An autistic person wrote to me and asked what might be the reason they are experiencing difficulty starting a task. This got me thinking about autistic inertia. Quincy Hansen, autistic blogger, defines it as: the tendency that autistic people have to want to remain in a constant state. When we’re asleep we want to stay asleep, when awake we want…| Autism Awareness
If you ask a parent what the most important goal is for their child, they would probably say being happy and healthy. What things in life bring happiness and a sense of well-being? The answer to this question is often found through interests. Interests are a strength! Supporting an autistic person’s interests and passions are important because they are motivating,…| Autism Awareness
The traditional view of the Triad of Impairments in Autism is heavily negative, but UK's John Simpson has his own version that has a much more positive view point| Autism Awareness
The LILA Principle (Leave It Lying Around) & exposure to a wide range of activities builds connections, and helps create a rich life.| Autism Awareness
The arrival of summer can mean a change in routine because of the school break, summer camps and activities, a family vacation, visitors, longer lighter days, and more free time. Change can be upsetting for autistic people because it makes things feel new and unpredictable. Changes in routine may require some additional support to make them less upsetting. Some transitions…| Autism Awareness
I recently featured an article on Facebook about age appropriate interests written by Christine Motokane, an autistic young adult. Some of her interests were deemed “inappropriate for her age” by well meaning people around her. Christine’s mother became concerned about her childhood interests as they continued into her high school years. She hired a behaviorist to teach Christine what age…| Autism Awareness
Dinah in her final months, with Frankie in Fife. Photo by Fergus Murray. Dr Dinah Murray was a political activist, autistic autism researcher, support worker, writer and mother. She liked to call h…| Monotropism