language
Discusses embedded ableism in language, bias, and perception.
Provides an overview of identity-first vs. person-first language and ultimately advocates for listening to a person’s preferences.
Informative overview of the research behind the link between neurodiversity and gender diversity and how differences between autistic brains and neurotypical brains may increase the experience of gender dysphoria in autistic people, leading to greater diversity in the expression of gender.
An autistic self-advocate explains why they prefer identity-first language and explains their own understanding of “person-first” versus “identity-first” language.
Adjusting
Insightful article about the topic of a strengths-based approach to disclosing an autism diagnosis to a child.
Synopsis of a groundbreaking documentary with the same name on one parent’s journey to connect with his autistic son.
Powerful graphical display demonstrating what one family must navigate as they manage the complex care of their special needs son.
First-hand account of what it is like to identify as autistic later in life.
Offers advice and guidance to support caregivers of autistic children.
Explores diversity in the autism experience, including an internalized experience of autism (in addition to external presentation) that is often present in girls and women.
How autistic interests and passions should be celebrated, not discouraged.
A simple and beautiful sentiment from a highly-regarded autistic self-advocate.
Education
Ten simple ideas to help teachers bring out the best in learners with autism labels.
Very specific, concrete, and easily applicable ideas for creating an inclusive space.
Presents tips to make the transition from public school to adult life a positive, success-oriented experience.
It is often a tough choice to decide whether to mainstream a student. This article discusses the pros and cons of mainstreaming.
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) as a form of intervention is a controversial topic in autism circles. This article takes an objective look at the practice of ABA, allowing the perspectives of those both for and against the practice.
Neurodivergent children are much more likely to be bullied than neurotypical children. Physicians should have a role in identifying at-risk patients, screening for psychiatric comorbidities, and advocating for bullying prevention in their communities.
A beautifully written and poignant reflection on the journey of raising a child with Down syndrome and navigating the educational system.
Explores the connection between proprioceptive input and autism and some useful strategies to promote proprioceptive input in children with ASD.
Excellence in Care
A local story about one family’s experience raising a child with a tracheotomy.
Discusses the importance of the parent/professional relationship and the impact that caring professionals can have on the lives of families.
Outlines steps and provides tools for a successful transition from pediatric to adult health care.
Brief fact sheet containing tips to improve communication with patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
This is a deeply personal essay written by the parent of a child with complex medical needs.
A call for more inclusive research, understanding more on the intersection of autism with race and gender, and more culturally-informed resources and support.
Discusses noted differences in female presentation of autism with an introduction to autistic masking, burnout, and the link to eating disorders.
Genetic Testing
A good overview of what genetic testing is, what it typically tests for, and why it might be helpful to parents.
A beautiful article exploring how genetic testing helped prepare them for the birth of their child with Down syndrome.
A more technical explanation and deeper dive into genetic testing while also exploring the intensity of the decision for families.
