Last update: 05/02/18
understand autism from the inside out!
Autistikids is a way to quickly and easily connect people who are interested in learning about autism from a wide range of people who are ON the spectrum, and some parent allies.
There is a lot of information online about autism. Almost all of the easily accessible information is written by non-autistic professionals, providers, therapists, and parents of autistic children. Some of these resources can be very helpful, others harmful, and almost all of them fail to convey the point of view of people on the spectrum. Trying to navigate this maze of information takes a lot of time and energy, and can lead to dead ends, misinformation, hopeless pronouncements, and a level of negativity discouraging to even the most strong-willed of people.
If you're lucky, you find a blog or an article that gives you hope and a lot of good information; that ideally leads to more inspiring and enlightening resources. If you're VERY lucky, you discover the best resource on autism available - AUTISTIC PEOPLE.
Each author's story broadens our understanding of the autistic experience, and each experience is unique - because contrary to the common misconception that autistic people are alike, when you know ONE autistic person, you know ONE autistic person.
As Jess at Diary of a Mom said in her post Playing Favorites: "They are people who live life through a lens that is different from mine. They have a unique perspective on autism because, like my daughter, and I’ll say this slowly just to make sure it’s clear … They … Are … Autistic."
There is a lot of information online about autism. Almost all of the easily accessible information is written by non-autistic professionals, providers, therapists, and parents of autistic children. Some of these resources can be very helpful, others harmful, and almost all of them fail to convey the point of view of people on the spectrum. Trying to navigate this maze of information takes a lot of time and energy, and can lead to dead ends, misinformation, hopeless pronouncements, and a level of negativity discouraging to even the most strong-willed of people.
If you're lucky, you find a blog or an article that gives you hope and a lot of good information; that ideally leads to more inspiring and enlightening resources. If you're VERY lucky, you discover the best resource on autism available - AUTISTIC PEOPLE.
Each author's story broadens our understanding of the autistic experience, and each experience is unique - because contrary to the common misconception that autistic people are alike, when you know ONE autistic person, you know ONE autistic person.
As Jess at Diary of a Mom said in her post Playing Favorites: "They are people who live life through a lens that is different from mine. They have a unique perspective on autism because, like my daughter, and I’ll say this slowly just to make sure it’s clear … They … Are … Autistic."
Getting the most out of Autistikids
The Autistikids website is a start to a journey of discovery, not an end. Each tab on our site includes posts that we found helpful, interesting, moving. The posts are only a glimpse into a greater resource - the blog or Facebook page or website of the author. By clicking on these links, you gain access to an expanding web of helpful information because, like Autistikids, each post's "home" contains links to even MORE blogs and websites. All links to the posts on Autistikids are included in our site with the permission of the author.
Click, read, and save your favorites. Bookmark pages to return to. If you find something that you feel would make a nice addition to our page, please Contact Us and send us the link.
Thank you for visiting, and we hope you find Autistikids to be helpful!
Click, read, and save your favorites. Bookmark pages to return to. If you find something that you feel would make a nice addition to our page, please Contact Us and send us the link.
Thank you for visiting, and we hope you find Autistikids to be helpful!
Our Recommended Reading Lists
We recognize that Autistikids is a large site, and you may not know where to begin reading, so we recommend the following pages on our site to help you get started.
getting startedThe Basics - Terminology, definitions, descriptions, etc.
Sensory - Stories, examples, perspectives, explanations. Appearance vs. Reality - what we see may not be what's really going on. |
for parentsNew Diagnosis Advice - a Must!
Presume Competence - ability, understanding are present. Functioning Labels - meaning, purpose, lack of effectiveness. Sexuality - puberty, expression, behavior. |
professional
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recommended external resources
NEUROTRIBES: A groundbreaking book that upends conventional thinking about autism and suggests a broader model for acceptance, understanding, and full participation in society for people who think differently.
THE REAL EXPERTS: “This book is a gift to parents who want to get the real scoop from the real experts on autism -- autistic people themselves. Michelle Sutton has gathered excellent first-person accounts of what it’s like to grow up, live, and thrive as an autistic person. "
THE REAL EXPERTS: “This book is a gift to parents who want to get the real scoop from the real experts on autism -- autistic people themselves. Michelle Sutton has gathered excellent first-person accounts of what it’s like to grow up, live, and thrive as an autistic person. "
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We Are Like Your Child: The Blog:
From Emma's Hope Book Hairdryer brain vs toaster brain (good metaphor for kids) |
Autistikids, a conglomeration of autistic and neuro-diverse blogs, websites, Facebook pages, and videos, was created by Patricia Gabe, with help from Creigh and Caley of Autism Spectrum Explained.
