Meet Diane J. Wright Founder of Autastic

Diane J. Wright is one of the most incredible autistic advocates I know. She is a dear friend and was one of the very first people I ever met when I joined the online autistic community. You may know her by her Facebook group "Surprise! You are Autistic"

Diane is also the founder of Autastic and hosts The Autastic Community where I am featured as a Guide and Roundtable host of Rest is More Than Sleep.

Did you know?

Diane was the VERY FIRST guest on the Mind Your Autistic Brain Talk Show!! She was my dream guest and she said yes to be my very first interview. That moment will always be precious to my heart because she is so special to me. Check out her episode here after you read her Advocate Spotlight in today's The Brain Dump Blog.

Diane Shares her Big WHY for Advocating...

What is your specialty or focus area of Autism Advocacy?

 Through Autastic.com, I build community and connect people who did not learn they were autistic until well into middle age and older, with a focus on autistic people of color.

Why did you begin advocating for yourself and others?

Like many advocates, I didn't see anyone like me in my world and didn't know anyone personally, or so I thought at the time. I started an online group that today, with our other communities, regularly connects approximately 10,000 late-identified autistic adults around the globe.

What makes this personal to you and Your Big Why?

Time and again, I see my personal journey in Autastic Community members. We share so much. If I can pass along some of what I’ve learned and improve someone’s life, why wouldn’t I do that? If I can connect others to do the same, of course I will. Connection allows us to feel that we are not alone, often for the first time in our lives. We get to see who we can be, at any age. Possibilities open up and the stories we tell ourselves about who we are in the world shift dramatically for the better. It’s breathtaking really.

What is/are the top tip(s) or insight(s) you have discovered for advocating for a) others and b) yourself? 

I've learned that while many of us crave information about ourselves, we're quite adept at acquiring it and that what we truly need is connection. Being in community with each other – people who experience the world as we do – is a critical missing piece. By the time we’re adults who’ve made do in isolation from our peers for decades, often we undervalue our need and the immense benefit and gratification of sharing our lives with each other. Resources and information #ForUsByUs are of course invaluable and equally so is access to each other.

Diane and I would love for you to join us over in The Autastic Community where we are sharing who we are in authentic connection one autistic to another.  This space may not be for everyone, but if you are ready to share who you are and ready to step out from behind a blurry pet photo and be you, this is your space.  We also have a monthly zoom the first Friday of each month to have time together and if you are part of the BIPOC or LGBTQ+ community you have a place and space that is all yours in Autastic.  Come check us out!!  #ISeeYou