By Jack Pemment Should we even be sharing our voices with voice activated assistants? The thought of using my voice to request certain functions through such assistants as Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant has always struck me as weird and a bit awkward. I am not talking to them, after all, I am acti…

By Jacinto Morales Skateboarding: a truly unique experience, one that takes the best of art & physicality and makes them one wonderful adventure. I am an Autistic man coming out of his shell and skateboarding has helped me enter with joyful freedom. It was only a short while ago that I discove…

By Jacinto Morales Nowadays, it’s impossible not to know superheroes, and why wouldn’t you want to know? There is no other genre where talking raccoons, walking trees, and raging green monsters can occupy the same space. Superheroes do not just defy frigid logic and frozen sterility; it burns them, …

By Jack Pemment There are two things that can severely determine a person’s social fate: A criminal verdict and a mental health diagnosis. Regardless of the true events behind the criminal verdict, the return of guilty by a judge will sway most public opinion in a direction where the recent defendan…

By Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti In 2019, six months before turning 63; it was confirmed that I’m autistic. I was different from everyone else, without knowing why. In grade school, high school, and college, classmates would frequently ask me: “Why do you act the way you do?” “Why do you act so weird?” “…

Entering the holiday season, I realized how thankful I am for the five mentors God has brought into my life and ministry. These men empowered me to become the man I am today. I hope to mentor and inspire other young adults on the autism spectrum to accomplish their dreams. By Ron Sandison As I refle…

A Civil War historian makes the case for Stonewall Jackson having Asperger’s Syndrome By Nils Skudra As a Civil War historian, I always have a fervent interest in studying how its notable political and military leaders made a significant impact on the course of the war. One of the most iconic…

Ron Sandison interviews child musical prodigy Jacob Velazquez For those who missed Jacob Velazquez on America’s Got Talent here’s a video of his appearance: I had the opportunity to ask Jacob a few questions about his autism and his music. 1. How did PDD-NOS effect you as a child and at…

“Although there is a widespread perception that disabilities inhibit people from reaching their potential, advocates have argued that in many ways they can serve as assets because of the unique talents that they contribute to the workplace and to interpersonal relationships.” By Nils Sku…

Rudy reminds me of the simple things in life like a good meal. No matter what we have for dinner, Rudy is under the table begging for his scraps. By Ron Sandison In December 2018 I was experiencing severe anxiety and depression. I felt overwhelm by traveling and speaking at over 70 events a year an…

“I’m often the first to hear alarms. I can differentiate sounds quickly and more easily. My sensitivity to touch helps with palpation during a nurse exam. I can feel if something is different or off.” An interview with Ron Sandison Like many women, Nurse Jackie Anne Blair was diagnosed w…

By Jacquelyn Marquette, Ph.D.For World Autism Month 2019, I want to shine a light on persons on the Autism Spectrum (AS) who rely upon a greater need for supports. Many of these individuals have strengths and talents, yet they are often ignored and turned away from resources such as supported empl…

By Allison Hill A few weeks ago Taylor Swift invited us to her concert and backstage to meet her.  We were so excited to get to thank her for Reid, Jacob’s service dog, in person.  Reid has changed Jacob’s life and our family life so so much.  I don’t think that she …

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The Art of Autism is focusing on blogs of those who have a dual-diagnosis. By Jacqueline Lee At the beginning of January, I started two government internships concurrently. The first internship was a paid one which essentially laid me off once they were done – w…