Autistic children face unique challenges in the classroom, but with the right support from educators and parents, they can thrive and reach their full potential. In this blog post, I’ll share some tips for supporting autistic children in the classroom.

Recently I saw a tiktok featuring an autistic woman asking the 15% of working autistics (studies show only 15-30% of autistic adults are able to hold any kind of employment) how they did it. How were they able to manage their autism in such a way that allowed them to work? The overwhelming response was, “We don’t.” Person after person responded saying they are barely holding it together. I myself am constantly feeling like I am on the edge of burnout and often find myself asking how long can I keep this up?

As many people in the autistic community know, sensory overload is a common experience for those on the spectrum. Sensory overload can be described as an overwhelming experience where sensory information is processed by the brain in a way that is difficult to handle. This can be caused by a variety of different sensory stimuli, such as sounds, lights, smells, textures, and more.

As part of the neurodivergent community, autistics process sensory information differently than neurotypicals. For many autistics, sensory input can be overwhelming and cause discomfort, leading to a range of negative physical and emotional reactions. Sensory-friendly environments can make a huge difference in the quality of life for autistic individuals by reducing stress and allowing them to engage with the world around them more comfortably.

Inclusive spaces strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, including people with different support needs. However, accommodating conflicting support needs can be challenging. What happens when one person's need conflicts with another person's need? How can we create a space that supports everyone?

I recently saw a TikTok video of an autistic person mocking the notion that autism is a disability, they were addressing a lot of autistic traits that allistic people and neurotypical people view as being a deficit, but that autistic people see as our strengths, and I was conflicted about the messaging of the video. I responded saying “Yes to not viewing everything autistics do differently as a deficit, no to the further stigmatization of disability in the autistic community. Autism is a disability, and that’s okay.”

A while ago on TikTok a joke popped up in the autism community. The joke was we all started referring to ourselves as “Neurospicy” or as having “spicy autism” I didn’t get it at first, until I realized it was in response to how some people refer to autistics with lower support needs as having “mild autism” and so the neuro spice meter was invented. Because, at the end of the day, saying mild or severe autism is the same as applying functional labels.

I've just completed my latest painting, and I'm excited to share it with you! Titled "Warrior Woman in a World of Ruins," it's a departure from my usual urban landscapes but still draws heavily from my favorite artists' styles.

As an autistic artist, I have found that one of the most effective ways to communicate my experiences is through visual art. I often have trouble describing what I’m feeling in words, or worse, I gaslight myself into doubting any feelings I have are real at all. But I can paint what it feels like, and that painting can evoke emotions in other people. I have painted several self-portraits depicting autistic traits, each piece representing a different aspect of my neurodivergent experience.

when COVID-19 hit and masks became mandatory in many public spaces, it was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. For the first time, I could tic in public without worrying about the weird looks or comments from others. It was a strange and unexpected benefit of the pandemic.

One of my favorite things about creating art is the ability to capture the beauty in the mundane. I find inspiration in everyday objects and scenes, and I try to bring out their hidden beauty through my paintings. My Etobicoke paintings, for example, celebrate the sacredness of of the ordinary, as I try to find the beauty in the often cracked, broken, and abandoned places of the city I grew up in.

Autistic overwhelm and dysregulation can hit you like a ton of bricks. It just shuts down all ability to think and cope with anything. I’ve often described it like being hit in the face repeatedly with a foam bat, it’s not going to send you to the hospital, but it’s not leaving room for much else to happen, and it’s quickly rage inducing! From what I understand this is not a unique experience in my community. For many people with autism, the world can be very overwhelming. Everyday experiences such as loud noises, bright lights, and social interactions can be draining AF and difficult to navigate. As a result, autistics develop coping mechanisms to manage our traits, such as stimming, sensory diets, and social scripts. However, another valuable tool that can help manage autistic traits is art. You can ask my spouse, when I’m done with life, all I need is a weighted blanket and my art tablet.

As someone with executive dysfunction, I've always had trouble with organization, planning, and completing tasks. It's like my brain is a jumbled mess of thoughts and ideas, and it's hard to make sense of it all. I've tried different strategies over the years, but nothing seemed to work for me.