Think back to when you were a child playing dress up. Many costumes came with masks. You could be anyone you wanted to be. Ironman. A stormtrooper. A princess at a masquerade ball. A mask could transform you. You could be anyone you wanted to be. Playing pretend with masks hid who you truly were. … Continue reading The Dangers of Masking in Autism
Autism and Suicide
*Trigger warning: talk of suicide In a world that is constantly connecting with one another, it is no surprise that people with Autism are struggling at an alarming rate. Autism can cause people to feel as though they cannot connect with another person. Autism can cause people to feel isolated socially. Autism can cause people … Continue reading Autism and Suicide
What is Auditory Processing Disorder?
Imagine this: You walk into a room filled with people you know. You can feel the excitement in the air as you walk group to group, making your way around the room. After a few moments, though, you realize that everyone else is speaking a different language. You can understand bits and pieces of what … Continue reading What is Auditory Processing Disorder?
Why the “R” Word NEEDS to Go
*Trigger warning- use of the N-word and R-word Before the 1600's there was a word to describe a certain group of people. The word was simply a descriptor. This word was reserved for people whose skin contained more melanin, a pigment that darkens the color of the skin. This word is negro. Over the course … Continue reading Why the “R” Word NEEDS to Go
How to Gain Employment with Autism
Entering the workforce can be difficult and intimidating to anyone. Add a disability on top of that, and it can be a challenge. However, it is not impossible. I'm going to start off with general employment tips and then progress to Autism specific tips. Looking for Jobs When looking for jobs, you should look for … Continue reading How to Gain Employment with Autism
Do You Know Your Disability Rights? Reasonable Accommodations
Reasonable accommodations. Have you heard of them? Reasonable accommodations empower people with disabilities at school, in the community, and even at work. What are Accommodations? Accommodations are anything that can assist a person with completing a task. They are a key in the disability community that opens up the inaccessible world to those of us … Continue reading Do You Know Your Disability Rights? Reasonable Accommodations
Day in the Life of an Autistic Adult: Emily Beasley
Join me, Emily Beasley, as a take you through my day in the life of an Autistic adult. I wake up at 7:30am, same as most days, to my Google Home’s alarm. “Ok Google, what is the weather like today?” I ask as I roll out of bed. “The forecast today is 82 and partly … Continue reading Day in the Life of an Autistic Adult: Emily Beasley
Quick Guide to Scripting: Communicating Feelings and Needs Through Echolalia
The short answer to this question is: scripting is a form of vocal stimming. Scripting is an informal name for echolalia. It looks like a person repeating words or phrases that they have heard, in person, on television, in movies, in passing, etc., used for sensory input. Why Do Autistic People Script? As an Autistic … Continue reading Quick Guide to Scripting: Communicating Feelings and Needs Through Echolalia
Quick Guide to Sensory Processing Disorder for Autistic People
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a disorder that affects how the body processes its sensory input. While this disorder is not exclusive to Autism, many Autistic people also have SPD. People with SPD usually fall into a category of hypersensitive or hyposensitive to sensations. Hypersensitive means a particular sense is too much. The person is receiving … Continue reading Quick Guide to Sensory Processing Disorder for Autistic People
Stimming – Repetitive Actions Autistic People Do To Cope
There are many behaviors that Autistic people may perform that seem “weird” or “unusual” to neurotypicals. Some of these behaviors are repetitive movement or speech which is called stimming. What is Stimming? Stimming is slang for self-stimulation. Autistic people self-stimulate in order to regulate themselves. Many Autistic people have a hard time dealing with stress … Continue reading Stimming – Repetitive Actions Autistic People Do To Cope