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Three Artists with Autism. Three Voices with Purpose: Laura Nadine, Blair Bunting, and Stuart Neilson
Artists invite their audiences into conversation. A piece of music, a photograph, a painting—each is a personal statement created to connect emotionally or intellectually with listeners and viewers. These expressions and the methods used to create them are shaped by lived experiences, some...
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The Power of Person-Centered Planning in Supporting Autistic Adults
Everyone wants to be heard and supported in ways that truly resonate with them. For adults with autism, this means having a voice in how their lives are shaped, and person-centered planning is the key to making that happen. It’s a process that ensures individuals are at the heart of their own...
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Creating Autism-Friendly Environments for Workplace Inclusivity
In an increasingly diverse and inclusive world, creating autism-friendly environments in the workplace is not just a noble endeavor but a practical necessity. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects millions of people worldwide, and many of them possess unique skills and perspectives that can be...
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Tapping Into Strengths: Empowering Autistic Individuals to Self-Advocate in the Workplace
Up to 85% of autistic individuals with a college degree are unemployed or underemployed (Autism Society). This often is attributed to a variety of factors, including differences in communication and challenges in reading social cues and making eye contact, all of which are an integral part of the...
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Building Self-Advocacy Skills in Autistic Young Adults
Adulthood is the time when teachers and parents can no longer advocate for their children the same way they could during the school-age years. Much of it becomes the responsibility of the adult. At the beginning of my career, I had the opportunity to develop an evidence-based curriculum in...
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The Complexities of Aging: Addressing the Unique Needs of Autistic Elders
Although there is little known about autism and aging, elders nonetheless need appropriate care now. Through learning about appropriate and intentional assessment and treatment, providers and allies can make a big difference, even in small ways. Although autistic traits are seen far back in...
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Advocating for Empowerment: Navigating End-of-Life Care for the Aging Autistic Population
While history began documenting autism in children in the early 1900s, it was not until later in the century that autism became recognized as a distinct circumstance. The first generation of children diagnosed with autism is just now moving into older age. With aging brings social, physical, and...
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Cultural Autism Studies at Yale: A Revolution
I have always been sensitive to cultures around me, especially those that remain largely silent or unseen. As a child, I would spend hours watching how crawdads moved together, what dances turtles did when they communicated, and what joy interactive playing brought to jumping spiders - every facet...
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Tips for Autistic Adults Navigating Full-Time Employment
Full-time employment is not something that is usually discussed in autism circles. When I was initially part-time, I had no idea how it looked at. All I knew was that I needed a full-time job to make a living, and it allowed others to pay for larger quality of life investments like homes or getting...
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Creating Autism-Friendly Workplaces: Strategies for Inclusivity and Success
Creating autism-friendly environments in workplaces involves implementing strategies that accommodate the unique needs of autistic individuals, fostering inclusivity, and improving overall workplace productivity. Research and expert opinions emphasize the importance of clear communication,...
