On March 24, the editors issued this invitation: TPGA would like to share an autism perspective: yours.
As members of the autism community, we know that awareness is only a first step. Increased awareness brings opportunities to share our experiences and strive for what people with autism deserve: understanding, and acceptance.
…Please send us a short essay on one thing you want readers to know about autism — as it relates to you. Share what you’ve experienced or witnessed. Tell readers about a formative experience; something joyful, or a brief moment of despair. Share your hopes, dreams, past, or future. Anecdotes laced with humor — however dark though not mean-spirited — are especially appreciated.
We published 22 stories, vignettes, and interviews.
Six personal stories from people with autism
- Corina Lynn Becker, Why I Am Wearing Black For this young adult with autism, April “is month of reflection, of remembrance. It is a reminder of how deeply events can affect mental health, even for Autistic people. It is a reminder of how far I’ve come, what I’ve gotten through, and how I’ve become stronger. And it is a reminder of my loved ones and support network, with whom I am never alone.”
- Carol Greenburg, An Interview with Carol Greenburg TPGA’s editor represents many aspects of the autism community, being herself autistic, a special education advocate for parents and students, and the parent of a child with autism. This wide-ranging interview covers all the bases.
- Leah Jane, Autism Acceptance for Autism Awareness Month Leah Jane is an adult with autism, and calls for throwing away Autism Awareness, and replace it with Autism Acceptance, lead by autistic people themselves.
- Kristen, My Fights with Autism and the Need for More Awareness An 18 year old high school student’s memories of her childhood, and her dreams for a better world: for real autism awareness and acceptance.
- John Elder Robison, An Interview with John Elder Robison Mr. Robison has recently published his second book, “Be Different: Adventures of a Free-Range Aspergian”. In this interview with TPGA editor Jennifer Byde Myers, he discusses being diagnosed will into adulthood, the need for both research and support, and practical tips for people with autism.
- Zoe, About Stimming An adult with autism discusses the reasons for and benefits of stimming: “..that is what I think we should teach people: that sometimes it can be helpful to know how to pass, but that doesn’t mean you have to forget how to stim. ”
Three posts on autism in the media; autism and public policy
- On Autism and Wandering This month, the proposal for a diagnostic code for wandering became a hot topic of debate. TPGA editors interviewed two people: a mother whose son has autism and for whom wandering is a serious safety issue; and Dr. Paul Law, Director of the Interactive Autism Network (IAN) at Kennedy Krieger Institute, which undertook a pioneering survey of wandering (elopement) and autism: in childhood and adulthood.
- Emily Willingham What is it About Autism Meditation on the meaning & magnetism of autism, in the media and personally.
- Zoe Headlines: Abuse and Empathy This post reviewed recent popular stories and ended with the call: “Let’s take a moment to remember the connection between people who speak about us as though we are not human and people who treat us inhumanely.”
Three Stories of Autism Acceptance and Inclusion from the Neurotypical Point of View
- Liz Ditz What Am I Doing Here? One person’s road to becoming an advocate for autism inclusion and acceptance
- Rob Gorski, My Broken Heart: The Bare-Handed Man An autism parent meets an older man, possibly with autism, and is profoundly moved. “All I can think about is that the bare-handed man could be one or more of my kids in the future.”
- Kris Robin, Little Songbird An accidental encounter becomes a touching joy for two families.
Ten posts from Parents
Alphabetical list by author’s surname:
- Corina Lynn Becker Why I Am Wearing Black
- Alysia K. Butler Wonder
- Dawn Comer Purple Sucker
- Christa Dahlstrom Seven Years Old
- Liz Ditz What Am I Doing Here?
- Kim Dull The “A” Word
- TPGA Editors On Autism and Wandering
- Rob Gorski My Broken Heart: The Bare-Handed Man
- Carol Greenburg An Interview with Carol Greenburg
- Rivka Iakullo Randomness
- Leah Jane Autism Acceptance for Autism Awareness Month
- Kristen My Fights with Autism and the need for
- Sarah MacLeod Patience, Awareness, and Justice
- Spectrummy Mummy My Fight
- Kris Robin Little Songbird
- John Elder Robinson An Interview with John Elder Robinson
- Kristen Spina All I Have to Say
- Amy Spurway Mother of a Child with Autism
- Squillo Two Steps Forward, One Step Back
- Emily Willingham What is it About Autism
- Zoe Headlines: Abuse and Empathy
- Zoe About Stimming