Research Meets Reality TV: How the Media Stigmatizes Autism and Why it Matters

• By: Valerie Gaus, PhD Psychologist Amy Gravino, MA, CAS Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services Jill Krata, PhD, CLC Evolve Autism and Family Coaching
• July 9th, 2025
• adults, advocacy, autism representation, inclusive, lived experience, media, neurodiversity, research, stigma, Summer 2025 Issue
• 114    0

Depictions of autism in the media—whether fictional or nonfictional—influence the wider public’s perception of autism, both positively and negatively. Two of the more well-known portrayals of autism are Sheldon Cooper from the Big Bang Theory as well Raymond Babbitt, the historically common...

Sex Education for Autistic People: Why It’s Not Too Much to AASK

• By: Amy Gravino, MA, CAS Relationship Coach and Autism Sexuality Advocate | Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services
• September 29th, 2022
• AASK, actually autistic, adult autism and sexuality kit, adults, Fall 2022 Issue, relationships, sex education, sex education curriculum, sexuality
• 2524    0

One of the most vivid memories I have of growing up is when I had my first period. I was 12 years old, and I can still see my mother standing in the bathroom doorway, her face filled with amazement and delight. “Amy, you’re a woman now!” Confusion etched itself in lines across my...