There is a lot of information and resources here collected by myself and others organized by topic and and platform. Bookmark this page for later when you need to learn more, refresh your memory, or share it with friends and family.
The content here is actively maintained and periodically updated to provide helpful and inclusive resources for anyone willing to learn.
Supporting Autism
Supporting autism means being pro-autism. Being pro-autism means listening to autistic people, understanding how we’re a marginalized group, and learning how to be accepting and inclusive of us in your Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. Here are just some of the autistic community’s preferences and points of advocacy.
- Stop using functioning labels
- Stop using puzzle piece graphics and what to use instead
- Use identity-first language instead of person-first language
- Stop using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to “treat” autism and how to help your autistic children instead
- Stop supporting Autism Speaks and other businesses that aim to eradicate autism and autistic people
- Stop pathologizing and infantilizing autism and autistic people
- Self-Diagnosis is Valid
Parents, caregivers, educators, medical professionals, and “autism allies” who are not autistic themselves and do not support these values are generally considered “anti-autism” because they want to live in a world where autism doesn’t exist rather than living in a world with autistic people.
Autism Education
If you’re just learning about autism for the first time, here are some hand-picked articles that I felt are a great place to start.
One of the best educational resources about autism was a virtual conference hosted by TRIO Training Academy of Penn State University called Understanding Autism through the Actually Autistic Lens which was live-streamed in October 2021. This conference was organized with Neuroclastic and autistic adults.
Medical Definitions
Read up on the current definitions of the medical diagnoses with annotations from an autistic self-advocate.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
There is a reason why autistic advocates claim that ABA is abuse. While the language may seem extreme, they are not unfounded. Please take a moment to learn the autistic side of the controversy that surrounds ABA and the BCBA’s that utilize it.
“The Effects of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)” (May 30, 2021) One Bad Autistic.
Listen to autistic adults, parents (both autistic themselves and have autistic children), and a former ABA therapist discuss why ABA is abuse for autistic people in this hour-long webinar. This discussion includes why “all ABA is abuse” and “not all ABA is abuse” are both simultaneously true.- My Articles on ABA – Including my own experiences and opinion pieces on ABA in addition to republished articles to preserve the history of its founding and evolution.
, “How to Find a Therapist for your Neurodivergent Child” (March 13, 2022) TikTok.
a harm-reduction series for navigating the system that uses ABA“The Great Big ABA Opposition Resource List” Stop ABA, Support Autistics.
a list of anti-ABA articles, all in one place, that is not intended to be read all at once., “Invisible Abuse: ABA and the things only autistic people can see” (March 28, 2019) NeuroClastic.
– a beautifully written article that helps readers see the distress autistic children are in when participating in ABA., “Does ABA Work? We’re Asking the Wrong Question.” (April 8, 2021) NeuroClastic.
Meghan is also the human behind Not an Autism Mom and That Au-some Book Club., “I abused children and so do you: a response to an ABA apologist” (April 25, 2017) BirdMad Girl.
“For Whose Benefit?: Evidence, Ethics, and Effectiveness of Autism Interventions” (PDF) (December 1, 2021) Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN).
, “Evidence of increased PTSD symptoms in autistics exposed to applied behavior analysis” (January 2, 2018) Advances in Autism.
, “Why No Autistic Child Should Be in ABA Therapy” (October 21, 2020) Thinking Person's Guide to Autism.
, “Autism and Behaviorism: New Research Adds to an Already Compelling Case Against ABA” (January 21, 2020) Alfie Kohn.
Think You Might Be Autistic?
If you are questioning whether you or a loved one may be autistic, follow these steps:
- Watch this TikTok by AprilSyrup on what self-diagnosis looks like
- Learn why an Autism Self-Diagnosis is Valid
- Familiarize yourself with the diagnostic criteria
- Check out this silly Autism Self-Diagnosis Guide
- Answer these 10 questions from the AQ-10, then read the rest of that page to find out what your score means
- Take all the autism tests (but skip to the test part before reading so you don’t feel like you’re “tricking” yourself)
- Join all of the Facebook groups and follow all of the Facebook Pages and autistic TikTok creators to overflow your feeds with relatable content and autism education
- Read my article on my self-discovery journey that took about 2 years and included the worst anxiety attack of my life
- Read my article on self-awareness. If you’re questioning if you’re autistic, you’re probably still in this step.
You must find your people. Join autistic-led groups on Facebook or follow the #ActuallyAutistic hashtag on Facebook, Twitter, or TikTok. Speaking of TikTok, consider following the #AutisticTikTok and #AutisTikTok tags too.
Once you find your people and surround yourself with others who think and act and behave like you, the people who will nod their heads in understanding and offer up their own stories in solidarity, the people who you feel like you can be yourself around, you’ll start to feel more comfortable in who you are.
Tessa Watkins, Just 1 Voice
Learn about My Autistic Experiences
If you’re interested in learning more about my autistic experience and the unique intersections that make up my life, you can check out my blog, follow me on TikTok, and/or join my private Facebook group.
- My “Coming Out” Story: I’m Autistic, Not Broken
- Self-Discovery: My Adult Autism Diagnosis Journey
- TikTok: @just.1.voice
- Articles on my Autistic Experiences
Pro-Autism Organizations
Do you want to donate to a charity, organize a fundraiser, or otherwise support a pro-autism organization? I recommend these!
- Pittsburgh Center for Autistic Advocacy (like/follow on Facebook)
- Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)
- Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
- This organization had some issues surrounding racial justice recently, leading to many BIPOC/BBIA and their allies having withdrawn support for them.
Resources & Services
If you are an autistic adult seeking resources or services for yourself or a parent of an autistic child/teen/adult seeking resources for them or your family, then this area is for you!
General / All Ages
“Administrative Service Coordination (Child and Adult)” Wesley Family Services.
, “Top Resources for Autistic Individuals” PA Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations.
For Children
“Free Early Intervention Services in Allegheny and Beaver Counties for kids under 3” The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers.
, “Free Preschool Early Intervention” Allegheny Intermediate Unit.
For Teens & Adults
“Adult Autism Waiver (AAW)” Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
The Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) is a Medicaid waiver designed to provide long-term services and supports for community living, tailored to the specific needs of autistic adults (age 21+). The program is designed to help autistic adults participate in their communities in the way they want to, based upon their needs., “Vocational Rehabilitation Services” Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry.
helps disabled people prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment, “Housing Options for Autistic Adults” (PDF) (April 1, 2010) Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare.
, “College Planning Guide for Students with Learning Disabilities” (April 12, 2023) Intelligent.
Facebook Groups
Due to the size of this page becoming outrageous, this content has been moved to it’s own page here.
- For Autistic People or Questioning if You’re Autistic
- Autism-Adjacent / Intersectional with Autism
- For Parents that are also Autistic
- For Autistic Self-Advocates
- For Parents, Caregivers, Educators, and Medical Professionals
Facebook Pages
In addition to groups, here are some public Facebook pages worth following for continued education from autistic voices directly into your Facebook news feed. This content has also been moved to its own page here.
TikTok Creators
If TikTok is more your speed, you can follow me at @just.1.voice. Additionally, I have a whole list of other TikTok content creators I think you might enjoy following.
Books
Perhaps reading a book is your style of learning! This list below was collected by Dr. Bethany Ziss, a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatric Specialist in Pittsburgh, PA, USA. Eventually, I’ll add my own book reviews to the website, but until then!
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on . Added new resources.
