ZOOM Autism Magazine

The print and digital issues of Spectrum Life Magazine are out now and available to read for free. If you'd like to read his interview directly on our blog, you can do so at spectrumlife.org/blog/a-fore… Thanks! #AutismEmpowerment #SpectrumLife #ForecastofSuccess #AutismFamily

Hey friends! I'd love to share something personal today! Our Fall 2024 issue of @SpectrumLifeMag from @AutismEmpowermt just came out and my dear son agreed to be interviewed for our cover story. Diagnosed with #autism at the age of two and now a college freshman at @UW at 18, Ryan's journey has been marked by resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to pursuing his passions of weather and geography. From overcoming early challenges, including regressive autism and a period of being nonspeaking, to thriving in his academic career to being an #AmbassadorForAcceptance and volunteer for #AutismEmpowerment, Ryan has always forged his path with courage, curiosity, humor, kindness, and grace. Ryan wanted to do the interview in order to give back to #Autistic and #Neurodivergent communities and to help parents, especially those with autistic #youth see a positive picture of what an autism trajectory can look like after diagnosis. We hope you'll spread the word! Thanks! spectrumlife.org/fall2024

I grew up in the Silicon Valley in the 1980s. Although I was undiagnosed back then, I found people like me while participating in computer classes, online BBSes, gaming, creative writing, debate, theater, musicals and clubbing to new wave and synth-pop music.  I also connected to a number of neurodivergent people when I bowled recreationally, collegiately, and professionally. I preferred more individual sports (bowling, tennis, golf) to team. Back then, I was techie, nerdy, creative, quirky, and always deeply passionate about my interests. It allowed for connections in very different circles, which I still experience today. I see so many autistic people in tech, law, music, writing, theatre, and the arts. Many still remain undiagnosed, but as stigma decreases and people have kids who turn out also to be autistic, more will make the connection, and I'm here for it. Since founding @AutismEmpowermt in 2011, @SpectrumLifeMag in 2016, and sharing my journey as well as others, many people from my past have come out to me as autistic or neurodivergent. They are now sharing their own stories. It's an awesome experience. Lyric Rivera recently wrote a blog #AskingAutistics What is a community that attracts a lot of Autistic people? Parents who have children on the autism spectrum are often looking for ways for their kids to find friends. Starting with their passions and finding communities around those things is a great way to go for youth and adults. Tap into those deep special interests and hobbies. You can learn from a variety of #ActuallyAutistic #AutisticAdults here. spectrumlife.org/blog/commun… #AutismAndFriendships #AutismAcceptance #AutismEmpowerment #AutismParenting #SpectrumLife #OpenlyAutistic

🌟 Fun news! 🌟 My family and I have recently had the privilege of acting and participating in an exciting indie film project with Second Player Score and Autism Empowerment. Dive into "Hold My Beer," a new short film by Brian Tashima celebrating neurodivergence, craft beer, and community in Vancouver, WA. 🍻🎬 We recently interviewed screenwriter and film director Brian Tashima for the Summer 2024 issue of Spectrum Life Magazine @SpectrumLifeMag about the short movie. Discover more about this unique project and the incredible local talent behind it. Many #VanWA autistic and neurodivergent actors and crew are included. #HoldMyBeerMovie #Neurodivergence #VancouverWA #IndieFilm 🎥 Read the full story: spectrumlife.org/blog/vancou… @SecondPlayerScor @BrianTashima @AutismEmpowermt @SpectrumLifeMag

Final Notes🎶🎁 A thread of light holiday carol parodies for my #autism and #disability community friends: /5 Although I'm Preparing for the IEP was the favorite with parents, #ActuallyAutistic people liked this one best! #AskingAutistics - Which is your favorite of the 5? 🎶 Thank You for Respecting My Boundaries (Winter Wonderland) Telephone rings but I’m not listening. Prefer you text, or email me, I don’t like surprise, So don’t be unwise. Thank you for respecting my boundaries. Fluorescent lights give me a headache. They’re way too bright, and I can hear them. Don’t wear strong perfume, If we’re in the same room. Thank you for respecting my boundaries. (rest of lyrics at link) spectrumlife.org/blog/ask-sp…

This was voted #1 carol parody last year for the #autism and #specialeducation and #disability community. 🎁 Enjoy! 🎶 I'm Preparing for the IEP (I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus) Wow! These Procedural Safeguards are confusing! I'm preparing for the IEP Meeting that will accommodate my child. I might need a little wine, Or some help from the divine. To get this thing just right, I doubt I'll get much sleep tonight. (the rest is below) 🎁 A thread of light holiday carol parodies for my #actuallyautistic, #autism and #disability community friends: /4 spectrumlife.org/blog/ask-sp… #IEP #HolidayCheer #ChristmasCarols #Parenting

🎁 A thread of light holiday carol parodies for my #actuallyautistic, #autism and #disability community friends: /3 🎶 Deck the Halls with Less Anxiety (Deck the Halls) Deck the halls with less anxiety, fa la la la la la la la la! ‘Tis the season for sensory calming, fa la la la la la la la la! Everyone included with easy access, fa la la la la la la la la. Enjoy, have fun, then decompress, fa la la la la la la la la. spectrumlife.org/blog/ask-sp… #DeckTheHalls #Anxiety #HolidayCarols

🎁 A thread of light holiday carol parodies for my #actuallyautistic, #autism and #disability community friends: /2 🎶 Understanding Starts With You (Jingle Bell Rock) Please don’t call, please don’t call, please don’t knock, Send me an email, send me a text. It’s not that I’m trying to be mean or rude, Sudden loud noises ruin my mood. Accommodate, accommodate, that would be great. Do it for me and everybody. (continued at link) spectrumlife.org/blog/ask-sp…

🎁 A thread of light holiday carol parodies for my #autism and #disability community friends: 🎶 The 12 Days of Inclusion (The 12 Days of Christmas) On the first day of school, it was in my IEP: A plan for inclusion, so I would succeed. spectrumlife.org/blog/ask-sp…

Iryna's story about escaping Ukraine with her younger brother Misha is intense and powerful. It is a reminder that stories of autistic people around the world are valuable, valid and particularly in this case, filled with valor. spectrumlife.org/zoomautismi…