June Finds & Insights

Articles/Sites/Blogs

• Because I'm an Activist Makeup Artist - This post is not from an Autistic person, but I think the sentiments on being disabled (especially invisible disabilities) are important. 

Memes

'No more forcing myself to act "normal" even in the privacy of my own home!' - So true of my experience, and the pervasive attitude that ableism has on people. When you are trying so hard to be normal for the rest of the world, that you can't even relax enough to take off the mantle of repression at home...

Found on my Autistic Women's Group

Books

Though none of this month's offerings struck me as must-reads, I am curious about the first two books...

• Working with Girls and Young Women with an Autism Spectrum Condition: A Practical Guide for Clinicians
• Girls with Autism Becoming Women
• A Guide to Programs for Parenting Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disabilities or Developmental Disabilities: Evidence-Based Guidance for Professionals

Movies/TV

Elementary
Last month, I shared about a new autistic character introduced to the show, that of Fiona Helbron (a.k.a. "Mittens"). I thought she would only be a one-shot, but they decided to make her a love interest for Sherlock instead. Can I say I'm all for this? Especially after seeing Season 4 Episode 18 "Ready or Not". In this, Fiona decides to break up with Sherlock because she feels he is too careful with her. After being informed by Sherlock that he was dealing with his own issues, she says they should have sex and proceeds to jump his bones.

I was really pleased to see an Autistic woman taking agency over her own body. Too often, popular media treats us as fragile, not only because of our disability, but also because we are women. I look forward to seeing how much more Fiona develops.

Resources

If you've never heard of Tip of the Asperg, then you're missing out. This lovely person shares raw experiences via YouTube and Facebook. Check Tip out, and check out this cool traits document...also from Tip. Big thanks go out for granting me permission to share it! You rock, Tip!
https://www.docdroid.net/0hIIPmP/adultasdtraitstip-finalcopy.pdf

Insights

This month I spent no time on this blog, but trust me when I say the ol' gears are always turning. I'm hoping to share some new posts this coming month on tools for helping executive function, and I'm close to done with my insights from April. It's weird to think of yourself as perfectly normal and disabled at the same time. It conflicts with your views of yourself, what you can and can't do, no matter how hard you try. I think for a lot of us, we come to terms with it every day. Each day is a new challenge to try to work through.

Until next month...take care of yourselves, fellow Aspies!


What kinds of resources and cool things have you found lately? Share in the comments below!

May Finds & Insights + Introduction

I'm starting something new for the blog. I come across a lot of interesting things throughout my research, and I try to share them on social media, but I like the idea of creating a "resource" post. So here it is. I'll share different things I find monthly (and some that may be older, but from which I find fresh insight), and maybe a little insight to go with. 

Note: I want to note that I do not endorse any of the products, services, or works that I list in these posts, unless specifically noted. I simply find them interesting, and think you might, too. Trigger warnings don't often occur to me to note, but I'll see what I can do. Also, I took some time off social media this month, so you may see a lot more "finds" in subsequent months.

Articles/Sites/Blogs

• I’m a “highly functional” Autistic. It takes a lot of work. - This post got to me big time. I struggle with so many of the things she mentions in here, particularly when she talks about food specificities (I hate when people call me picky), and the "Transportation" section. Be sure to check out "A Note to Readers" at the end.
• The underdiagnosis of autism in girls is a story of gender inequality - I found this one while researching for my own post on women on the spectrum (which you can check out here). I recommend this. Great read.
• Scientists just beginning to understand autistic adults’ unique health needs - Important new research for people on the spectrum, and those who love them.
• “FIFTEEN THINGS THEY FORGOT TO TELL YOU ABOUT AUTISM” — BOOK REVIEW AND INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR DEBBY ELLEY - Great interview. I don't usually read accounts of autistic children written by parents (mostly because I'm an adult on the spectrum with no interest in kids of my own), but this has me wanting to add this to my "check it out" list.

Memes

Invisible disabilities...

Source

Source

Books

I found a listing of books being released throughout 2018 (and into 2019), so I'll post the ones that have released the previous month. If I have read them, I'll also do a review (likely in its own post). I admit that a few books looked offensive to me personally, so I have decided not to include them. Like I said, this will be what I find interesting and wish to share. I'm not interested in sharing hateful or ignorant works. However, if you need to see some of the things people write about Autistics that can be perceived as harmful, you are more than welcome to search through the list yourself.

• Asperger's Syndrome: Understanding Each Other (For ASD/NT Couples): by the girl with the curly hair (The Visual Guides) (Volume 6)
• Asperger's Children: The Origins of Autism in Nazi Vienna - There's been a lot of talk lately about how early autism research related to Nazi eugenics programs, so I'm curious to check this out.
• Out of Autism
• Speaking for Ourselves: Conversations on Life, Music, and Autism - This definitely peaked my interest. So many choices, so little time and money.
• Sex and the Single Aspie - From what I've seen of Artemisa's style, I think I'll enjoy this read.
• Affect, Animals, and Autists: Feeling Around the Edges of the Human in Performance - As a Theatre professional, this very much peaks my interest. Going on the list.

Movies/TV

Elementary Season 4 Episode 9 - "Murder Ex Machina"

It's really rare to find decent portrayals of autistic people on television and in movies. So, I was only mildly - and pleasantly - surprised to see one on Elementary, CBS's modern take on Sherlock Holmes. I generally like this show, and have been working through it with my family. 

This particular episode has them investigating a string of murders that may have been committed by a computer hacker, but that paled in comparison to the portrayal of the autistic computer prodigy. I found the portrayal of Fiona Helbron (a.k.a. "Mittens") to be done well overall, although I thought it was interesting that they planted the idea that Fiona couldn't lie because she was autistic. Though we often get into trouble for being too truthful, there's no substantial research proving that we are categorically incapable of it. Still, it's an interesting watch, and I definitely recommend this one. I'd like to see other Autistics' reaction to her performance, so please comment below. You can currently find this on Hulu, though I'm not sure if it's available for non-premium accounts.

Other Resources

ACN Omaha

If you live in the Omaha, NE metro area, this might be a good one for you to check out. I met the staff there; they seem really committed to assisting us with dignity, and continuing to evolve as a community resource. I'll undoubtedly write more on them later.

Insights

I'm still wrapping my head around Autism Acceptance Month in April. I've tried and failed several times to get a post up and running on what I got out of it. It was a lot to process this month, starting the blog anew and focusing heavily on advocacy for the first time in such a personal way. So stay tuned; I've got more posts on the way, and I'll get that one up, too.

What kinds of resources and cool things have you found lately? Share in the comments below!