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Mattel Launches First Autistic Barbie Doll
On January 11th, Mattel launched the first Autistic Barbie doll, designed in collaboration with the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network. Featuring unique articulation and accessories for autistic representation, the doll aims to celebrate diversity. While it has received positive feedback, some concerns regarding stereotypes and representation have also emerged.
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Embracing Authenticity in Academic Presentations
The author reflects on speaking at various queer and autistic conferences, emphasizing the challenges of conforming to normative presentation styles. They found comfort in familiar environments and shared experiences with attendees. Despite difficulties, they aimed for a conversational approach, valuing personal storytelling and community engagement over traditional presentation norms.
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Creating Safe Spaces book review
“Creating Safe Spaces for Autistic People” by Scott Neilson and Laura Hellfeld provides a comprehensive guide for establishing inclusive environments. The authors, along with other autistic advocates, address topics such as language use, participant support, and accessibility. Ranging from sensory tools to public transport guidance, this well-structured resource is valuable for professionals supporting autistic individuals.
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UK university ethics applications – a neurodivergent nightmare?
Policies within UK universities outline that research undertaken therein requires ethical review, however the process of obtaining favourable opinion can be inaccessible to Autistic ADHD students due to ableism within Higher Education. I wanted to know whether I was the only Autistic and ADHD / Attention Hyperactive person who really struggled with my degree ethics…
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Handling ‘the truth’
“Some people can’t handle the truth… this is just scientific FACT” I see this online all the time. It centres the person who is talking and is problematic for other reasons besides: Fundamentally, statements like these don’t factor who gets to decide what is fact and what is fiction. They’re not based in fact or…
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My thoughts on Christine McGuinness: Unmasking My Autism
Content warning: eating disorder, mental health, sexual abuse, rape, self harm, suicide ideation, institutionalisation and ableism. Christine McGuinness shares an intimate look at her journey to Autistic realisation and the wider implications for Autistic women and girls who are going under the radar. She said she: “was really nervous about doing a documentary that was…
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My thoughts on BBC’s Inside Our Autistic Minds
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I won’t apologise for my neurotype
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Arguing in a room by myself
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My over-empathy blurring my boundaries
I used to go on automatic ‘help mode’ in every support group I was in. I wanted to help people, send resources, send sympathy and ask questions to better understand. Most of the time it didn’t seem like it was appreciated: “I’ve already tried that”“That won’t work for me” And I’d feel less than useless.…