Ableism and Autism: a desperately incompatible mix
*Please note that throughout this article I have used the term “disabled person” rather than “person with a disability”, just as I use “Autistic person” on this website. I use identity-first language because – contrary to what some people would have you believe – you…
The joy and despair of a weekend of two halves
This isn’t the story I intended to post today. But then the weekend happened and I felt compelled to start writing something new. Basically, Saturday I felt depressed. I don’t really know why – despite searching my feelings for answers. I just woke up in…
The Pixies to 100 Gecs: Music therapy for the burned out Autistic soul
As I type, I’m listening to 100 Gecs (‘Hollywood Baby’…er, now ‘757’, gotta type more, listen less!), my latest favourite band. I first came across ‘the Gecs’ on Triple J while driving. Wikipedia says Triple J is: “…a national Australian radio station that began broadcasting…
The Ekka: an Autistic person’s perspective of this iconic event
There are few events as iconically ‘Queensland’ as the Ekka – the State’s largest agricultural show where tens of thousands of families in and around Brisbane flock annually to the RNA (Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland) showgrounds to rub shoulders with folk…
Breaking news: Autistic man demonstrates theory of mind
From a very young age, whenever I met someone new, I could tell within the first few minutes by the way that they moved and the tone of their voice and the suggestions they made, whether they were a person I could trust or not.…
What to consider when embarking on an Autism diagnosis
When I was 20, a long time ago now!, I went to my GP feeling sick, with symptoms that included a sore throat, fever, a stuffy nose, and headaches. He quickly diagnosed me with a throat infection and prescribed a course of antibiotics. More than…