Blog

I started writing about autism and disabilities over 10 years ago. At the same time, I started reading what other disabled people were writing. I met many of them, most of them Autistic. I attended…

For hundreds of years, children with autistic and neurodivergent traits were often believed to be “changelings,” children swapped at birth for evil fairies or other monsters. Looking back at this folklore can uncover the roots of modern ableism, as well as show us how autism and neurodivergence has always existed. Kayley Whalen traveled to Ireland to create a video about changeling folklore, adapted into this blog.

No one deserves to be mocked or punished for using sensory or communication tools.  Stim toys, noise-canceling headphones, or other tools should never be withheld from a child or adult just because other people might ridicule them for it. Instead, let’s hold society accountable for ableism.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Being a sexual assault survivor and disabled autistic Latina means I understand at a very personal level the connections between the discrimination my communities face, and how that makes people like me more vulnerable to sexual assault.

For Black History Month, we’re celebrating Black Trans Resistance by releasing an infographic series on the experiences of Black trans people with discrimination, acceptance, and joy. Join us this month in amplifying issues crucial to Black trans communities and uplifting Black trans-led organizations by sharing these graphics and blog post

Women of color already mistrust the medical system, and now post-Roe v Wade there’s a fear of being prosecuted for reproductive care. Latina disability advocate Angelica Vega discussed reproductive justice and her own experiences with PCOS with AWN for our blog.