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The "I Am Autism" campaign, launched by Autism Speaks in 2009, sparked significant controversy within the autism community. The video personifies autism as a destructive force that "steals children" and "ruins marriages," portraying it in a fear-based and negative light. Many autistic individuals, their families, and advocates criticized the campaign for promoting stigma and portraying autism as something to be feared rather than understood or accepted. Critics argued that it focused more on the hardships faced by caregivers than on the actual experiences of autistic people themselves, further marginalizing them. As a result, the campaign intensified long-standing tensions between Autism Speaks and the broader autistic community, particularly advocates for neurodiversity and self-advocacy​.In 2023, Autism Speaks reported an annual revenue of approximately $47.6 million. The organization generates funds through donations, sponsorships, events like the Autism Speaks Walk, and partnerships. This revenue supports their research, advocacy, and resources for the autism community, although Autism Speaks has faced criticism for its allocation of funds and portrayal of autism.&nbsp;&nbsp;This information is important. Don't donate to these people. Only about 1% to 4% of their budget goes toward family services and grants aimed at helping autistic people. The rest of their funds is directed toward research for a "cure" for autism, fundraising, and awareness campaigns (like the one in the link), rather than practical support services that directly benefit the autistic community​. There's a local community residential program that used to brag about their program being based on Autism Speaks programs.Watch this less than 2 minute video and see if this is where you think money should be going.&nbsp;Click on the link below:<a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvJ_1W5qLUk" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvJ_1W5qLUk" title="Austism Speaks Twisted View of Autism" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Austism Speaks Twisted View of Autism﻿</a>Please share this link. Donations could be so much more effective in helping people on the spectrum if they went to other places.<figure id="figure-klgt9y50k8m0vilo8e"><img id="klgt9y50k8m0vilo8e" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/24SeyhGUzlMnnnWigMcw22gSHqqELwHsbTG2i6RUK4cCkYAbxY2XywDAka67mJ0z.jpg" alt="river overflow in between rock formation" title="river overflow in between rock formation" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/24SeyhGUzlMnnnWigMcw22gSHqqELwHsbTG2i6RUK4cCkYAbxY2XywDAka67mJ0z.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>

The Unacceptable Truth About Autism Speaks

<h2>Book Review: Low-Demand Parenting: Dropping Demands, Restoring Calm, and Finding Connection with Your Uniquely Wired Child</h2>Low-Demand Parenting: Dropping Demands, Restoring Calm, and Finding Connection with Your Uniquely Wired Child by Ruth Fidler and Philip Bozeman presents a refreshing and empathetic approach to parenting, particularly beneficial for families with neurodiverse children, including those with autism. This insightful book advocates for a shift from traditional high-demand parenting to a more relaxed, understanding style that prioritizes emotional connection and well-being.Fidler and Bozeman, both seasoned professionals in the field of autism and neurodiversity, argue that many traditional parenting strategies can inadvertently heighten stress and anxiety in children who already face unique challenges. The authors propose a low-demand approach that minimizes unnecessary pressures, creating a calmer and more supportive environment. This approach is particularly valuable for autistic children, who may struggle with sensory overload, social interactions, and routine changes.The book offers a variety of practical strategies for implementing a low-demand approach. It emphasizes the importance of setting realistic expectations and adjusting demands to fit the child's capacity. By doing so, parents can significantly reduce instances of meltdowns and behavioral issues, fostering a more harmonious household. Additionally, the authors provide concrete examples and scenarios, helping parents apply these strategies in real-life situations.One of the most compelling aspects of Low-Demand Parenting is its focus on building genuine connections with children. By reducing the emphasis on compliance and performance, parents can engage more deeply with their child, promoting trust and understanding. This approach helps parents tune into their child's emotional needs, creating a space where the child feels valued and heard.For parents of autistic children, the book’s insights are especially relevant. The low-demand model aligns well with the needs of children who may be overwhelmed by conventional parenting tactics. By adopting these strategies, parents can foster a nurturing environment that supports their child’s emotional and developmental needs.Overall, Low-Demand Parenting is an essential read for any parent seeking to improve their relationship with their child through empathy and understanding. Its practical advice and compassionate approach make it a valuable resource for creating a more peaceful and connected family life.Please click below to purchase this book from Amazon:<a data-mce-href="https://amzn.to/4cMWu4j" href="https://amzn.to/4cMWu4j" title="Low-Demand Parenting: Dropping Demands, Restoring Calm, and Finding Connection with Your Uniquely Wired Child" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://amzn.to/4cMWu4j</a>

Book Review for Parents of PDA-ers: Low-Demand Parenting

<h2> </h2> <h2>The Truth About Melatonin</h2>Speaking only for myself, I'm not a huge fan of melatonin for sleep issues in those of us on the spectrum. For me, it causes vivid nightmares, daytime drowsiness, and irritability. Melatonin can also potentially affect hormone levels, which might impact menstrual cycles in women or cause changes in libido.Melatonin can also interfere with blood pressure medication, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medication, diabetes medications, and blood thinners. All of that said, different things work for different people and sometimes melatonin is the right fit for the time. Do be aware that with long-term use of melatonin, there is tolerance (the body builds a tolerance to reducing its effectiveness) and psychological dependency where the person feels like they can't fall asleep without melatonin. Due to the tolerance property, dosage should be adjusted when it stops working or if you are giving it to a child who has just had a growth spurt.<figure id="figure-e5ns5811ylzk0zlnk"><img id="e5ns5811ylzk0zlnk" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/33rrH574nNMmgfstVK5sTVsldLtrg02g2gAkOCPteM1VRFI4bMem4MkNQohzGlKR.jpg" alt="brown sand with water droplets" title="brown sand with water droplets" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 75% 70%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="75%" data-positionY="70%" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><h3>Natural Alternatives to Melatonin for Sleep</h3>While melatonin is a popular choice for those seeking to improve their sleep, it's not the only option. Several other supplements can help promote restful sleep. Here’s a look at some effective alternatives to melatonin:Valerian RootWhat it is: Valerian root is an herb used since ancient times for its calming effects.How it works: It is believed to increase levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation. Benefits: Can improve sleep quality and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. Considerations: May cause mild side effects like dizziness or digestive issues. Not recommended for long-term use without medical supervision. Magnesium What it is: A mineral essential for many bodily functions, including sleep regulation. How it works: Helps calm the nervous system by binding to GABA receptors and regulating melatonin production. Benefits: Can alleviate insomnia, improve sleep quality, and reduce symptoms of restless leg syndrome. Considerations: Excessive intake can cause digestive upset. Choose a form like magnesium glycinate for better absorption. L-Theanine What it is: An amino acid found in green tea. How it works: Promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness by increasing GABA, serotonin, and dopamine levels. Benefits: Can enhance sleep quality, improve relaxation, and reduce stress. Considerations: Generally considered safe with few side effects, but high doses can cause headaches or dizziness. PassionflowerWhat it is: An herb traditionally used to treat anxiety and insomnia. How it works: Increases GABA levels in the brain, promoting relaxation and sleep. Benefits: Can help with falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer. Considerations: May cause dizziness or confusion in high doses. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women without medical advice. GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) What it is: A neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve transmission in the brain, promoting calmness. How it works: Supplements increase GABA levels in the brain, aiding relaxation and sleep. Benefits: Can reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. Considerations: The effectiveness of GABA supplements can vary, as GABA might not cross the blood-brain barrier easily. Glycine What it is: An amino acid that plays a role in various bodily functions. How it works: Lowers body temperature and increases serotonin levels, which helps initiate sleep. Benefits: Can improve sleep quality and reduce sleep onset time. Considerations: Generally safe, but excessive intake can cause digestive discomfort. CBD (Cannabidiol) What it is: A compound found in cannabis that doesn’t have psychoactive effects. How it works: Interacts with the endocannabinoid system to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Benefits: Can improve sleep quality, reduce anxiety, and alleviate pain. Considerations: The legality varies by location. Potential side effects include dry mouth, diarrhea, and changes in appetite. 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) What it is: A naturally occurring amino acid and chemical precursor to serotonin. How it works: Increases serotonin levels, which can be converted into melatonin. Benefits: Can improve sleep quality and duration, and help with mood regulation. Considerations: May cause gastrointestinal issues. Should not be taken with antidepressants without medical supervision due to the risk of serotonin syndrome. Chamomile What it is: An herb often consumed as a tea. How it works: Contains antioxidants like apigenin that bind to certain receptors in the brain, promoting sleepiness. Benefits: Can reduce insomnia and promote relaxation. Considerations: Generally safe, but some individuals may have allergic reactions. Conclusion While melatonin is a well-known sleep aid, there are several alternative supplements that can also promote restful sleep. Each of these supplements has unique properties and benefits, so it's important to choose one that aligns with your specific needs and consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen. With the right approach, you can find a natural solution that helps you achieve better sleep and improved overall well-being.&nbsp;I am available for consults about supplements and their interplay with medications.

Melatonin, ASD, and Sleep or Is Melatonin a Risky Choice

<a title="ASD and Video Games to Medicate or Not to Medicate" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXSCYZN9WG0" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXSCYZN9WG0">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXSCYZN9WG0</a>Click on the link above to watch my short video about video gaming and the autistic brain. The information below will give you more information about if video game addiction may signal that your child or you could benefit from dopamine-boosting activities or medication<h3>Understanding the Connection Between Dopamine, Autism, and Video Game Addiction</h3> Dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure, reward, and motivation, plays a crucial role in how we experience enjoyment and reinforcement. This article explores how dopamine interacts with video game addiction and its nuanced relationship with autism.<h3>Dopamine and Video Game Addiction Dopamine and Reward Pathways</h3>Dopamine is essential for our brain’s reward system. Engaging in enjoyable activities, such as playing video games, triggers dopamine release, which contributes to feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. Video games are designed to be highly engaging, providing frequent rewards like achieving goals or leveling up, which can lead to increased dopamine release.<h3>Potential for Addiction</h3>When gaming becomes excessive, the brain can become conditioned to expect constant dopamine spikes. This can result in a dependency on gaming for pleasure, leading to a decrease in the ability to find joy in other activities, a condition known as anhedonia. Over time, the brain adapts to the intense stimulation, causing tolerance. This means that the same level of gaming may no longer be as satisfying, requiring even more intense or prolonged gaming to achieve similar pleasure.<h3>Impact on Dopamine Levels</h3>Initial Boost: New gamers often experience a strong sense of reward as their dopamine system becomes highly activated. Potential Dysregulation: Chronic gaming can disrupt dopamine regulation. The brain’s reward pathways might become less sensitive, overly reliant on gaming for dopamine release, and struggle to find satisfaction in other activities. Withdrawal and Cravings: Reducing or stopping gaming can lead to withdrawal symptoms similar to other addictions, including cravings, irritability, and difficulty enjoying other activities. <h3>Balance and Moderation</h3>Maintaining balance and moderation in gaming habits is vital for healthy dopamine regulation. Engaging in a variety of activities and leading a well-rounded lifestyle can help prevent the negative effects associated with gaming addiction.<h3>Dopamine and Autism </h3>The relationship between dopamine and autism is complex and not fully understood. Research indicates that while individuals with autism might not necessarily have lower overall dopamine levels, their dopamine systems may function differently compared to neurotypical individuals. Variations in dopamine receptor densities and transporter levels in autism can affect how dopamine is processed and utilized.<h3>Neurological Differences</h3>Dopamine Receptors: Studies suggest that dopamine receptors, particularly D2 receptors, might be altered in individuals with autism. This can impact how dopamine signals are transmitted and how rewarding experiences are perceived. Reward System: Differences in the reward system in autism could influence behaviors and sensory processing. Some research suggests that atypical responses to reward or motivation might be linked to differences in dopamine processing.<h3> Behavioral Implications</h3>Sensory Sensitivities: The dopamine system's role in sensory processing means that differences in dopamine regulation could contribute to the sensory sensitivities often experienced by individuals with autism. Motivation and Reward: Variations in dopamine function might affect motivation and reward experiences, impacting social interactions and engagement in activities. Individual VariationAutism is a spectrum disorder with significant individual variability. Dopamine levels and functions can differ widely among individuals with autism. It's important to recognize that not everyone with autism will have the same neurological or biochemical characteristics.<h3>Research and Understanding</h3>Ongoing research is exploring how dopamine and other neurotransmitters relate to autism. Better understanding these relationships can aid in developing more effective interventions and supports for individuals with autism.<h3>Conclusion</h3> While dopamine plays a critical role in both video game addiction and autism, the interactions are complex and multifaceted. Excessive gaming can disrupt dopamine regulation, leading to addiction and withdrawal symptoms, while differences in dopamine processing in autism can affect behavior and sensory experiences. Recognizing these dynamics can help in managing gaming habits and understanding the neurological aspects of autism.

Autism and Video Games aka To Medicate or Not to Medicate

School is approaching. Whether you're a parent of a child with an IEP, an educator, an EC provider, or a school administrator dealing with IEPs, this common goal poses a serious risk of physical harm to students. Despite decades of documented scientific evidence, the push for children with ASD to conform to neurotypical standards prioritizes appearance over their long-term health.Please watch this 2-minute video to know what needs to be removed and why!<a title="Never Let Your Child Have This in Their IEP" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gpoz9orAJCY" data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gpoz9orAJCY">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gpoz9orAJCY</a>

Never Let Your Child Have This in their IEP

Getting assessed for autism as an adult can be quite stressful.&nbsp;WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE TO BE ASSESSED FOR AUTISM?You will need to be assessed at a testing center or by someone who is licensed to do testing. These folks are called PsyDs. It's not unusual for these appointments to take many months to schedule. I waited about 18 months for my assessment. Common wait time is anywhere from 3-6 months in the southeast.&nbsp;Once you get scheduled there are usually 3 sessions with the tester.The first session is usually a virtual intake that lasts around an hour.The second session is usually important and where the actual testing is done. The testing process can take between 2 and 4 hours depending on which tests are being given. Someone should drive you to this test because the process itself can be very dysregulating. The test was designed by neurotypical people, so for those of us who are neurodivergent the questions can be confusing and/or annoying. The video below does a lovely job of illustrating that.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-c2zvopwddoly7f73br" class=""><iframe id="c2zvopwddoly7f73br" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TwbGDnOviPI" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwbGDnOviPI" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TwbGDnOviPI" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>Another challenge about autism testing is how unclear it can be to have neurotypical people administering the test. It's easy for those of us who are neurodivergent to misinterpret the test questions due to the way that they are asked.&nbsp;I've sent quite a few clients that I'd been working with for months out for formal testing and had them come back without an autism diagnosis for this reason. This happens more often with females and high-masking people.Now I only refer to test centers that I know are well-qualified, understand why they are asking the questions, and aren't just hurrying through.<figure id="figure-h6yks4yf1ely7fdnao" class=""><iframe id="h6yks4yf1ely7fdnao" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mUA7DGOaA4M" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtube.com/shorts/mUA7DGOaA4M?feature=share" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mUA7DGOaA4M" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>Asking someone who's autistic to do anything that involves being asked repeated questions by a stranger without feedback on whether they are answering correctly would be tortuous under the most benign of circumstances. Asking them to do it when their diagnosis and sense of self is dependent on how they answer is, to say the least stressful.&nbsp;I recommend that the person being assessed for autism does not drive on the day of testing. Has someone supportive with them to handle executive functioning tasks after testing, like making meals, reminding them to take medications, etc. I don't recommend having anything scheduled after testing and in general, that day should be as "low demand" as possible.I'd be interested to hear what other tips anyone might have to add to this blog.

The Autistic Autism Consultant

Blogs and Vlogs

The Unacceptable Truth About Autism Speaks

Book Review for Parents of PDA-ers: Low-Demand Parenting

Melatonin, ASD, and Sleep or Is Melatonin a Risky Choice

Autism and Video Games aka To Medicate or Not to Medicate

Never Let Your Child Have This in their IEP

Getting Assessed for Autism