Kristy Forbes, Flourishing with Acceptance

Originally aired at Reframing Autism’s 2021 Symposium on Autistic Flourishing: Acceptance, Authenticity, Autonomy, Australian-based Autism and neurodiversity support specialist Kristy Forbes’ presentation explores some of the key concepts around Autism acceptance, including damaging narratives, supporting the individual, Autistic culture and lifestyle, Autistic identity and challenging internalised ableism.

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.

Reframing PDA: The power of an Autistic perspective

In this guest blog, an Autistic mother’s understanding of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is reframed by her neurokin, which transforms her ability to support her child with respect and compassion.

Survival of the “misfits”: The entrepreneur empowering her neurokin

Entrepreneur, Chloe Andrew, tells of how she used her Autistic identity to inform the creation of Studio Misfits – an affirming, empowering, compassionate and radically accepting service for neurodivergent and LGTBQIA+ folk.

The gift of unconditional love (Arabic)

This piece explores parenting and unconditional love – Arabic version.

The gift of unconditional love (Mandarin)

This piece explores parenting and unconditional love – Mandarin version.

The gift of unconditional love (Vietnamese)

This piece explores parenting and unconditional love – Vietnamese version.

Introduction to Autism, Part 2: Next steps after a childhood diagnosis

The early days following an Autism diagnosis can be a bewildering time. Read Dr Melanie Heyworth’s top five tips for parents of newly diagnosed Autistic children, to help you on your journey.

The beauty of my Autism

Autism acceptance is not about denying the challenges. But… it requires you to look for – and then to see, truly and genuinely – the beauty and joy of and in Autism. Because it is there to see, if you care to look.