In honor of International Peace Day, the Art of Autism is posting a series of blog posts in September with the theme of peace. by Kimberly Gerry-Tucker When tasked with writing a peace essay, I sat here staring at the blank computer page for more time than I care to admit. So… here goes. I was in th…

By Tom Iland I received some questions this morning from a mother whose son with autism didn’t want to be called “high-functioning” and suggested she use another term. She asked me if I’ve ever felt this way – is it possible many kids feel this way and we don’t know it? and what other terms ca…

By Tracey Cohen I always knew I was different but never understood why.  I aimed to please, but the world was too fast, noisy, unpredictable and innately counter-intuitive. Yet I was told by family and professionals in more ways than one that I was wrong – I was the problem. And I was told that…

By Pamela Urfer As I posted on this blog a few weeks ago, (“I never thought of myself as weird”), I spent my childhood reading every book I could get my hands on. As a result, I became a writer. My books are odd, as I am myself. One woman, reading my short stories, exclaimed, “You have a very strang…

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…

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…

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…

This is National Disability Voter Registration Week Updated 07/15/2018 with current Voting Guide The Art of Autism encourages those on the autism spectrum to vote. Many candidates have disability platforms. For many on the autism spectrum, disability funding is decided through the voting process. …

“Maybe if I can skydive, I might someday feel secure enough and steady enough to sit in conversations with people and not play on my phone. “ By Austin John Jones Do you ever get that feeling that you think you might want something, but you aren’t exactly sure? Like you can’t make …

An interview with Joe Biel, founder of Microcosm Publishing, and author of “Good Trouble: Building a Successful Life & Business with Asperger’s” What age were you when you were diagnosed with Aspergers? I was 32 when I was ​first ​diagnosed​ with 99% certainty and I was 37 whe…

WhatIf we pushed ourselves to create change and invited others to join us to tell a new story?  By Jenny Palmiotto What is my place in this world? What is my purpose? Why Love & Autism? I recently sat down to answer this question. Tasked to write my Love & Autism story as part of o…

Art of Autism board member Tom Iland will test his knowledge on Wheel of Fortune this Tuesday. Tom has been hooked on the show for 30 years since he was a toddler. “It was quite a shock when Tom put down his Legos, stood in front of the TV and solved the Wheel of Fortune bonus round puzzle, &#…

The United Nations has declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day. We love this image by contributing artist Steve Selpal. While some including the White House are lighting it up blue, others are lighting it up gold or sharing rainbow-infused images. We at the Art of Autism believe Autism Awaren…

Due to autism with its speech delays, sensory processing issues, and deficit in ability to decode social norms—life was not always easy—especially with regards to gainful employment. By Ron Sandison As I reflect upon this past year and all the blessings in my life; March 20, having my first child,…