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Why Recreation Belongs in Education, Health, and Community Systems for Individuals with Autism and Other Disabilities
Play and recreation are where many of the most important parts of human development take shape. Through shared activities, people learn how to connect with others, how to manage differences, how to experience themselves to their fullest abilities, and how to feel part of something larger than...
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Do’s and Don’ts of Connecting Through Classical Music: An Autistic Perspective
Neurodivergent special interests can be more or less "obscure." The author used to be fascinated by mathematics and was a math student through graduate school. Even at that time, I began spending an unsustainable amount of time in music libraries and record stores. Decades later, after writing...
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The Role of Anime as a Special Interest in Autistic Well-Being
Media has been a way to share stories, express ideas, and provide a sense of connection and understanding. Many individuals consider shows a special interest, and it becomes a strong topic and passion in their social lives. One example of media that is commonly discussed is cartoons and animated...
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Why Lived Neurodivergence is Reshaping My College Teaching — and Why Educators Should Take Notice
At the beginning of my eighteenth year in teaching, I found myself reflecting deeply on what contributes to effective educational practice. I questioned not only whether I was good at what I do, but also how I could meaningfully evaluate my own professional competence. After the birth of my...
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We Can Get Through This – How Autistic Individuals Can Cope with Massive Burnout
It is not surprising that burnout is one of the toughest things that autistics face in their lives. Granted, each autistic suffers from burnout differently, but it is a difficult situation nonetheless. Burnout can affect the ability to cope with sensory sensitivities, manage executive...
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A Two-Way Street: Society and the Neurodiverse Community
Over 50 years ago, there were several theories in the area of social psychology put forth that I have been thinking more about lately. Like vinyl records, Polaroid cameras, and fanny packs, they can be worth pulling out and reexamining in order to help illuminate the complicated process of how...
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The Problem with Calling Neurominorities “Neurodiverse”
Calling individuals neurodiverse spreads neurodiversity lite. Neurodiversity lite is the pathology paradigm in disguise. The pathology paradigm marginalizes/medicalizes neurominorities. Using the word “neurodiverse” to refer to individual people spreads neurodiversity lite...
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Expanding Horizons: Tips for Life-Changing Inclusive International Travel
“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” - Gustave Flaubert Anyone who has traveled abroad knows the feelings of wonder and excitement that come with exploring new places. Experiencing other cultures, customs, landscapes, food, art, and architecture...
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Artificial Intelligence in Education: Benefits and Risks for Neurodivergent Students
Artificial Intelligence (AI), seemingly all of a sudden, has permeated our world. New advances in technologies have the potential to assist students inside and outside the classroom and increase the potential for independence and success. AI can be used by educators to support students. It can be...
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Mask of Your Own Face – Experiences with Masking as an Autistic Adult
Imagine for a moment that you are a kid. As far as you’re aware, you’re like every other kid, but as you go throughout your childhood and adolescence, people start pointing out parts of you that seem a bit…off. Maybe your interests are strange or inappropriate; maybe the way you talk and move...
