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Being autistic is stating something
Being autistic is stating something
and people misunderstanding
and people misunderstanding
because they assume intent
because they assume intent
or emotional undertones
or emotional undertones
that are not there.
that are not there.
I am a proud recipient of the Autism Direct Support Professional Certificate from the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM)
I am a proud recipient of the Autism Direct Support Professional Certificate from the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM)
This certificate program is intended for professionals, service providers, caregivers and educators. It is designed to prepare these workers to provide direct support to people impacted by autism. The program provides an in-depth understanding of the autism diagnosis, the issues affecting autistic people, and support strategies.
Society must start to move beyond awareness and acceptance towards appreciation of cognitive diversity. It is precisely because autists have to spend conscious effort on understanding each individual that we are well equipped to act as a catalyst and translator between very different cultures. Autists learn very early on that the only way to confirm shared understanding is by asking explicit and sometimes probing questions. This behaviour is not rude, it is the only way to establish bridges across cultural boundaries.
Theory of mind is declared the native domain of neurotypicals; a kind of transcendent ability that is regarded the basis for communication and, in more inflated estimations, is celebrated as the very thing that defines us as human. Because not only are neurotypicals just as mind-blind to autistics as autistics are to neurotypicals, this self-centered belief in theory of mind makes it impossible to mutually negotiate an understanding of how perceptions might differ among individuals in order to arrive at a pragmatic representation that accounts for significant differences in the experiences of various individuals. A belief in theory of mind makes it unnecessary for neurotypicals to engage in real perspective-taking, since they are able, instead, to fall back on projection. Differences that they discover in autistic thinking are dismissed as pathology, not as a failure in the neurotypical’s supposed skill in theory of mind or perspective-taking.
Grant Bruno, Jessica tupou, TC Waisman, Iliana Magiati
Autism 2025 DOI: 10.1177/13623613251318399
The aims of this Editorial are (1) to bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous, Autistic and non-Autistic researchers to explore various experiences, expertise, knowledge and cultural understandings of autism in Indigenous communities from different geographic regions around the world and (2) to advocate for improved and meaningful autism research with, by and for Indigenous people.
Advice for autistic people considering a career in academia
Advice for autistic people considering a career in academia
Sandra C Jones PMID: 36950875 PMCID: PMC10504807 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231161882
Ausitsm. First published online March 23, 2023
Abstract
Abstract
One of the recognised strengths of autistic people is their ability to absorb and retain large amounts of information; autistic children and adolescents are often described as 'little professors'. So, is the life of a university researcher or teacher the ideal career for an autistic person? In this study, 37 autistic people working in universities and colleges provide advice to young people considering a future career as an academic. They emphasise the importance of understanding the complexities and requirements of the role, understanding and valuing yourself and your strengths, and finding the right people to work with and learn from. They also discuss the importance of maintaining a balance between work and well-being, and between caution and passion. The life of an academic can be ideally suited to an autistic person, but it can also be very challenging.
Autistics working in academia: What are the barriers and facilitators?
Autistics working in academia: What are the barriers and facilitators?
Sandra C Jones PMID: 35959515 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221118158
Autism. First published online August 11, 2022
Abstract
Abstract
Academia appears to provide an ideal career option for autistic people: the opportunity to lock ourselves away in an ivory tower and utilise our extensive knowledge of a very specific topic. We know autistic people are underrepresented in postsecondary education, and there is a growing body of research on how to make universities more inclusive. What is missing from the literature is the voices of autistic people who have survived the university experience and gone on to become university teachers and researchers. Increasing the visibility of autistics in academia, and exploring the barriers and facilitators they experience in an academic career, is important to raise the aspirations of future university students and graduates. This study included 37 autistic academics from various disciplines and countries, exploring their perceptions of the positive and negative aspects of being an autistic in academia.
Recruiting and retaining autistic talent in STEMM
Recruiting and retaining autistic talent in STEMM
Amber Crabtree 1 2, Dave Caudel 2, Julia Pinette 1, Chia Vang 1, Kit Neikirk 1, Kinuthia Kabugi 1, Elma Zaganjor 1, Antentor Hinton Jr 1
PMID: 38524371 PMCID: PMC10960056 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109080
iScience. 2024 Mar 15; 27(3): 109080. Published online 2024 Feb 27.
Abstract
Abstract
Autistic adults (AA) have the highest unemployment rate relative to other groups, regardless of disability status. Systemic changes are needed to acquire and retain AA in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM). Here, we discuss the unique challenges AA face in STEMM and possible solutions to overcome them.
By Bradley J. Irish The Chronicle of Higher Education, 3/2/2023
Excerpt
Excerpt
"The day before my 40th birthday was a rather remarkable one: I was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Although I had always thought myself to have certain quirks... I didn’t “read” as autistic in my personal interactions, and because I was a professor who had secured tenure at a competitive research university, it seemed to observers that my autism had not held me back professionally.... While many autistic academics may not feel comfortable in publicly sharing this kind of personal information, it is also likely that others are simply unaware of their neurodiversity, as I was."
A diagnosis of autism in adulthood can change self-concept for the better
A diagnosis of autism in adulthood can change self-concept for the better
Erin Bulluss, Ph.D., and Abby Sesterka. Reviewed by Abigail Fagan
Psychology Today. Posted January 7, 2020.
Opening Paragraph
Opening Paragraph
Take a quick scroll through the right social media groups and you’ll find countless individuals sharing their stories about receiving a late diagnosis of autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder, as the condition appears in the DSM-5.1 While the presentation of autism varies considerably between individuals, many of the narratives presented bear a common theme: the experience of finally solving a lifelong riddle, of understanding why there was always a feeling of being different, displaced, difficult.
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