Autism Interview #97 Part 1: Kmarie on the Benefits of Knowing Yourself

This is the first part in a two-part interview with Kmarie. Kmarie is an autistic wife, mother, and blogger from Canada. She is is drawn to music and often uses song lyrics to express her emotions. Her beautifully written blog details a variety of different life experiences, including (but not limited to) living with Asperger’s, INFJ personality, low ferritin, and chronic illness. This week Kmarie discussed her relationship with music, the importance of self knowledge, and her struggles with executive functioning and language.

Autism Interview #96: Lyn Miller-Lachmann on Writing and Publishing

Lyn Miller-Lachman is a married author, teacher, editor, and writing consultant/sensitivity reader on the autism spectrum. She loves traveling and is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and English. She writes historical fiction featuring characters who are also on the autism spectrum. This week she discussed autistic portrayals in fiction and shared her experience working with the publishing industry, as well as how it can be more accessible to autistic writers.

Autism Interview #94: Elizabeth Boresow on Music Therapy and Friendships

Elizabeth performing at “Evening with the Rents.”
Photo credit: Brandon Parrigo

Elizabeth Boresow is a a board-certified music therapist, writer, direct support provider, and Autistic advocate. She regularly uses her experience as an individual on the autism spectrum to both serve and educate others about autism acceptance. This week she shared her experience working as a music therapist, her introduction to stand-up comedy, how she found friendships in college, and the need for more services for adult autistics.

Autism Interview #92: Quincy Hansen on School, Autism Acceptance, and Co-occurring Conditions

Quincy Hansen is a high school student and Autistic advocate from Denver, Colorado. Quincy has been formally diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and General Anxiety Disorder, and also has some fine motor skill impairments resulting in Dysgraphia-like symptoms. Quincy has found that writing offers a good outlet for communicating ideas that do not easily come…

Autism Interview #91 Part 2: Leanne Libas on Ableism

This is Part Two of a two-part interview with writer, student, and a/Autistic advocate Leanne Libas. Last week she shared her experience discovering her autism diagnosis and how she has developed a positive autistic identity through a transformative experience at a youth leadership forum. She wrote about not wanting to be cured for fear of “losing herself.” This week she discussed autism advocacy practices, different areas she notices ableism in her own life, and practical ways to combat ableism starting today in your own homes and communities.

Autism Interview #91 Part 1: Leanne Libas on Autistic Identity

Leanne Libas is a writer, college student, and a/Autistic advocate. Leanne started her advocacy work after a life-changing experience at YLF (Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities). Leanne was an Autistic Scholarship Fellowship Recipient from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network and she was a regular contributor to the Art of Autism blog. This is the first part of a two-part interview with Leanne. This week she shared her experience understanding how autism affects her and how she has adopted a positive autistic identity.

Autism Interview #89: Tracey Cohen on Late Diagnosis, Advocacy, and Running

Photo credit: Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Tracey Cohen is an experienced ultrarunner, author, and speaker, and has competed in thousands of races around the world. Tracey was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at the age of 39 and speaks regularly about autism to school groups and at conferences. She is the author of Six-Word Lessons on Female Asperger Syndrome and Six-Word Lessons on the Sport of Running. This week she shared some of her experiences growing up undiagnosed, her current advocacy work, and her love of running.

Autism Interview #90: Robbie Ierubino on Art and Autism Acceptance

Robbie Ierubino is an American artist with autism studying Graphic Design at Staffordshire University in Stoke-on-Trent, England. He has developed his own style of art which he calls “shapism” and uses his art to communicate his unique world perspective and advocate for acceptance. This week he shared how autism influences his art and his passion for working to improve autism acceptance.