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: Life
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 moreService Dogs are Not Licensed in the United States. A Story and What the Law Really Says
{img decription: brown background with white text that says “Fight ableism, racism, queerphobia, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all bad isms and … Service Dogs are Not Licensed in the United States. A Story and What the Law Really Says
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 moreThe Bigotry that is JK Rowling
I was a teenager from Long Island taking the Long Island Railroad into Manhattan. From there I took the A C or E subway train to Greenwich Village in… The Bigotry that is JK Rowling
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 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 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 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 moreWhy I Let My Neurodivergent Children Off the Hook
by Amanda Diekman Why I Let My Neurodivergent Children Off the Hook
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 moreThe Lovely Writer: Episode 8 Part 1
Nubsib answers his phone while unpacking his car. It turns out to be Tum asking if he and Gene have made up already. Tum also wants to know if Gene is still angry. Tum tells Nubsib to ask Gene to turn his cellphone back on and talk to him, unless Gene is still angry then he wonders if Gene might
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 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 moreAutistics Don’t Trust Awareness Gear Companies and Here is Why
const scriptEl = document.createElement(‘script’); scriptEl.src = ‘https://trinitymedia.ai/player/trinity/2900006532/?pageURL=’ + … Autistics Don’t Trust Awareness Gear Companies and Here is Why
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 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 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 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 moreArchive | ”I Am Autism” Video via Autism Speaks | #AutisticHistory #AutismPropaganda #StopBigAutism
“I Am Autism” video screenshot of a young Autistic playing on a trampoline. This is an Autism Propaganda film produced by Autism Speaks. In September… Archive | ”I Am Autism” Video via Autism Speaks | #AutisticHistory #AutismPropaganda #StopBigAutism
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 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 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 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 moreSymbols of Peace
International Day of Peace – Around the world people commit to peace on Sept 21st since 1981 when it was established by the United Nations. They use the dove holding an olive branch as their symbol. The White Flag – a plain white flag used as a flag of truce or surrender. Peace Dove – see quote below. “In a
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
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