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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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Breaking Down Single-Issue Advocacy in Autism
The author reflects on their autistic experience, acknowledging a narrow viewpoint shaped by privilege and a lack of humility. They discuss past mistakes in advocacy, emphasising the need for inclusivity and understanding within the autistic community. Recognising the interconnectedness of various oppressions, they advocate for embracing diverse experiences and identities among autistic people.
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Breaking the Model: On Cisgenderism, Ableism, and Academic Survival
The blog discusses a conversation on The Autism Podcast addressing issues of cisgenderism, ableism, and intersectionality, particularly for trans autistic individuals in healthcare. The author shares experiences about community involvement, the challenges faced by autistic youth, substance use among autistic adults, and the complexities of research within a deficit-oriented psychological field.
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OCD Family Podcast: Insights from Katie Munday
This is the transcript from the recent OCD Fam podcast. You can listen via podcast here and via YouTube here. Summary The OCD Fam podcast featured a conversation between me and Nicole. I shared updates on my busy life and advocacy work. I discussed the importance of joy in healthcare interactions and the challenges of…
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The Search for a Unifying Term in Autism
The quest for an inclusive term for the Autistic community is daunting due to its diverse experiences and identities. Terms like “neurodivergent” and “Autism Spectrum Disorder” resonate differently among individuals. Racial dynamics complicate this further, highlighting that while language should respect autonomy, it often reflects societal hierarchies influenced by racism and ableism.
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Debunking the “COVID-19 Autism Risk”
Neilson’s work continues to add to growing information about how COVID-19 continues to harm pregnant people and their unborn babies. Unfortunately, this journalist decided to use a skewed version of this work to undermine Autistic people and pregnancy care researchers. The misogyny and ableism are mixed into a fine slurry in this article.
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Book review: A Guide to Autism and Psychosis by David Gray-Hammond
I have had the pleasure to be one of the first readers of David Gray-Hammond‘s newest book A Guide to Autism and Psychosis: Personal and Professional Insights From A Psychotic Mind. His previous books are informative, deep and personal. They read like a love letter to the Autistic community and a protest placard to improve…
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What is Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria?
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) causes intense emotional distress from perceived rejection or failure, possibly linked to neurodivergence. This may lead to interpreting ambiguous interactions as rejection, anxiety before rejection, and intense emotional responses. RSD may result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Symptoms include self-consciousness, depression, low self-esteem, and people-pleasing.
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Exploring the Experiences of Autistic Transgender and Non-Binary Adults in Seeking Gender Identity Healthcare [plain language summary]
![Exploring the Experiences of Autistic Transgender and Non-Binary Adults in Seeking Gender Identity Healthcare [plain language summary]](https://autisticltd.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/352729463_590181339887006_957957002383329901_n.jpg)
This blog gives you a summary of the work created by Harley Bruce, Katie Munday (me), and Steven Kapp. The aim of our study was to get a deep understanding of autistic transgender and/or non-binary adults’ experiences in accessing, or trying to access, gender identity healthcare. There are very few research articles which focus on…
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Trans and Autistic: Disability, neurodivergence and transness
This is the transcript from Tranvox on disability, neurodivergence and transness, which can be found here. Gillian: Hi and welcome back to the next edition of Transvox. No Jenny today but sitting in front of me is Katie Munday – so welcome! Katie: Hello, and thanks for having me again. Gillian: So, Katie tells us…