This is just a short blurb of my podcasts and all relevant information.

While autism has always been recognized in males, it also has been recognized in females as well.   Currently, there is a 4:1 ratio of males vs females.  Here to talk about autistic women is my good friend Dr. Stephanie Holmes.

Bio:

 

Stephanie C. Holmes, Ed.D, MA, BCCC is a professional counselor and certified autism specialist but her real credentials come from being the mother to an amazing Aspie young adult and self-advocate.

Stephanie's career focus changed when her eldest daughter was diagnosed with Asperger's in 2004. She is a recent graduate with a Doctorate in Education with her dissertation study, "Creating an Inclusive Climate for Students on the Autism Spectrum."

Her book Confessions of a Christian Counselor: How Infertility and Autism Grew my Faith was released fall of 2015. Stephanie counsels/consults/coaches  ASD- NT (NeuroDivergent) couples from all over the United States and internationally and can be contacted through www.counselorstephanieholmes.com. She is the interim host for Converge Autism Radio with Springbrook Behavioral Health.

Converge Autism Radio 

https://springbrookautismbehavioral.com/podcasts-2/

 

Spring Brook Behavioral Health Services

https://springbrookautismbehavioral.com/our-mission/

Autism Speaks, industry that focuses its resources and resources related to autism has gained a reputation of wanting to cure autism and force other issues related to eugenics.    As a result, many individuals who are on the spectrum have boycotted anything related to Autism Speaks.   Like many people who live on the spectrum,   I have my own voice of opinion regarding the matter.  Being this is autism awareness and acceptance month, here's what I have to say about that.

As we know it, autism awareness has been part of our world for over 20 years since the United Nations first mentioned it in 1999.  Since then, media outlets have pumped out information related to the DSM.   Like other marginalized groups,  autism has been misrepresented time and time again.  Because of this, people off the spectrum have been given the wrong idea about autism as a whole.   However, I believe there is a different approach to raising autism awareness and that is through education on the community level by individuals who live on the spectrum themselves.  

https://www.autism-society.org/about-the-autism-society/history/

As you know, the puzzle piece has long since represented autism as a whole. However, there are self-advocates who have been protesting against it for years.    Why?  The main reason is that organizations like Autism Speaks have wanted to cure autism as autism has always been looked at as a disease. 

 

More information here:

https://chapspitbeef.com/history-autism-puzzle-piece/

As you know, autistics often fail to be liked and accepted by people in our society. This can also include people who are in our families. However, you don’t have to submit to their feelings and nor should you let them control you. Yet, you can learn to accept and like yourself. But how?

Just as Ashley pointed out, co-workers who have not gotten the full story about autism, can get jealous if you get special accommodations. However, so can family members.

While holding down a job is important for individuals who are on the spectrum, navigating the waters of employment can often be challenging.  Especially when you receive a diagnosis later in life while holding a job.   Here to talk about this issue with us is my good friend and fellow panelist of the Powerhouse Strong Autistic Women's panel is Ashley Dudley.  

More information below

Hi, my name is Ashley Dudley. My story is unique as I was diagnosed later in my life as an adult with Asperger Syndrome, a form of Autism. All my life, I knew something was “different.” I had hardly any friends, was placed in Special Education classes for the most part of my school life, and I was bullied by my peers for being in the Special Ed classes. Fast forward, I have come to love and accept myself for who I am, and realized that this is how God chose to make and design me! I’m now currently a Certified Nursing Assistant, Dental Assistant, and soon to be a Special Education Teacher.

Announcements:

You can find new episodes at 6:00 PM EST M-F which is just me talking

You can also find new interviews and other special podcasts at 8:00 PM EST if and when they are available

Also, if you would like to be interviewed for my show, I have put out a call for proposals on the main page.  Whether you are a self-advocate or a professional, I am speaking to everyone inside the autism community.

People often assume that because an autistic has limited number interest means they will always be. Because of the autism awareness, that is a stereotype. Moreover, it is people’s life ignorance.

In this episode, I talk about issues with workplace inclusion which is a common ground that people on the spectrum face. What is inclusion versus what not matter.