Today’s Autistic Moment: A Podcast for Autistic Adults by An Autistic Adult

Go to todaysautisticmoment.com for the transcript.  

In the medical model, Autism is a neurological developmental disorder. In order to receive disability benefits, support services and social supports, Autistics are known by a medical pathology. A pathology that makes us second class citizens. In the social model we have the movement for Neurodiversity. Autistics and other individuals with conditions like ADHD are capturing our diversity as Neurodivergents to work towards a society of equality and equity. Dr. Scott Frasard will talk with me about why the medical and social models are important, and how the Neurodiversity movement is helping Autistics reach for our full potential in life.

Program Scripts and Interview Transcripts are available at the Episode Index Page.  The biggest holidays of the year are only weeks away.  Everyone must be so excited for the holiday season to arrive right?  Actually, many Autistics dread the arrival of the end of the year holidays.  The combination of lights, food smells, crowded homes or halls with many people at one time, extra socialization can be a sensory nightmare for many Autistic Adults. Zephyr James returns to Today's Autistic Moment to talk about these sensory unfriendly holidays, with some helpful tips of how Autistic Adults can prepare for them.  Zephyr will also talk about what are some helpful ways to manage our sensory needs during the holiday season.

Program scripts and Interview Transcripts are available at todaysautisticmoment.com. 

My guest Leah Bauman-Smith and I will have a frank conversation about the matter of consent and sexuality, with very sensitive content that may be triggering and therefore not appropriate for all audiences.  Listener discretion is advised.  Consent is more than just saying yes or no to sexual activity.  Consent for many Autistic Adults applies to being asked if someone can shake their hand, give them a hug and having their decisions respected without the fear of coercion or exploitation. Autistic Adults regardless of their ability to verbalize have just as much right to give their consent as anyone else. Yet, too many Autistic Adults regardless of the level of their support needs have had their right to consent violated.  On the other hand, too many Autistic Adults unfortunately have a sex offender violation to their name, because of a lack of sex education and a healthy social environment to help them make better choices. Leah Bauman-Smith joins me for this very upfront discussion about consent for Autistic Adults.