We’re in the library today speaking with two editors of the book, Sincerely Your Autistic Child ; What people on the autism spectrum wish their parents knew about growing up, acceptance and identity. We discuss how the book came about, and why your child’s point of view and needs should be at the forefront of how we parent and treat them.
In this episode you will discover:
- Emily and Morénike’s personal stories about their own autism journeys as women.
- Why the Autistic Women’s Network adjusted their name to reflect more inclusivity.
- What parents are getting wrong…and right.
- Which therapies and supports are most respectful and helpful.
- What’s autistic inertia and how it affects your child.
- Why everything your child does should NOT have a therapeutic purpose.
Meet Emily and Morénike
Morénike Giwa Onaiwu
Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, MA, is a global self-advocate, educator, parent and disabled person of color in a neurodiverse, multicultural, serodifferent family. A prolific writer, public speaker, and social scientist/activist whose work focuses on meaningful community involvement, human rights, justice, and inclusion, Morénike is a Humanities Scholar at Rice University’s Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality and a member of several executive boards. Publications include: Knowing Why: Adult-Diagnosed Autistic People on Life and Autism, All the Weight of Our Dreams: On Living Racialized Autism, and various peer-reviewed articles. Learn more at: morenikeGO.com.
Emily Paige Ballou
Emily Paige Ballou is an old Millennial from the Midwest who currently lives and works in NYC, where she primarily stage manages off-Broadway new plays and new musicals, including works such as the Hello Girls with Prospect Theater Company, Nikola Tesla Drops the Beat at the Adirondack Theatre Festival, and Rose with Nora’s Playhouse. She graduated from the University of Georgia, where she was also a member of the Demosthenian Literary Society. Previous publications include pieces in the Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism, The Real Experts: Readings for Parents of Autistic Children, NeuroQueer, Barking Sycamores, and Fuckit: A Zine.
Mentioned on the podcast:
- Join the conversation in our private Facebook group: Our Autism Blueprint Private Facebook Page
- Autistic Women’s Network, renamed Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network, (AWN), was founded as the first organization that focused on Autistic women, girls, and nonbinary people. They are an essential resource for autistic people, parents, and allies for dispelling stereotypes and misinformation around autism. More information can be found awnnetwork.org.
- Get the Book: Sincerely Your Autistic Child
- Mel (Amanda) Baggs video, In My Language
- Jim Sinclair’s Article, Don’t Mourn For Us
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