Are you really achieving representation for your child with special needs if you’re only sharing the upbeat, attractive photos on social media?
autism
Posted inEditor's Pick
Why I Discuss My Son’s Autism on Social Media
A personal essay in which Alysia Abbott writes about the importance of presenting her autistic son on social media — fostering inclusiveness, normalizing his differences, connecting with other parents with similar children — and confesses her tendency to often only show him in the most flattering light.
Posted inCurrent Events, Quotes
Sometimes a Coat Is Just a Coat, and Sometimes It Ruins a Kid’s Life
Sixteen-year-old Sanders, an autistic high school student, was put through an extensive “threat assessment” (aka, “We think you might be the next school shooter”).
Posted inQuote Posts
Sesame Street’s New Autistic Character Could Be Groundbreaking
At Vox, Dylan Matthews posits that Julia could have a real influence on how society embraces those with autism.
Posted inEditor's Pick
The subtle brilliance of Sesame Street’s first episode starring an autistic Muppet
Dylan Matthews reflects on growing up with autism and reviews Sesame Street’s approach to raising awareness with a new autistic character named Julia. Sesame Street doesn’t focus on Julia navigating her world, it focuses on Elmo and Abby Cadabby — a neurotypical monster and fairy, respectively — who help Big Bird understand why Julia plays […]
Posted inNonfiction, Quotes, Science & Nature
Drug Addicted and Autistic: A More Common Combination Than You Think
The unexpected biological and psychological commonalities of addiction and autism, and some new science that suggests that combination may be more common than you think.
Posted inNonfiction, Quotes
Sister, Friend, Caregiver
Preparing for a future in which you are the primary caregiver for your sibling.
Posted inNonfiction, Quotes
The Debate Over Alternative Medicine
The Laidlers’ story is a microcosm of the changing debate over so-called alternative medicine and its cousin, integrative medicine. In 2007, Americans spent $2.9 billion on homeopathic medicine, a treatment based on the belief that minuscule amounts of what causes symptoms in a healthy person will alleviate symptoms in someone who is ill. From nutritional supplements […]