Welcome to May! I hope that you found rest, joy, and a place to be seen, heard, understood and accepted during the month of April.  Community is key and one of the most critical parts to our overall health and well being as adult autistics.   If you are looking for resources to share with others as to why online community is so important to us check out this article and share with others. #ShineALight In the most recent Autistic Advocate Spotlight out today, meet Dr. Scott ...

The impact in the autistic community for online social isolation is much greater.  Autistic men are at a three times rate for suicide, autistic women are at a four times rate of suicide and I can only speculate because there was not autistic data on suicide rates of autistic people of color or lgbtqia, but the data for non-autistic specific multiracial, transgender people is thirty three percent higher than the general population for suicide risk.

Autism is a spectrum, so things that may work for some, don't work for others. It's a complex thing, helping those, so we have to be both person-centric, and system-centric simultaneously. 

Finding likeminded people helped me so much, reading their stories, the recognition, the open minded and kind and patience people who understand ...helped me find the last piece of myself back.

I have been so lucky that even though I have struggled throughout my career, I have still found professional success in a job I truly love.  When I found out that 80% of autistics are un-or-under employed, I knew I had to do something more to help. 

Mason Milne of Crohn’s & Autism Awareness Advocate Podcast is one of the kindest people and his heart is so genuine.   So often in mainstream society, people look at how old you are and judge whether or not they think you “look” or “seem” old enough to add value to a conversation.  What I love about our community is we don’t look at those same metrics, we take what someone is saying and the spark they add to the conversation and they could ...

I believe we always need to be focusing on education and collaboration. Long-term change comes from all of us working together, and staying focused into the future.

I have also discovered that you will come across people who really disagree with what you are saying and the impact of their reaction means you need to be prepared to take a break from advocating.

I discovered that advocating for the autistic community is harder than I thought it would be, partly because the community is so varied and different people want different things.

I think accepting is huge. We see a lot of awareness but what about acceptance? That’s more of an action.

- Don’t worry about being perfect - nothing and nobody can claim to be perfect. What matters is the strength and integrity of your message.

Jaime: I’ve discovered that the most important thing I can teach a non-autistic person to do is to approach autistic behavior with curiosity.

Brian learned at the age of fifty that he is autistic.  His writing and advocacy so intimately shares his journey through life.  He lost his parents at a very early age and he was brutally bullied and experienced atrocities that no human should ever experience.  The courage, bravery, tenacity and heart that Brian thrives and continues to show up with in life today and every day is a testament to who he is. Meet the 2022 Mind Your Autistic Brain Autistic Advocate Impact & Achievement Award winner Mr. Brain Bird…

I don’t really have one area or focus. I tend to cover lots of different topics, predominantly based off my feelings and experiences. I like to try and discuss a whole range of things so that I am inclusive. 

My passion is helping other autistic people learn more about themselves, providing a role model for self-improvement, communicating the autistic experience to neurotypical individuals & providing a platform to bring autistic individuals, parents & experts together to pursue a joint cause.

What makes this personal to you and Your Big Why? 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..

Shining a light on autistic adults and giving each autistic person space to speak for themselves, to share who they are, what is important to them and how they see and experience the world is beyond necessary. This month to #ShineALight on autistic people and our voices, Mind Your Autistic Brain is showcasing a different autistic advocate throughout the month on the new Blog, The Brain Dump beginning, Monday, April 4th.  If you are new to the autistic community, Welcome! and we see ...

Carrin Gilmore is autistic and recently quit her job because she couldn't get the work accommodations she needed. How crazy is that?! Right? She works in a field that is ALL about accommodations but when it came to the school meeting her accommodation needs it just didn't happen.