Kaelynn Partlow is an autism advocate and author, and one of the stars of the Netflix series, Love on the Spectrum. Today she joins Emily to talk about her experiences with autism, and they cover a lot of ground in this conversation. They discuss the evolution and effectiveness of ABA therapy, the need for accurate labeling, and using declarative language in communication. They also offer advice for parents of newly diagnosed children, and talk about the importance of finding community.

TAKEAWAYS

• The world will label children if parents don't.

• The superpower label is a double-edged sword.

• Nuance is often lost in discussions about autism.

• Profound autism requires specific understanding and advocacy.

• Declarative language can reduce pressure in communication.

• Specific questions help autistic individuals engage better.

• Finding community is essential for parents of autistic children.

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Kaelynn Partlow is an autism advocate, speaker, and author widely recognized for her appearance on the Netflix series Love on the Spectrum. Through her impactful social media presence, she promotes meaningful inclusion and practical support, reaching millions with her message of autism acceptance and understanding.

Kaelynn is the author of Life on the Bridge, a book that offers both personal and professional insights to foster deeper connection between autistic and non-autistic people. Since joining Project Hope in 2015 as a Registered Behavior Technician, she has led therapy sessions, developed staff training materials, and shared her expertise nationally to support more informed and compassionate autism care.

BACKGROUND READING

Kaelynn’s LinkTree links