By Baylie Nixon Since my first post to “The Art of Autism,” I was requested to write another article about how I was diagnosed and how I found out roughly a decade later of said diagnosis. In my last entry, I mentioned I was diagnosed as a toddler, but found out about my diagnosis when I was a teena…

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…

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…

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…

by Pam Urfer (commentary by Kimberly Gerry-Tucker after) Not much was known about Autism in 1942, the year I was born. Nor in 1952, when I was 10. Nor in 1962, when I was 20. I’m not sure what symptoms I displayed as a child, whether or not I spoke late, or potty trained late, or disliked being touc…

Into Your (Joe’s) World by Michael C. Kregler As a composer, I’ve always tried to follow this self-imposed advice: in order to create authentic and convincing music, be sure to a) study great composers, and b) write within your own experience. The latter would become especially significant when, in …

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…

PODS – People of Diversity, Speaking is a project similar to HONY – Humans of New York. PODS promotes the art of storytelling and it will be an ongoing database of Recognized Diversity Acceptance. by Kimberly Gerry-Tucker BOD and PODS; Intro by Kimberly Gerry Tucker, (new Board of Direc…

As 2017 comes to a close, The Art of Autism looks back at memorable events of the year. We’ve compiled some highlights of happenings in the autism community and from our year at The Art of Autism. Notable Deaths 2017 was a year that saw the passing of three lights who embodied inclusion, love,…

Disability Rights are Human Rights The United Nations has proclaimed December 3 as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Today there are over 7 billion people on the planet. 15 percent of those people have a disability which makes over 1 billion people with disabilities. According to t…

“When a family focuses on ability instead of disability, all things are possible…Love and acceptance is key. We need to interact with those with autism by taking an interest in their interests,” Amanda Rae Ross By Ron Sandison Amanda Ross is twenty-two—studying occupational therapy for h…

The ‘high school outcasts’ that transform into the Power Rangers are not only fighting evil – they are fighting for representation. The new Power Rangers movie addresses diversity. Not only do they have a ranger who is part of the LGBT community (Yellow Ranger is gay and Latina),…

This week The Art of Autism is featuring 21 autistic women who are making a difference. This is part 3 of a 3-part series. Read Part 1 and Part 2. Autism is a wide spectrum that presents itself differently in females than males. The Art of Autism is grateful for the many autistic women who contribut…