Autism
Resources
Autism isn’t a puzzle to solve. It's not a list of deficits.
It’s a way of being—a way of processing the world that is different from most.
I believe autistic people deserve respect, representation, and resources that center our voices.
Nothing about us without us.
Autism Pride Symbol →
My Story
I discovered the name for who I am at the age of 48.
I am autistic.
I was born autistic.
I just didn't have a name for my identity, and that was a very lonely place to reside.
Being autistic is not a disease and it's not something to be cured.
It means my brain is structured differently than most.
Autistic brains, at rest, process 42% more information.
In childhood development, autistic brains shed far fewer synapses than neurotypical children
which helps explain why so many of us experience the world with extraordinary depth, sensitivity, and perception.
It's time the "experts" started listening to autistic people.
We know ourselves better than anyone, and if medicine stopped describing us by our deficits alone,
the world would find that we have so very much to offer.
Every single one of us.
Why I Do Not Support Autism Speaks or ABA Therapy
Autism Speaks built its reputation on fear-based campaigns, framing autism as a tragedy to be "cured."
Despite its fundraising, very little of its budget has gone to services that actually support autistic people.
Autistic advocates have spoken out for years, yet the organization continues to misrepresent us.
ABA therapy grew out of the same behavioral methods once used for conversion therapy, designed by the same person.
While it is still marketed as the "gold standard," many autistic adults who experienced ABA
report trauma, loss of autonomy, and long-term harm.
Its focus is on making autistic people appear "less autistic", not on supporting our well-being.
Both are promoted heavily in mainstream spaces, which is why so many families encounter them first.
But once you listen to autistic voices, the problems are clear:
our humanity, our differences, and our right to exist as we are should never be treated as something to erase.
Alternatives to ABA Therapy
Families often hear that ABA is "the only option."
That's not true.
There are respectful, supportive approaches that center connection, autonomy,
and communication instead of compliance:
DIR/Floortime
A developmental, play-based approach that focuses on relationships and following the child's lead.
Speech and Language Therapy
Especially approaches that honor multiple forms of communication, including AAC devices, sign language,
and picture systems.
Occupational Therapy
When sensory-informed, OT can help autistic people navigate sensory challenges and build real-world skills.
Strengths-Based Supports
Interest-driven learning, mentoring, and therapies that focus on building skills around an individual's passions.
Peer and Community Support
Sometimes the most effective "therapy" is access to other autistic people, safe social environments,
and supportive community.
The goal isn't to make autistic people appear "less autistic."
It's to help us thrive as we are.
We have WAY more strengths than we have deficits.
Just like everyone else.
Autistic-Led Organizations to Support
If you want to truly support autistic people, these organizations are run by autistic people, for autistic people:
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
A national grassroots organization fighting for disability rights, inclusion, and policy change.
Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)
Supporting autistic women, girls, and nonbinary people through community, leadership, and advocacy.
NeuroClastic
A collective of autistic writers, researchers, and advocates offering resources, education, and lived perspectives.
Autism Acceptance Month
A hub for understanding the difference between "autism awareness" campaigns and true autism acceptance.
Learn & Explore
Do you suspect you might be autistic?
Reframing DSM Autism Criteria — Matt Lowry, LPP →
The neuroscience of synaptic pruning and the autistic brain →
A neurodiversity-affirming resource hub for autistic adults →
The link between autism and the LGBTQIA+ community →
Neurodiversity-affirming resources →
Additional neurodiversity resources →
Autistic and unemployed? Check out this resource →
What it's like to be SO different (one of my favorite artists)
