We need neurodivergence

A Raising Autism blog Whenever I hear RFK Jr. speak about autism, fear builds inside me. He talks about ridding the world of children with ASD. He speaks about them as unproductive members of society, harming the general social good. He continues to blame vaccines when the ASD and vaccine connection has been long debunked-Continue reading “We need neurodivergence”

Oops! I did it again.

A Raising Autism blog I’ve written about girls on the spectrum many times. Both of my girls are ASD, and each have unique challenges. My younger daughter struggles with angry outbursts and self esteem. My older daughter represses emotions until she implodes-or explodes- both words work. Either way, the fallout envelops me like a roilingContinue reading “Oops! I did it again.”

On the Spectrum-Republished

Into the Wilderness: Story 12 Raising Autism: Survey 101 I have yet to write about ASD, or Autism Spectrum Disorder. That’s because we had yet to make the connection. Girls are less likely than boys to be diagnosed with ASD, even when they manifest typical behaviors. Currently, boys outnumber girls with autism four to oneContinue reading “On the Spectrum-Republished”

Is Neurotypical Neurowrong?

A Raising Autism Blog Having two daughters with autism has been a crash course in emotional self-management. I knew so little when my daughters were diagnosed in their early teens and tweens. Even after the diagnosis, and so much therapy, reading, observing, reflecting, ASD remains an unknown landscape. I was born on the Oklahoma flatlands.Continue reading “Is Neurotypical Neurowrong?”

Living inside the autistic brain

Raising Autism I didn’t watch the festivities for Trump’s inauguration, but then, other than the swearing in, I have rarely watched inaugurations end to end. Nor have I monitored Trump’s initial flurry of executive orders. I’ve had other things on my mind. Adult children with autism. As my girls have grown, their autism has manifestedContinue reading “Living inside the autistic brain”

Neurodivergence in the workplace

Raising Autism I have raised two daughters with special needs. By “special needs” I don’t mean physical limitations- though that can be an issue. I do mean neurodivergence. Both of my girls are on the spectrum and one has severe ADHD. Let’s be clear: these diagnoses create “special needs.” They were never able to participateContinue reading “Neurodivergence in the workplace”

Welcome Work

Raising Autism 202 Athena got a job. Her first. She works at a “doggie day care” and spends her days watching and walking dogs, feeding them, cleaning up their messes. This may seem a normal “next step” for an 18-year-old, but Athena is on the spectrum. She does not recognize the emotions on people’s faces,Continue reading “Welcome Work”