How do I not being in survival mode after a traumatic childhood, being in autistic conversion therapy, worrying about money all the time, being really down on myself, never being able to relax Survival As a Child Ever since I can remember, I was always in survival mode. Most people think of being poor as … Continue reading Moving from Survival Mode When That is All You Have Ever Known
ABA
Podcast Episode: ABA, The History, My Experience, and What Happens When We are Silenced
What is Stimming or Self Stimulatory Behavior
Autistic people regulate themselves differently than neurotypical people do. It is a known fact. For decades, neurotypical people have been trying to reduce the frequency with which autistic people stim, ultimately eliminating it. Why? It makes them appear different than their peers. What is Stimming? Stimming is self-stimulatory behavior. It is a repetitive body movement … Continue reading What is Stimming or Self Stimulatory Behavior
It is Abusive When Asking People To Relive Trauma for Your Sick Curiosity
Trauma just isn't an event that happens to you. The mental images, emotions, flashbacks, sounds, tastes, feeling, and other senses stay with you. Asking to retell your story makes you relive the trauma as if it is happening at that very moment. A lot of months ago, I was approached by Liz Tung from NPR … Continue reading It is Abusive When Asking People To Relive Trauma for Your Sick Curiosity
Its OK Not to Be OK, Especially On Mother’s Day
Not everyone has a great relationship with their parents and that's ok. It's hard to love yourself as a parent when you had some pretty bad ones growing up and you grew up in a toxic environment and I want you to know it's ok not to be ok. I did not have the best … Continue reading Its OK Not to Be OK, Especially On Mother’s Day
Intelligence Tests Given to Children are Unreliable and Ableist
It is no secret that I was diagnosed with ADHD as a 6 year old. They did a whole battery of tests. I remember them, vaguely. It is also no secret that I was an abused child. Today, I found out they both have everything to do with each other. Today, in a Facebook group … Continue reading Intelligence Tests Given to Children are Unreliable and Ableist
Autistics Don't Trust Awareness Gear Companies and Here is Why
It is no secret that most autism awareness gear that is out there is geared towards "autism parents." They aim to represent us and not with us just to make a dollar. This is something the majority of us have bene adamantly against. This one company went a step further and faked a partnership between … Continue reading Autistics Don't Trust Awareness Gear Companies and Here is Why
If Electric Fences are Abusive for Dogs, Why are They OK for Your Autistic Child?
As an autistic parent to autistic kids, a veterinary technologist and a human being, I never thought I would have to write this. In an autistic led parent education group someone posted about elopement and how to help their child. One person suggested an electric fence. Even A dog Trainer Finds it Horrific A … Continue reading If Electric Fences are Abusive for Dogs, Why are They OK for Your Autistic Child?
Autistic History: Judge Rotenberg Center
The Judge Rotenberg Center is an institution that is located in Canton, Massachusetts. It was founded by Mathew Israel in 1971 and originally called the Behavior Research Institute. Israel was a psychologist who trained with B F Skinner, the founder of radical behaviorism. In 1994, they changed their name to the Judge Rotenberg Center to "honor the … Continue reading Autistic History: Judge Rotenberg Center
Autistic Adult Find Healing From Abuse in Unusual Places
Background It is no secret I was an abused child. I was neglected, abused in almost every sense of the word. I was berated, beaten and made to think I was worthless. I was placed in ABA to change who I was. My parents favorite go to was that I was created to make them … Continue reading Autistic Adult Find Healing From Abuse in Unusual Places
Fierce Autie 