Position Statement on Autistic Communication

Reframing Autism’s director and Autistic advocate Tim Chan affirms that RA considers access to preferred means of communication a human right, and argues that all communication methods should be regarded as valid and valuable methods for a communicator to exercise their autonomy and citizenship. We advocate that further research into non-speech communication modes – done in partnership with Autistics – is crucial to provide genuine alternatives that will meet individual needs.

Tim Chan, Flourishing after School

In this presentation, first broadcast at Reframing Autism’s 2021 Symposium on Autistic Flourishing: Acceptance, Authenticity, Autonomy, Tim Chan shares his knowledge on the conditions in which Autistic people with Complex Communication Needs can flourish into adulthood.

Amplified, Episode 7: Damon Kirsebom

In the seventh episode Ginny Grant interviews Damon Kirsebom, an Autistic nonspeaking advocate and activist.

Autistic social motivation: A summary of Jaswal and Akhtar for non-academics

The latest in our series of summaries of significant research studies concerning our community, this piece helps non-academics to understand Vikram Jaswal and Nameera Akhtar’s work on Autistic social motivation.

Unusual: A reflection on my schooldays as an unidentified Autistic

Autistic writer and advocate Gabi Compton reflects on how her schooldays, as an unidentified Autistic child, resulted in trauma, and the role this has played in shaping the adult she has become.

Growing up Autistic

In this special guest blog, non-speaking advocate, Tim Chan, reflects on the challenges of growing up Autistic without traditional communication, and of making sense of the world and his role in it.

Minecraft matters

A few months ago, one my youngest son’s therapists and I were discussing the pre-planning I had done for his NDIS funding. As some of you will know, the NDIS requires you to recount, in detail, the rhythm and flow of your child’s daily life and activities. My little guy is happiest just being in the safe, predictable environment of home, where I home-school him and his two older autistic brothers, and he prefers playing with children much older than his age-peers. Our family narrative reflects this reality.