Autism Blog: Understanding Autism

Articles about understanding autism, written with lived experience and community insight.

Stimming-in-ADHD-vs-Autism-Similarities-Differences-and-Why-It-Matters
Stimming in ADHD vs Autism: Similarities, Differences, and Why It Matters
Stimming is often misunderstood — yet for many autistic and ADHD adults, it’s a vital way to cope, focus, and self-regulate. This guide explores the similarities and differences between ADHD... Read more...
Stimming-in-Adulthood-Why-It-s-Normal-Valid-and-Essential-for-Autistic-Adults
Stimming in Adulthood: Why It’s Normal, Valid, and Essential for Autistic Adults
Stimming doesn’t disappear when we grow up. For autistic adults, it’s a vital part of self-regulation, expression, and survival in a world that rarely bends to meet us. Far from... Read more...
Is-Sherlock-Holmes-Autistic-Rethinking-the-World-s-Greatest-Detective
Is Sherlock Holmes Autistic? Rethinking the World’s Greatest Detective
Sherlock Holmes has always stood apart — sharp, eccentric, and endlessly observant. Many wonder: was he autistic? This piece looks beyond labels to explore his traits, the way adaptations shape... Read more...
Parallel-Play-in-Autism-Together-In-Our-Own-Way
Parallel Play in Autism: Together, In Our Own Way
Parallel play isn’t about being distant, it’s about being together, in our own way. For autistic people, it’s a valid, comforting way to connect without pressure. This guide explores what... Read more...
Autistic-Adults-and-Animals-Understanding-A-Bond-Beyond-Words
Autistic Adults and Animals: Understanding A Bond Beyond Words
For many autistic adults, animals are more than pets, they are steady companions who offer comfort without judgment. In their presence, we can unmask, breathe easier, and feel accepted for... Read more...
No-Tylenol-Does-Not-Cause-Autism.-Donald-Trump-is-Wrong-Again.
No, Tylenol Does Not Cause Autism. Donald Trump is Wrong Again.
Donald Trump has declared that Tylenol “causes autism.” It doesn’t. Autism is not a disease, and Tylenol is not the cause. What is dangerous are the headlines that stigmatize autistic... Read more...
Autistic-Adults-and-Productivity-A-Kinder-Way-Forward
Autistic Adults and Productivity: A Kinder Way Forward
Productivity often feels like a heavy word for autistic adults, tied to burnout, pressure, and unfair expectations. This guide offers a gentler path: one that values rest, sensory needs, and... Read more...
Cure-Ableism-A-Guide-to-Ending-Bias-Against-Disabled-People
Cure Ableism: A Guide to Ending Bias Against Disabled People
Ableism isn’t about bodies being broken, it’s about bias. This guide explores what ‘cure ableism’ means, why the phrase matters, and how we can dismantle everyday and systemic barriers to... Read more...
Am-I-Autistic-A-Gentle-Guide-for-Adults-Exploring-Identity-Self-Understanding
Am I Autistic? A Gentle Guide for Adults Exploring Identity & Self-Understanding
Many autistic adults aren’t diagnosed until later in life, if at all. This gentle, affirming guide offers signs, reflection questions, and sensory support to help you better understand yourself. Read more...
Is-Neurospicy-Harmless-or-Ableist-Autistic-Adults-Speak-Up
Is “Neurospicy” Harmless or Ableist? Autistic Adults Speak Up
The word “neurospicy” has gone viral as a shorthand for neurodivergence. To some it feels playful, but for many autistic adults it feels less like empowerment and more like erasure.... Read more...
Grief-and-Autism-How-Autistic-People-Experience-Loss-and-Bereavement
Grief and Autism: How Autistic People Experience Loss and Bereavement
Grief touches everyone, but for autistic adults the process often looks different. Misunderstanding these differences can leave people isolated. This guide explores autistic grief and how to support it with... Read more...
Understanding PDA Autism in Adults: A Compassionate Guide
Understanding PDA Autism in Adults: A Compassionate Guide
Many autistic adults experience Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) — a strong need for autonomy that’s often mistaken for defiance. This guide explores what PDA feels like, how it presents in... Read more...

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