Category: Autism

Unintentional Exclusion is Still Exclusion

We don’t usually see the hurdles we’ve put up that aren’t hurdles to us. Arts and other types of organizations are often selecting for things they aren’t intending to, and in the process losing access to applicants that could be a great fit.

5 Reasons Not to Seek an Adult Autism Diagnosis

There are many adults realizing they have had Autism all along, and thinking about getting a diagnosis. I am diagnosed. For me the pros outweighed the cons. But it’s important that you know the cons as you’re deciding whether or not to get an Autism Assessment.

Don’t make ANY decisions based on this information. Talk with your doctor and lawyer to figure out what is best for you.

**This is not medical or legal advice.**

Autism Awareness Month

How to celebrate Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, plus information on what Autism is and what we experience!

Disabled

Disabled is not a bad word.

Disability is neutral; it’s not bad or good, it’s just a part of life. It’s not a choice. Treating it as if it is shameful or bad is ableism.

The problem is that disabled people are not included in society. We’re not included in plans for spaces or communities. We’re not included in having our basic needs met and our voices heard.

Watermelon Impasto Detail

A close up of my impasto painting, “Watermelon.” Beautiful colors dancing in rainbows on this abstract artwork.

Please follow Crutches and Spice for a lot of helpful disability content from Imani Barbarin. She’s amazing.
@CrutchesandSpice
crutchesandspice . com

Neurodiversity Celebration Week

Humans come in lots of different neurotypes. Here are 10 Ways to Celebrate Neurodiversity Celebration Week.

6 Ways to Make the Art Community More Accessible

Simple ways to make an art community that includes Disabled Artists.

Why I Make Autism Content

“Autistics are making content about our lives and experiences because our input has been ignored in studies. It’s always been about what others think of us, how they want us to be different. We’ve learned we were just right all along. We just want to be valued as much as other humans and included in this world that was designed to exclude us.”
-April Marie Mai

[Image description: above quote in the middle with pastel watercolor in the background and 6 different flowers in different colors.]

10 Tips to Host a Disability Inclusive Halloween

Make sure you’re including everyone in the fun!

[Image Description: “TRICK or treat” in swirly hand lettering by @NickyLaatz with “TRICK” in “Smoke” Painting and “treat” in “Marigold” Painting by me on a crumpled paper background, with “April Marie Mai” at the bottom]

AuDHD Definition

We’re developing our own terminology. Here’s an important one to know!

[Image Description: “If you didn’t know, Autism + ADHD = AuDHD. @AprilMarieMai” on a blue card with flowers and leaves poking out from behind it]