It All Started With a Book

As much vitriol as I have for Mark Haddon’s “The Curious Incident of a Dog in the Night-time,” I am also incredibly thankful and indebted to this book.  A few years back I was asked to teach a class that is not part of my regular rotation, and this novel was part of the course materials.  Obviously, teachers pre-read the books we discuss in class and my pre-reading resulted in me crying in a book closet to the Head of the English Department about how I absolutely didn’t feel good about teaching this book. BTW she was great about it.   My own neruodivergence might have never come up without this book. I thought I did an awesome job hiding it my whole life, but I am not sure others would agree.  It was in that dark closet that I outted myself to the dept. head, it was in a meeting over the damage the book could do that I outed myself to my assistant principle.   As problematic as it is, I owe my advocacy in part to that revolving collage of words and pages.  Many days when I feel like giving up I bring up the book in mind.  I think about reading about the stereotypes and myths of Autism.  I think about kids reading it, and gets me to stand back up.   I will not pretend to be someone that hates attention.  I am not.  However, I am a people pleaser and advocacy can really suck sometimes.  It is […]

Neurodivergent-Centered Practices for Collaboration & Advocacy

Date: February 20 @ 8:30 am – 2:30 pm Price: $675 Topics: Neurodiversity & Inclusion Instructor(s): Danielle Kent & Kelly Cray Event Type: Virtual Professional Learning Hours: 15 Intended Audience: Educators and other professionals whose work impacts students from early childhood through grade 12 and beyond. Participants must attend all events: February 20, 2026 March 27, 2026 April 17, 2026   REGISTERDay 1: How We Talk about Neurodiversity Participants will: Build an understanding of the buzzwords and popular trends that exist in neurodiversity discourse Understand evidence-based practices and suss out ideas that have popular appeal but are not backed by research Communicate effectively and collaboratively with professionals who may have differing views on neurodiversity Begin to develop a toolbox of affirming practices that invites and honors access needs Day 2: Centering the Student and Supporting the Family Participants will: Understand the importance of student and family participation in the educational process and when/why deference to the student is crucial Learn to navigate situations where the student’s needs or preferences may be at odds with the family’s Apply principles of Universal Design for Learning to remove unnecessary communication and participation barriers with professionals, family members, and the student Continue to develop a toolbox of affirming practices to invite and honor access needs Day 3: Panel Discussion & Presentation Participants will: Explore the challenges that can arise in collaboration across professional disciplines and perspectives Gain new insight into the student and family experience Demystify the practices and vocabulary specific to individual professional [...]

Why I Prefer Identity First Language

This blog post explores the preference for identity-first language among autistic individuals, highlighting the significance of embracing this language to promote inclusivity, respect, and empowerment within the autistic community. #IdentityFirstLanguage #AutisticPride #InclusiveLanguage #AutismAcceptance #Neurodiversity #SelfAdvocacy #RespectfulCommunication #AutisticCommunity #Empowerment #NeurodivergentVoices #actuallyautistic Introduction Language is powerful in shaping our perceptions and attitudes toward different aspects of human diversity. When it comes to discussing autism, it is crucial to recognize and respect the preferences of the community itself. One significant aspect is understanding the preference for identity-first language among autistic individuals. This blog post will explore the reasons behind this preference and highlight the importance of embracing identity-first language to foster inclusivity, respect, and self-empowerment. Understanding Identity-First Language Identity-first language places the identity or condition before the person. In the context of autism, this means using phrases like “autistic person” or “autistic individual.” Autistic self-advocates and many within the autistic community prefer this language, as it recognizes autism as an integral part of their identity. It emphasizes that being autistic is not a negative label or something to be separated from their being, but rather an inherent aspect that contributes to their unique experiences and perspectives. The Autistic Identity For many autistic individuals, autism is not merely a medical diagnosis or a set of challenges to be overcome. It is integral to who they are, shaping their thoughts, perceptions, and interactions with the world. Embracing their autistic identity allows individuals to embrace their strengths, talents, and the aspects that make them different from […]

The Toxic Influence of Ableist Language

From a young age, I realized that my brain operated differently. My thoughts danced in intricate patterns, my senses heightened, and my passions ignited with intensity. Yet, as I ventured into the world, I encountered a disheartening reality—a world that viewed my neurodivergent traits as deficits to be fixed, hurdles to overcome, or, even worse, as something less than “normal.” The language surrounding me was suffocating, filled with terms that reduced my identity to mere pathology. Ableist language surrounds us like a fog that penetrates our minds and hearts. We are labeled with words that demean our experiences, casting us as “broken,” “disordered,” or “abnormal.” These words strip us of humanity, reducing our complex beings to mere diagnostic categories. We are told to conform, mask our true selves, and hide the essence of what makes us …us. The impact of this language goes far beyond words. It seeps into our self-perception, eroding our confidence and sense of belonging. We internalize the messages that we are “less than” and question our worth. We carry the weight of shame and self-doubt, forced to live in a world that fails to recognize the incredible strengths and gifts we possess. Our strength knows no bounds. We rise above the sea of ableist language and deficit-based attitudes. We defy the limits imposed upon us, refusing to be defined by the narrow expectations of a society that fails to grasp our potential. We are innovators, artists, thinkers, and dreamers. Our neurodivergent minds hold a depth of […]

The Power of Language

Labeling someone as having “special needs” diminishes their inherent worth and humanity. It carries with it an underlying implication that we are somehow different, separate, and in need of special treatment. But let me be clear: we are not “special needs.” We are individuals with unique abilities, strengths, and dreams. We are human beings deserving of respect, dignity, and equal opportunities. We often find ourselves caught in a web of self-doubt and insecurities. We face countless challenges in a world that often fails to accommodate our diverse needs and perspectives. The weight of society’s expectations presses down on us, making us question our worth and contribution. And in this struggle, the term “special needs” only exacerbates our feelings of inadequacy, reinforcing the notion that we are burdens rather than valuable members of society. In 2017, a powerful video titled “Not Special Needs” was created by Coor Down for World Down Syndrome Day. This poignant video dares to defy the prevailing stereotypes and shed light on the fact that we, as human beings, have the same fundamental needs, regardless of our abilities or disabilities. Please take a moment to watch it. #BeyondSpecialNeeds #InclusiveLanguageMatters #EqualOpportunities #HumanityFirst #BreakTheLabels #DignityAndRespect #UnleashOurPotential #EmbraceDiversity #EquityForAll #NoMoreAbleism

THE STIGMA IS EVERYWHERE

Sometimes I cannot fathom why people think there is no longer a stigma associated with Autism, ADHD, and other forms of Neurodivergence.  There is a damn good reason why many people don’t read up or research their own brains.  It’s depressing as hell.  Exhibit one: I am scheduled to present about Neurodiversity at a conference soon, so I began putting together my presentation… I wanted to use icons and pictures licensed through a popular program to avoid worrying about copyright.  Now, I don’t look down on people with crossed eyes or people who have Down Syndrome, but their pictures do not accurately represent Autism.  I do, however, take offense to the target, puzzle piece, and frowny-face maze-mind icon; that’s just, well… ignorant and troublesome at best.  I have no idea how to think of the Picasso-like bag or the girl that is using it to do what?  Appropriate autism? and she is doing it poorly, to boot.  Be honest.  Other than the scrabble letters (scrabble is awesome, alright), would you want any of these images to represent you?