05/03/2025
I lose track of how many people I see daily who question if they are on the spectrum. I think this is because many people are finally embracing Neurodiversity and recognizing the strengths it gives people instead of focusing on it as a weakness. I love working with "neurospicy" kids and adults and am excited to see what more we can learn about neurodiversity.
When it comes to autism, there’s no one-size-fits-all.
There isn’t one autistic voice.
There are millions.
Some autistic people speak.
Some don’t and never will.
Some talk endlessly. Others prefer silence.
Some use spoken words. Others use AAC, gestures, or none of the above.
Some proudly say “autistic.”
Others prefer “person with autism.”
Some find identity in the puzzle piece.
Others find it offensive.
Some live independently.
Others require 24/7 care, every day, for life.
Some have super talents or splinter skills.
Most don’t, and that’s okay.
Autism is a spectrum, not a personality type.
And autistic people are as different from each other as anyone else.
So if you want to understand autism, talk to an autistic person.
Then talk to another. And another.
And don’t forget. Some can’t speak at all, not with words, not even with AAC.
To know them, you may need to listen to their caregivers. The people who see them, support them, and love them. Don’t silence their caregivers.
“If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” – Dr. Stephen Shore
