“We’re starting the school year with few details about how our fourth grader’s needs will be met.” Millions of disabled students are adjusting to online learning, and the support services that parents have fought for are now at risk.
autism
Posted inEssays & Criticism, Feature, Highlight, Nonfiction, Quotes
Airbrushing Out the Evidence of Her Son’s Differences
Are you really achieving representation for your child with special needs if you’re only sharing the upbeat, attractive photos on social media?
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.
