Autism Resources: Learning from Autistic Adults on Communication and Understanding
Sometimes, finding authentic and insightful information about autism can be challenging. Fortunately, there is a wealth of resources available from articulate autistic adults themselves. These individuals provide a unique perspective and practical advice on how to communicate effectively with those who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Key Resources for Learning About Autism
Autistic Advocate
The Autistic Advocate offers a safe space online for parents of autistic children to learn about autism. Christa Holman, who runs this blog and video series, provides valuable insights and advice based on her expertise as a parent and advocate. This platform serves as a critical learning resource for families and educators who want to understand autism more deeply.
Neurodivergent Rebel
For those who prefer to learn through video content, Neurodivergent Rebel offers an extensive series of videos that are both informative and engaging. Running by an autistic woman, these videos cover a wide range of topics related to autism, offering valuable perspectives and practical tips for communication and support.
Blogs
Emma's Hope Book: Known for its rich content about autism, this blog features an insightful post titled “I am Emma.” It provides an authentic view of living with autism. Evil Autie: This blog combines advocacy, opinion pieces, and specific autism information, making it a valuable resource for understanding the broader spectrum of autistic experiences. Musings of an Aspie: Highly informative, this blog is recommended for those seeking detailed and factual information about autism. Amy Sequenzia Archives at Ollibean: Amy Sequenzia, a non-verbal autistic woman with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, offers valuable insights. While her content leans towards advocacy, it still provides significant information and perspectives.These blogs are excellent starting points, but there are countless more available online. Explore various platforms such as Quora, where you can engage directly with autistic individuals and ask specific questions.
YouTube Videos
What it's Like to Walk Down a Street When You Have Autism or an ASD: This YouTube video, described as the most accurate "sensory simulation" video, accurately portrays the sensory experiences of individuals with autism. It's a powerful tool for building empathy and understanding. Ask an Autistic Episodes: A highly informative series produced by an autistic woman, these videos answer questions about autism and provide valuable insights into the lived experiences of autistic people.Miscellaneous Articles
About Autism: Provided by the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, this article offers a comprehensive overview of autism and is highly regarded for its depth and accuracy.These resources represent just a fraction of the wealth of information available from autistic individuals. They are not only valuable for gaining a deeper understanding of autism but also for learning practical strategies to communicate effectively with autistic individuals. Engaging with these resources can significantly enhance empathy and support for the autistic community.
Conclusion
Autistic people are your best resource for learning about autism and how to communicate with those who have it. Their authentic voices provide the most insightful and practical advice. Whether you prefer blogs, videos, or articles, there is a vast pool of information from autistic individuals waiting to be explored.