When Chloe met Riley: the power of neurodivergent love

Ahead of our Symposium on Autistic Relationships, we’re exploring the magnetic attraction of neurodivergent love. We interviewed the Director of Studio Misfits, Chloe, and her husband, LGBTQIA+ and mental health advocate Riley, on the benefits of being similarly (and differently) neurodivergent.

Ten Lessons in Love from Lucy, My Assistance Dog

Ten years ago, Autistic Autism researcher and multi-artist Dr Dawn-joy Leong rescued Lucy Like-a-Charm from the Greyhound racing industry. What started as a simple pet-owner relationship blossomed into a cherished symbiotic support partnership. Here, Dawn-joy shares the many gifts Lucy has brought to her life.

Shy Little Pixie: Unlocking the enigma of Autistic social anxiety

“When I am able to mask, I may make it through an hour, but invariably, my mask soon slips, and like Cinderella at the ball, I am left escaping in tears for fear of the ‘real me’ being exposed.” Chantell is a late diagnosed Autistic writer and advocate with ADHD and severe social anxiety. She shares her lived experience online as Shy Little Pixie, so others do not feel so alone.

Transforming allied health: The ‘how’ of neurodiversity-affirming services

Speech Pathologist Liz Baird shares how adopting a neurodiversity-affirming approach validated her personally and provided a way forward professionally. “Our social group is a chance to engage in a range of Autistic interaction norms, and I actively “unmask” – consciously disengage in neurotypical communication methods and model authentic connection.”

From Chaos to Catharsis: How my creativity gave me an emotional outlet

From her traumatic childhood to life as a successful artist and children’s book illustrator, Celeste Josephine’s journey of self-discovery is a testament to the power of Autistic passions and the self-acceptance that can be found when you connect with your neurokin.

Neurodiversity-affirming language: A letter to your family, friends and support network

Following on from the downloadable letter we created to help your child’s support network adopt neurodiversity-affirming language, here is a similar letter that Autistic adults can share with their family, friends, work colleagues and broader support network inviting them to adopt respectful language that validates Autistic identity.

My Autistic Journey and the Birth of Au-some Women

Following the diagnosis of her son, Natalie Garmson had a lightbulb moment that explained her life to date – she, too, is Autistic. Unable to find any support groups specifically for Autistic women, she set out to create Au-some Women where women meet in person or online and share their lived experience, insight and tips, and empower each other to love their authentic selves.

How to prepare Autistically for COVID-19: Essential tips from an Autistic Doctor

During the COVID-19 pandemic – when the only certainty in life is uncertainty – times can be fraught, and Autistic people are especially vulnerable. Without our usual support networks in place and with many of us dealing with co-occurring inflammatory conditions and autoimmune dysfunction, we’re at greater risk of worse prognostic outcomes. In this must-read tip sheet, an Autistic doctor shares her essential tips for preparing for and managing COVID-19 as an Autistic person.

Neurodiversity-affirming language: A letter to your child’s support network

Have you ever wished your child’s teachers, therapists and social workers – or even extended family and friends – would use uplifting, self-affirming terminology when discussing your Autistic child? The Reframing Autism team have, so we created this printable letter full of respectful, Autistic-informed language to share with your child’s support network.