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 moreTag Archives: health
From “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 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 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 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 moreAutistic History: Jim Sinclair
Jim is in the purple Jim Sinclair is an autistic professional who worked with autistic people. Xe was born in December of 1961. Jim did not start … Autistic History: Jim Sinclair
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 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 moreWhy I Let My Neurodivergent Children Off the Hook
by Amanda Diekman Why I Let My Neurodivergent Children Off the Hook
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 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 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 more100-ish Books for Adults Exploring Their Own Autistic Identity
Late Diagnosis – Self Discovery – Autistic Culture 100-ish Books for Adults Exploring Their Own Autistic Identity
Read moreLife with Autism, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Cats
After surviving a war zone in Saudi Arabia and Beirut and returning to the US, David Chin found himself face down in a puddle in a grocery store … Life with Autism, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Cats
Read moreWhen A Child Is Properly Supported at Home and at School, the Possibilities are Endless
A is my half brother in law who my husband and I have guardianship of. He and my husband have the same father. LONG STORY. 1,769 more words When A Child Is Properly Supported at Home and at School, the Possibilities are Endless
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 moreA Letter to Autistic Teens: Know What You Deserve
Jude Olubodun pens a powerful letter to autistic teens validating that they deserve respect, boundaries, bodily autonomy, and love in a society that … A Letter to Autistic Teens: Know What You Deserve
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 more‘Twas the Night Before… YIKES!
This one has been floating around the interwebs for quite a while now, but since it’s that time of year, it’s making its rounds again. I really wish … ‘Twas the Night Before… YIKES!
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 moreReflecting on My Experiences as a Homeless Youth with Disabilities
Youth Homelessness, Disability and Institutionalization: Reflecting on My Experiences as a Homeless Youth with Disabilities this National Runaway … Reflecting on My Experiences as a Homeless Youth with Disabilities
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 moreThe Poppy and Veterans
How far has society fallen that after a 100 years the sacred Red Poppy needs to be defended? That’s the state of affairs when I opened social media on Remembrance Day. I had to defend the Red Poppy from white/purple poppies. The Poppy is a trademark of the Royal Canadian Legion as well as The Royal British Legion. It’s illegal
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 moreSpectrum 10k: The Fallacy of Genetic Autism Studies
The waters surrounding autistic genetic studies are best described as murky. The MSSNG project from Autism Speaks and SPARK from the Simons … Spectrum 10k: The Fallacy of Genetic Autism Studies
Read moreWe support the NDP’s Kemal Ahmed: Harassment against Mr. Ahmed and his campaign team is racist and anti-democratic
August 25, 2021. When New Democratic Party candidate Kemal Ahmed posted on social media about Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), he could not have … We support the NDP’s Kemal Ahmed: Harassment against Mr. Ahmed and his campaign team is racist and anti-democratic
Read moreOn Using NonSpeaking, Minimally Speaking, Or Unreliably Speaking Over “Non-Verbal”: NonSpeakers Weigh In
“I prefer nonspeaking as I understand all language. Non-verbal suggests I don’t understand language and doesn’t represent how I love language.” On Using NonSpeaking, Minimally Speaking, Or Unreliably Speaking Over “Non-Verbal”: NonSpeakers Weigh In
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 moreWeekly Roundup!
So it’s been another dreary week of barely any workouts so I decided to try the Apple Fitenss+. I decided to start with the dance workouts because they were good cardio and my Vo2 max needs to improve. I decided to try the Dance with Ben which is set to Space Jam because clearly I was feeling a bit nostalgic.
Read moreABA Horror Stories Are Far Too Common
Many autistic children who receive ABA therapy are nonspeakers. As these children age, they gain access to better communication tools. And when they … ABA Horror Stories Are Far Too Common
Read moreWeekly Roundup!
It’s been an interesting week. I’ve run out of energy a lot so even doing something simple (relatively speaking) as a recap for an Asian drama has been difficult to do. I did manage to get some swimming in though and broke my record with 74 laps! It’s because I did so many laps that I had to rest in
Read moreA Response to ONTABA’s 2020 “Look at ABA Research”
ONTABA recently released a report entitled “ABA in 2020-2021; current state of the research.” You can find that report here – https://… A Response to ONTABA’s 2020 “Look at ABA Research”
Read moreMonthly Roundup -July 2021
Apologies I just realized that I forgot to make a post for the end of July! There was a bit of cycling a lot of swimming but overall only 13 workouts for the month which is less than I would like. So it wasn’t my most healthiest month this year. Even my move goals weren’t hit consistently in July. I
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 moreWeekly Roundup!
It’s Ben a pretty busy week as the pools are open again. However some of the restrictions have been lifted so now you can’t book a spot in the pool but have to fight for a lane that you get to share with three other people. I’m proud of myself as 1,675m is the farthest I have been able to
Read moreYes, It Really Is Legal to Electrically Shock Disabled Children in The US as Punishment #StopTheShock
Please help #StopTheShock – It is legal in the US to shock disabled people right now at the Judge Rotenberg Center. This is not okay. Yes, It Really Is Legal to Electrically Shock Disabled Children in The US as Punishment #StopTheShock
Read moreWeekly Roundup!
It’s time for another weekly roundup! It’s been an interesting week as the mask requirements has been lifted in some places while still be required in others. I’m going to admit that I love being maskless in stores but then I’m fully vaccinated so there is less risk for me. More importantly though the pool has opened up again which
Read morePuzzle Piece history/A$ Mass post
Let’s talk puzzle pieces. Now in a general sense I love puzzle pieces (please keep reading). They are a whole picture coming together, or a family of… Puzzle Piece history/A$ Mass post
Read moreWhy We NEED to Teach Boundaries & Consent to Autistic People
Transcript: Hey Humans. My voice – my voice, is that, is that my voice? Won’t come out of my mouth. Oh no. Let’s try that again. Hey, Humans! Lyric … Why We NEED to Teach Boundaries & Consent to Autistic People
Read moreThoughts on Cluster B Stigma from an Abuse Survivor
We’ve got to talk, y’all. There’s a real problem in our society when it comes to Cluster B diagnoses but before I dig deeper into that, what is … Thoughts on Cluster B Stigma from an Abuse Survivor
Read more
You must be logged in to post a comment.