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.”

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?”

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”

The Other

Raising Autism 301 I have a family member who has a perfect child. By perfect I mean socially, physically, intellectually, creatively, emotionally, naturally ideal. She was a straight A student, played the violin at almost a prodigy level, is perfectly formed according to modern ideals, absolutely gorgeous, sweet, unaffected, thoughtful, loyal, dynamic. She has noContinue reading “The Other”