With World Autism Day fast approaching, for many of us who don’t have children with Autism in our family, we might let this important day slip off our radar. However, given the number of children on the Spectrum, there’s a good chance that even though your child might be typically functioning, they’ll interact with kids on the Spectrum at school, in their activities, and just everyday in their lives.
That’s why we are so thrilled to have had the opportunity to chat with Dr. Laura Klinger, the Executive Director of the UNC TEACCH Autism Program, as well as one of the experts behind Julia, the Sesame Street muppet with Autism.
We asked her everything from how to refer to kids on the Spectrum (hint: it may not be “autistic”), to what new developments in research she and her colleagues are discovering, as they relate to causation and treatment. We even talk about vaccinations. Oh yes we did.
Whether you have children with Autism or not, we think this is an important topic, and one that parents need to hear. We need more empathy and compassion in this world, and as you’ve heard us say before, that starts with our kids.
Listen using the player above, or better, subscribe to our Spawned with Kristen and Liz podcast on iTunes so you never miss an episode. It’s free!
Etsy downloadable art print, above, via AtleeMayDesign
Cool Picks of the Week
Kristen – The AnyList app, which has made her life a whole lot easier.
Liz – Beauty Bakerie, (above) one of the seven POC-owned beauty brands we recently shared.
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Thanks for listening to Spawned with Kristen and Liz! Be sure to subscribe and download our episodes, so that other parents can find us. The more the merrier.
Yes, it can be Autistic! Many autistic people prefer Identity-First language because autism “is an edifying and meaningful component of a person’s identity” and find Person-First language deeply insulting. Please see the following piece from the Autism Self Advocacy Network for more information https://autisticadvocacy.org/about-asan/identity-first-language/.
Thank you for sharing that article. I think more people need to read that and understand the value of language.
Thanks for this Mary — if you listen to the podcast, you’ll hear her describe that there are definitely some people who prefer to be referred to as autistic (and will let you know), and that the most important thing is to call people what it is they want to be called. Thanks for sharing that article.