Dear Son,
It is almost April again.
Almost that time of year when it is cool and trendy to be *aware* of Autism and to support that awful Autism Speaks driven money grabbing “light it up blue” campaign. Continue reading
The opposite of diversity is …..
We were talking tonight, my husband and I. We were talking about how people are so afraid of things that are unknown and different. We were talking about how it’s important to have diversity in a group. And he said, “do you know what the opposite of diversity is?” Continue reading
Open letter to Miranda Devine
Open letter to Miranda Devine, from a disabled mother, married to a disabled man, with disabled children: Continue reading
Thoughts on acceptance
Every now and then, not really frequently, but often enough that I am going to say something about it, I see a sentiment brought into conversations by non-autistic parents of Autistic children that goes along the lines of …. Continue reading
Brothers and Sisters
We are a large family, with 8 people, and the majority of us are neurodivergent. Aside from the fact that in a family of 8 there is bound to be a fair bit of “wait your turn” happening anyway, Continue reading
We are perfection
We are perfection, a poem
Autism does define me
When we meet someone new, it is expected that we get to know each other to some extent. The context of the meeting tends to dictate the sorts of questions that are typically part of the conversation. Where are you from? What do you do? Do you have any children? There are also some answers that are typically considered to be appropriate, and some answers that will generally attract a negative reaction. Continue reading
Everyone has the right to safety
I talk a lot about my children’s right to inclusion and acceptance. I talk often about autistic people’s rights to be safe, to be free to be themselves. I talk about the rights of neurodivergent people to support that helps them live the life they choose and live it well. Some people would say I mostly write about disability rights, but I believe these are issues of human rights. Today, I’d like to talk with you about another issue of human rights: the rights all people have to safety. Continue reading
Why I am not a fan of OTARC’s new ASDetect app
My husband and I downloaded and had a look at Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, called ASDetect, tonight. To say we were both uncomfortable with it would be an understatement.
learning from my past
I know we can’t change the past. I know that things in our past help us become who we are, and that is often a really positive thing. I know hindsight gives clarity and we probably shouldn’t spend too much time looking back with regret. But I have to admit I’m feeling angry about something that has happened, and happens to lots of people, that has meant I missed out on something really good for a long time. Looking back could be dangerous if we dwell there and don’t move on, but if we are willing I think there is something to be learned from it. Continue reading
