Dr. Grandin taught me that I did not need to blame, shame, or hate myself just because I was different. By Wendi E. Powers As an over-forty college graduate, I attributed my difficulties to complex childhood trauma. Although I was in therapy for PTSD and Dissociative Identity Disorder, I become dis…

“Shine’s” depiction of David Helfgott’s passionate pursuit and achievement of success as a pianist in spite of his severe mental challenges sends an uplifting message that continues to resonate among people on the autism spectrum in today’s environment where employers are increasin…

It’s like a cloud of electricity is filling my brain and then slowly explodes inside my head. By Austin John Jones My experience with brain spasms or out of body moments is pretty minimal compared to more severe people on the spectrum, but I want to discuss my experiences with certain brain dysfunct…

Art of Autism Board member Kimberly Gerry-Tucker shares poetry and art honoring women. March is Women’s History Month. By Kimberly Gerry-Tucker (Artwork: Kimberly Gerry-Tucker) What is Dorothy Catherine Draper thinking in this 1840 Daguerreotype photo; taken by her brother? So many images o…

By Travis Breeding What a difference a year makes. Last year at this time I was beginning a journey of transformation. Part of having autism meant that I had this intense fixation and obsession of a getting a girlfriend. This could have been considered a special interest. My special interest fixatio…

By Baylie Nixon I was originally going to write this article before I left for a trip my friend, family and I planned this month. However, after spending some time in San Fransisco and feeling awe from the ambience I had missed for so many years, I believe I made the right call by waiting as long as…

By Kaelynn Partlow Often those of us on the autism spectrum do things that neurotypical people have difficulty understanding. To outsiders, autistic behavior can look “odd” or seem “not to make sense.” Sometimes a person’s behavior can even be frightening. It’s not uncommon for autistic…

New show for the ABC Network Casting Call Laura Rosenthal Casting is seeking talent to portray a neurodiverse character or character on the autism spectrum for a TV show Men and Women, 18 – 25, any ethnicity. Time Commitment 3/11 – 4/1 and may be needed for a longer time period. Will nee…

My autistic point of view is the reason for my artwork. By Malcolm Wang I am a working artist, specializing in nature photography. I want to tell the story of how I became interested in photography. When I was a toddler, I did not sleep well and had a lot of challenges. Almost every day, I would h…

By Aaliyah Holt Over 80% of autistic adults are unemployed. Only a small percentage of us are working. Why is this? There are several reasons why we struggle with jobs. The lack of education on autism makes it difficult in life. We see the world in black and white. It’s like people are speakin…

“When I step on the ice, I feel clarity and my worries disappear,” Walker Aurand By Ron Sandison Walker Aurand, a natural on ice, began skating at the age of two. When his dad took him to the rink for open skate, he was astonished to see his two year old son skating without any training…

“Attention energizes and intention transforms… Whatever you put your attention on will grow stronger in your life. Whatever you take your attention away from will wither, disintegrate and disappear,” Deepak Chopra By Kimberly Gerry-Tucker We are probably all aware of what we wish our futures t…

By Steve Staniek The forest has always been my spiritual home where I could feel safe and free. Perhaps it was my exposure to nature from an early age that raised my sensitivity to the energies around me, until I grew `into an environmental empath, that’s someone who can feel the presence of differe…

Practicing art helps me to come out of emotional pain of my past and reduces everyday stress. By Linish Balan Until the age of 28 I didn’t even draw a single flower properly. In childhood I never tried to draw anything by myself though I had a great fascination for visuals. In school days drawing c…