By Martine Mussies A while ago, I received a postcard of a beautiful Japanese art print. On the backside, someone had written a joke about “fighting like a girl” and concluded with the words “Thank you for being a strong woman in our dojo.” I was happy and touched by this act of kindness. But…

For us autistics, J.K. Rowling is promoting the ignorant belief that autistics are not able to figure things out about themselves on their own. She is using autism, our autism, as a weapon to defend her very transphobic beliefs. By Dana Trick For those who haven’t heard, recently J.K. Rowling, the a…

Poetry by Sophie Dutsch-Zdanowic Into the Black Pound in my head, chill in my skin Rattling breath stuck in my lungs Into the black Full moon in full glow, but does not Shine to where I stand Into the black Abandoned street, broken windows Hustle and bustle of maintown Muffled by distance and an eve…

By Samantha Craft I am a neurodivergent individual. The modern-day term of what it means to be neurodivergent is extremely fluid in nature. Mood disorders, such as PTSD, are appearing under the neurodivergent umbrella, as are brain injuries that cause cognitive impairments or differences. Neurodiver…

By Matteo Musso Hi, I am a 15 year old guy with autism. I have been silent most of my life, at least regarding using spoken language as a primary way of communicating. I was introduced to the letter board when I was 11½ years old. To live in this society without the use of spoken language is so cha…

By Austin John Jones For me, purpose is subjective; it’s based on how I feel. If I feel like I have a specific purpose in life, that motivates me. But sometimes I think purpose is a human idea someone made up to give me comfort. From what I can tell, people who feel like they have purpose get up eve…

By Greg Burns My language is more than words and so is yours My language moves with the wind and turns with the earth It twinkles with the stars above and ripples with the waves My language is something you do not learn but I must learn your language I must force my mouth to form the words with teet…

The Art of Autism encourages businesses that serve autistic people invest in art work of autistic artists. By Debra Muzikar In June The Art of Autism was contacted by Justin Kyriannis, owner of Achievable Behavioral Strategies in Las Vegas. Justin had viewed art on the Art of Autism’s website…

By Ryan Smoluk A lot has happened since we last connected, some good some not so good. Anyhow it’s the beginning of another beautiful summer here in Winnipeg, Canada. I am happy and excited to share with you my latest good news. In June, I had my art on exhibit in one of Canada’s most respected and …

“I want to see a world where people with disabilities achieving things is a norm rather than an exception. It isn’t a surprise when you see a person with autism practicing law or doing something amazing in the world.” By Ron Sandison This last June I met Haley Moss at the Milestone Autism Conferenc…

This writing is dedicated to those who understand the autistic people of this world to be unique and special, and who would not want them any other way. The Autistic Plea for Understanding Why do you look upon me the way you do, you who see me as a standout. When you look upon me, you see s…

Practice makes perfect. This adage applies to artist Joel Anderson.A highlight of the Mozart & The Mind Symposium June 1 in San Diego was seeing Temple Grandin emerge on canvas before our eyes. It looks effortless but Joel Anderson has been honing his Temple Grandin portrait skills for months …

By Katherine Valdoria I have always had a hard time “owning” labels. You know when you’re taking a class or participating in a workshop and they sit you in a circle and ask you to say your name and “something interesting” about yourself, to break the ice? I hate that. I get overwhelmed with…

Music has been a bridge for me to show who I really am to others. You can’t hear autism in music. Sound, melody, and rhythm are immune to disabilities. My name is Breyton Croom. I am 24 years old from Morristown, New Jersey, and I am autistic with a diagnosis of Pervasive Developmental Disorde…