Autism, in these ancient wise cultures, is often called “The Shaman’s disease.” By Gonzalo Bénard Being autistic and shaman, I always found that they actually help and complement each other. In fact, in several ancient cultures, autistic people were seen as sacred and/or shamans … the sp…

Keep the Change makes a significant departure from traditional film portrayals of autism since it has the unique distinction of casting actors who are actually on the autism spectrum in the roles of autistic protagonists and supporting characters who are on the spectrum. By Nils Skudra I recently ha…

“The Dove of Peace, more than anything that’s something this world needs, peace. He is flying through the city at night in front of a billboard that shows the earth holding a banner reading “Peace”. I love to draw. I think it’s because it calms me down. For whatever reason I a…

Update 9/3/2018 I’m collecting favorite quotes about autism from some of my favorite people. Please share your own in the comments and if I like it, I may add it to the list. 1. “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism,” Dr. Stephen Shore…

May all neurologies be empowered to find their niche in the world. By Baylie Nixon This is my first public blog entry about being involved with autistic activism and culture, so I can only hope you all sincerely enjoy what I have to say. This entry is also about the jewelry I like to create, and how…

Since autism has no physical manifestation it’s hard to know that this child in the middle of a meltdown is autistic. By Tulika Prasad A few days back while I was browsing the aisles of a store my nine-year-old son brushed against another customer. I was hoping it wouldn’t be a big deal but sh…

In 2017, the Social Stories Spectrum Project provided a structured opportunity for high-functioning verbal young adults (ages 18-25) with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to meet up with their peers and practice social skills, participate in organized trips to seven museums in Balboa Park, and work…

By Alex Frank My sister Mia, who is now 24 years old, was at a crossroads before being employed at Popcorn for the People. Most people who are autistic or have special needs struggle intensely to find some form of employment. In fact, the unemployment rate for adults with disabilities in America is …

The authors conclude that if our children on the spectrum are not lovingly ‘pushed,’ particularly away from a reliance on internet technology, ‘the outcome is predictable: continued dependency, vulnerability to internet/gaming addiction, loneliness, and insecurity, and a vocational wasteland.&…

Wendy describes the challenges for someone on the autism spectrum for what many would call a simple outing. By Wendi E. Powers Going out in public is always an adventure for those of us on the autism spectrum.  While I can’t speak for the others, I can share a personal example.  Just…

How painting unlocked one woman’s ability as a savant. Congratulations to Amanda LaMunyon who on the Megyn Kelly show this morning! Here’s the video for those who missed it! Here’s a link to the Today show article Source: The Art of Autism

Ryan Smoluk talks about the importance of not listening to other’s negative projections for the future. By Ryan Smoluk “Oh no, no Ryan don’t think about going to university! You will never be able to do that!” a teacher in elementary told me. I was crushed. Was that true? I only ever tho…

As an autistic person myself, I do not take being verbal for granted and I understand how powerful writing can be to express oneself. I understand Pam’s saturation in books, her safe places to escape to and think, because I had mine too and still do. I identify with the types of “beyond the norm” gi…

Ron Sandison interviews Dr. Paula Kluth, consultant, author, advocate and independent consultant What inspired you to study special education in college? My high school started welcoming students with more complex needs when I was a senior. I approached the teacher to volunteer and work in her c…