Autism Interview #123: Evaleen Whelton on Connecting with the Autistic Community

Interviews

Evaleen Whelton is a public speaker and trainer advocating for positive change for autistic people in Ireland. As an advocate Evaleen concentrates her efforts in raising appreciation for Autistic thinking, delivering educational workshops, writing articles, and organizing conferences relating to autism (including Ireland’s only all-Autistic conference). Evaleen has trained professional groups, schools, and businesses on Neurodiversity and Inclusion. This week she discussed the benefits of connecting with the Autistic community.

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Autism Interview #122: Lance McLemore on AAC and Relationships

Interviews
Photo credit: LAMP Words for Life https://aacapps.com/

Lance McLemore is an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) user from Ohio who uses LAMP Words for Life. I recently met Lance at the ATIA (Assistive Technology Industry Association) conference in Orlando last month. He is a regular public speaker on the topics of AAC and forming relationships with AAC users. This week he discussed some of the loneliness and social isolation he experienced growing up, his experience using an AAC device, and tips to improve inclusion for AAC users.

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Autism Interview #121: Autistic Soul on Late Diagnosis, Fantasy, and Autistic Identity

Interviews

Autistic Soul is a 49-year-old wife and mother to three children (one also diagnosed Autistic) and the guardian of one flatulent, but lovable, lurcher. She lives in the UK and is passionate about film, tv, music, and literature. Her blog Autistic Soul is amusing and enlightening, and discusses autism, anxiety, fibromyalgia, menopause, and aging on the spectrum. This week she shared her experience growing up without a diagnosis and how she manages the physical limitations resulting from fibromyalgia. She also offers advice for families trying to balance escapism and reality.

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Autism Interview #119: James Sinclair on Autistic Identity and Autism Acceptance

Interviews

James Sinclair is a marketer and autism advocacy blogger from the UK. He is the founder of the popular website Autistic & Unapologetic where he shares his exploration of what it means to be autistic and reframes the autism advocacy narrative to emphasize understanding and acceptance. He also tweets @AutismRevised and manages the Autistic & Unapologetic page on Facebook. This week he shared his personal experience developing an autistic identity, the wonderful supports provided by his family and fiancée, and stressed the importance of understanding the needs of the individual in any autism advocacy efforts.

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Autism Interview #115: J.R. Reed on Late Diagnosis and Advocating for Adults on the Spectrum

Interviews
J.R. Reed and Shannon Hughes, co-hosts of the podcast Not Weird, Just Autistic

J.R. Reed is a late-diagnosed autistic blogger and advocate. J.R. currently co-hosts the podcast Not Weird, Just Autistic with fellow advocate Shannon Hughes where their goal is to promote autism acceptance by removing the barriers – practical, ideological, legal, and social – that marginalize and isolate those with autism. This week he shared some of the different facets of his advocacy work.

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