Autism Spectrum News

The Autism Spectrum News Fall Issue is Now Online! “Supporting and Empowering Autistic Adults” View it Now: https://lnkd.in/eXF2fZyq Empowering #autistic #adults to lead independent and fulfilling lives is essential as they navigate the complexities of adulthood. In this Fall 2024 issue of Autism Spectrum News, we explore key strategies for supporting autistic adults in their pursuit of #autonomy, #SelfAdvocacy, and overall #WellBeing. From addressing challenges such as aging and long-term care to offering practical approaches for enhancing self-management, communication, and community engagement, this issue provides valuable insights and evidence-based guidance for individuals and caregivers alike. With 20 of the 50 articles in this issue written by autistic adult self-advocates, their lived experiences and perspectives are prominently featured, enriching the conversation about independence and empowerment. By highlighting the voices of self-advocates, this issue aims to equip readers with the tools and knowledge needed to empower autistic adults to achieve their personal goals and improve their quality of life. #AutismSupport #EmpowerAutisticAdults #AutisticIndependence #InclusiveCare #LifelongSupport View it Now: https://lnkd.in/eXF2fZyq

In recent years, there has been a misconception that #AutisticAdults have lower desires for #sex compared to the general population. This assumption, rooted in infantilization, fails to recognize the diverse sexual needs and potentials within the autistic community. This article explores how #autistic adults can advocate for their sexual autonomy and navigate fulfilling sexual #relationships, despite #SocietalNorms and the lack of tailored #SexEducation. “Navigating Sex as an Autistic Adult” By Britt Boylan (They/Them) Naropa University Student Pursuing an MA in Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling 📰 Read the article: https://lnkd.in/e6vEkg4N

Yale University's Cultural Autism Studies program, led by #autistic anthropologist Dr. Dawn Prince-Hughes, reimagines #autism as a distinct #CulturalIdentity characterized by holistic thinking, unique communication patterns, and shared values, offering a revolutionary alternative to traditional clinical perspectives. “Cultural Autism Studies at Yale: A Revolution” By Dawn Prince-Hughes, PhD Cultural Autism Studies at Yale University (CASY) 📰 Read the article: https://lnkd.in/e8u626np Roger Jou

While it opens doors to new adventures for many, for #autistic individuals, travel can disrupt routines and trigger #anxiety due to #sensory sensitivities and unfamiliar environments. Understanding these unique perspectives is crucial in preparing for journeys, ensuring that #travel remains #accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their individual needs and preferences. “The Complete Autistic Travel Guide” By Karl Wittig, PE Aspies for Social Success (AFSS) 📰 Read the article: https://lnkd.in/ehg3hd5M

As I reflect on the ways society views neurodivergent individuals—those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences—I see how deeply ingrained the deficit model is. It frames these differences as "disorders" to be fixed, a lens shaped by a colonial mindset that has long privileged conformity over diversity. But neurodivergence is not something to be "fixed." It is part of the beautiful variation in how human minds work. The deficit model, rooted in colonial thinking, is harmful. It imposes rigid, neurotypical norms on people whose ways of thinking, feeling, and engaging with the world are different but no less valuable. For too long, the focus has been on correcting these differences instead of celebrating their strengths—creativity, hyper-focus, problem-solving, and a unique perspective on life. Decolonizing neurodiversity means letting go of the medicalization and pathologization of neurodivergent traits. It means embracing a strengths-based approach that honors each person’s contributions and reimagining systems—education, healthcare, workplaces—that are built to include, not exclude. I believe in a future where neurodivergent individuals don’t have to "mask" or "fit in" but are celebrated for who they are. Let’s work together to break free from the deficit mindset and create environments where difference is seen as a source of strength, not a problem to solve.

In the realm of supporting #autistic #adults, every interaction holds potential for meaningful #growth and #independence. At The Summit Center, individuals face and conquer challenges related to #communication, #SelfHelp, and #SensoryProcessing, striving toward personal achievements and new experiences. They foster engagement through #TailoredPrograms centered on the individual's interest. Their commitment extends beyond mere support, advocating for broader recognition and investment in the invaluable role of #DirectSupport Professionals. “The Importance of Personalized Support and Care for Autistic Adults” By Laurlen Coker The Summit Center 📰 Read the article: https://lnkd.in/eSecCqak

This is how #latediscovered autistics become #alexithymic We instinctively know our presence makes people uncomfortable so we overcompensate for our differences by becoming so outwardly focused on the emotional comfort of others that we loose track of our own feelings. We are consistently told our needs are unreasonable so we learn early to ignore our own needs in order not to anger others by having needs. It’s not cool. It’s high time the neuromajority examine the depths of their privilege and unconscious, casual cruelty, othering and invalidation of anyone who is different. #autism #biases #invalidationtrauma #emotionalintelligence

In the conversation around #neurodiversity, the term "#neurodiverse" is often used to describe individuals, but this can unintentionally reinforce what some call "neurodiversity lite." This concept subtly promotes a medical model that frames natural #neurodivergence as a disorder, even while claiming #inclusivity. It's a reminder of how #language shapes the way we view cognitive #diversity and influences societal attitudes. It's time to rethink how we talk about neurodivergence and appreciate it as just another part of being #human. “The Problem with Calling Neurominorities ‘Neurodiverse’” By Bernard Grant Âû, Ph.D. 📰 Read the article: https://lnkd.in/dT_GEwyg #InclusiveLanguage

Navigating the challenges of #aging as an #autistic woman, Johanna Murphy shares her personal journey of growing up undiagnosed and the lasting impact it has had on her life. She reflects on the struggles of poverty, late #diagnosis, and the lack of adequate support systems for autistic elders, particularly women. As health issues escalate and financial security dwindles, she highlights the need for intentional support to ensure #dignity and #autonomy for #neurodiverse individuals in their later years. “Navigating the Later Stages of Life with Autism and Aging” By Johanna Murphy, MFA Evolve Coaching 📰 Read the article: https://lnkd.in/dHtNh5gg

We tend to see things as we are, not as they are, so when we shift to being neurodivergent affirming, we begin to see our traits not as deficits but as part of us. Reframing our neurodivergent traits from a negative deficit to an affirming view is a part of the healing process. It is not enough to release the limiting. We must embrace the affirming. This shift helps us raise neurodivergent young ones with an intact sense of dignity, power, and belonging. Neurodiversity is, in large part, inherited. It is also helpful for teachers, parents, and caregivers of neurodivergent children. Or if you do not “have children” like me, it helps us be kind and supportive in the presence of neurodivergent children. If you would like support in becoming neurodivergent affirming, please visit my website to learn more. You can also join my learning community via my website. Credit for this image belongs to Dr. Morgan Biedelman. Visual description is embedded in the image. #Neurodiversity #Neurodivergent #AffirmingLanguage