. You also have to realize that if you have never left your own country, it limits your perspective, the lens with
Read moreAutistic Unmasking: How to Unlearn Trauma Responses
I’ve written about masking and sensory pain a lot. But there are still things I notice even years after recognizing that I’m autistic. Masking is … Autistic Unmasking: How to Unlearn Trauma Responses
Read moreThe political effort to separate autism from “severe autism” is misguided at best
Sebastian Rubino writes a response to the The political effort to separate autism from “severe autism” is misguided at best
Read moreMonthly Roundup!- October 2021
So I missed doing a monthly roundup for August and September because I just wasn’t that active. It’s hard to admit but, it’s true and because of that I gained a good amount of weight.. sigh. My weight weight went up like 10 pounds in those two months.. so I’m back to logging my food and being more active. I
Read moreBlind and Autistic: How Dueling Disabilities Makes Me a Bridge
When people interact with me for the first time, they know that I am Blind. Maybe because it’s quite obvious that I have uncontrollable eye movement;… Blind and Autistic: How Dueling Disabilities Makes Me a Bridge
Read moreConfidentiality of Diagnostic Paperwork
This oddly enough comes up a lot especially in advocate spaces. There is always some misguided person demanding to see the diagnostic paperwork from an advocate in order to prove that they are autistic. However they have NO legal right to it as it’s protected under the law. However even when someone has NO legal right to the information, people
Read moreWhy You Shouldn’t Participate in the Blue Bucket Trend This Halloween
There seems to be no shortage of well-intentioned neurotypical people who try to help the autistic community however they can. While this is nice … Why You Shouldn’t Participate in the Blue Bucket Trend This Halloween
Read moreAAC Devices: What They Are and How You Can Get One For Your Autistic Child
Communication is a human right. AAC Devices: What They Are and How You Can Get One For Your Autistic Child
Read moreThe Dangers of Spectrum 10K
It was just an average Tuesday morning while I browsed through my Twitter feed when I came across the glossy brand Spectrum 10k research project. At … The Dangers of Spectrum 10K
Read moreAn interview with Soma Mukhopadhyay, pioneer of rapid prompting method (RPM)
I would say that the student begins navigating the two-dimensional space of the letterboard then move on to navigating the environment which is in … An interview with Soma Mukhopadhyay, pioneer of rapid prompting method (RPM)
Read moreNeuroception 101: How the mindbody scans and adapts for safety and danger
Neuroception describes the neurophysiological ability to scan an environment for safety or danger. When people metaphorically speak about having a “… Neuroception 101: How the mindbody scans and adapts for safety and danger
Read moreREVIEW: The Reason I Jump – An Unusual Film With a Very Important Message
Ben Breaux, nonspeaking autistic advocate and author, reviewed the award-winning film, The Reason I Jump, an adaptation of Naoki Higashida’s best-… REVIEW: The Reason I Jump – An Unusual Film With a Very Important Message
Read moreTalent Isn’t Enough: Ableism & “Gifted” Autistics
Autistic people are often highly skilled or have well-developed talents, which causes the world to see them as having high earning potential. But … Talent Isn’t Enough: Ableism & “Gifted” Autistics
Read moreIf not electroshock at the Judge Rotenberg Center, then what? Try access to communication
Proponents of the Judge Rotenberg Center’s use of electroshock as punishment on disabled children and adults claim that nothing else works. What … If not electroshock at the Judge Rotenberg Center, then what? Try access to communication
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