A living reflection of our values
Glimmers & Triggers
Why Glimmers Matter
At Love & Autism, we believe in glimmers. The word glimmer comes from Deb Dana’s work in Polyvagal Theory, describing those tiny moments when our nervous system feels safe enough to connect. A warm smile, the right song, the light of the afternoon sun — small sparks that tell us: You are safe. You belong.
Glimmers remind us that healing, connection, and joy are possible. They are the flickers of hope that light us up from the inside. They don’t erase the hard stuff, but they give us strength to keep going.
Triggers
Triggers get a bad reputation, but they aren’t flaws. They’re messages. Triggers let us know when something feels unsafe, when the world is demanding too much, or when we are being asked to shrink into someone else’s idea of who we should be.
Understanding our triggers isn’t about shame — it’s about wisdom. When we listen, we see our nervous system as a compass always pointing us toward safety, authenticity, and belonging.
A Shared Space
Here, you’ll find the moments, people, events, and programs that shine — alongside the ones that still need to change. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about honesty.
This page is an invitation: notice the glimmers. Name the triggers. Contribute your own. Together, we’ll create a space that reflects the truth — autistic lives are worthy, valuable, and deeply needed.
Glimmers guide us, triggers teach us. Together, we build a world wide enough for every true self.
Why We Name Them
This page is a living reflection of our values. By naming both glimmers and triggers, we get clear on what supports connection and what perpetuates harm. This is about more than awareness — it’s about shifting culture.
- Glimmers highlight what uplifts, what aligns with love, authenticity, and justice.
- Triggers call out what is harmful, outdated, or dismissive of autistic humanity.
Share Your Glimmers & Triggers
This page is meant to grow with our community. If you’ve seen or experienced something that feels like a glimmer — a spark of safety, joy, or connection — we’d love for you to share it. If you’ve noticed a trigger — something harmful, outdated, or rooted in ableism — we invite you to name that, too. Your contributions help us highlight what’s working and shine light on what still needs to change. Click here to share.
Triggers
Glimmers ✨
Make it Glimmer
When a U.S. President calls autism a “tremendous horror show,” it isn’t just offensive—it’s dangerous. On August 26, 2025, in a Cabinet meeting with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump repeated long-debunked vaccine myths and reduced autistic lives to tragedy. Families deserve leaders who protect their rights, not ones who turn them into talking points.
The Independent – Trump and RFK Jr. comments on autism and research
How We Can Make it Glimmer
Leaders speak with respect, grounding their words in science and humanity. Autism is described with truth: as neurodiversity, not disaster. Love & Autism calls for public officials to reject fear-based rhetoric and affirm autistic lives as valuable and whole.
Make it Glimmer
When Section 504 and ADA violations pile up without action, autistic kids sit in classrooms without the supports they are legally entitled to. Families are forced to fight tooth and nail for the basics—like access to an aide, accommodations, or even a fair chance at learning. These delays aren’t just bureaucratic—they’re life-altering.
AP News – Education Department backlog of civil rights complaints
How We Can Make it Glimmer
Civil rights protections must be enforced in real time, not years later. Autistic students should walk into classrooms where supports are already in place, and families should not have to become lawyers just to secure their child’s education.
Make it Glimmer
When the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services calls autism an “epidemic,” he spreads fear and misinformation at the highest level of government. Autism is not a disease to eradicate—it’s a way of being.
Reuters – RFK Jr. repeats false autism epidemic claims
How We Can Make it Glimmer
Public health leaders should invest in services, acceptance, and inclusion—not scare tactics. A neurodivergent-affirming government tells the truth: autistic people are not epidemics, but essential members of our communities.
Make it Glimmer
In April 2025, HHS Secretary RFK Jr. framed autism as something that needs curing. That rhetoric is dangerous. Cure culture preys on families’ fears and tells autistic people they are broken.
Axios – Autism advocates push back against RFK Jr.’s cure framing
How We Can Make it Glimmer
We must end cure culture once and for all. In a neurodiversity-affirming world, autism is never treated as an illness to eradicate, but as an identity to embrace.
Make it Glimmer
Section 504 is the bedrock of disability rights in schools. Efforts to weaken or defund it—including lawsuits like Texas v. Becerra—risk stripping protections from autistic students nationwide.
ADA Pacific – Update on Texas v. Becerra lawsuit threatening Section 504
How We Can Make it Glimmer
Disability rights must never be up for debate. Schools should be resourced and required to meet the individual needs of every autistic student
Make it Glimmer
Families across the U.S. are told to wait months—or years—for an evaluation. Early development windows are closing while children sit on lists. This is systemic neglect.
News-Medical – National waitlist crisis for autism diagnosis
How We Can Make it Glimmer
Evaluations must be accessible within weeks, not years. A just system prioritizes early support and ensures every child has access to timely answers.
Make it Glimmer
More than 80% of U.S. counties lack autism diagnostic centers. For rural and underserved families, diagnosis remains out of reach.
NIH / PMC – Autism diagnostic deserts
How We Can Make it Glimmer
Every county should have pathways to timely diagnosis. Mobile clinics, telehealth, and community-based services can end diagnostic deserts.
Make it Glimmer
Nearly half of autism centers don’t accept Medicaid. Low-income families are blocked from care before they even start.
ISPI – Survey of autism center wait times and access
How We Can Make it Glimmer
Medicaid must be universally accepted for autism evaluations and services. No child should be excluded from care because their family cannot pay.
Make it Glimmer
Even after diagnosis, children often wait over a year for therapy because there aren’t enough providers. Milestones are slipping away because the system won’t staff up.
AP News – Workforce shortages delay early intervention
How We Can Make it Glimmer
Pay providers fairly and prioritize neurodiversity affirming healthcare. The workforce grows when the service delivery is adequately funded but further when the services are values centered and seeped in dignity.
Make it Glimmer
A review in 2025 found 90% of autistic adults over 50 in the U.K. had gone undiagnosed. That’s decades of invisibility.
The Guardian – Older autistic adults need more help
How We Can Make it Glimmer
Autistic people need support throughout their lifespan. We must recognize and support autistic adults across the lifespan. Aging with autism should come with dignity and understanding, not decades of neglect.
Make it Glimmer
Autism research continues to focus on genes and lab animals, while housing, jobs, and health are left behind. Billions wasted, little gained.
Vox – Autism research focuses on mice, not people
How We Can Make it Glimmer
Funding should reflect autistic priorities. Research must focus on real-world needs like housing, employment, health, and community belonging.
Make it Glimmer
Too often, doctors dismiss new health issues as “just autism.” Conditions from epilepsy to GI disorders are ignored until it’s too late.
Wikipedia – Diagnostic overshadowing in autism
How We Can Make it Glimmer
Medical professionals must be trained to see autistic patients as whole people. Real healthcare looks beyond labels to provide comprehensive care.
Make it Glimmer
For autistic people of color, barriers multiply. Racism plus ableism means later diagnoses and fewer services.
HealthCity – People of color with disabilities face double discrimination
How We Can Make it Glimmer
Equity must be built into every system. Screening, diagnosis, and services should be culturally competent and free from bias.
Make it Glimmer
Autistic adults face sky-high unemployment. For autistic people of color, it’s even worse. Bias—not ability—keeps people out of work.
APOC Employment Report – Autistic people of color and employment
How We Can Make it Glimmer
Employers must adapt, not exclude. Inclusive hiring practices and real accommodations are how workplaces thrive.
Make it Glimmer
A 2025 Project Beacon study called autism housing an “invisible crisis.” Affordable, supportive housing is nearly nonexistent.
Community Impact – Autism housing crisis study
How We Can Make it Glimmer
Housing is a human right. We need systemic investment in supportive housing designed with autistic adults at the table.
Make it Glimmer
Autistic adults are struggle with anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns. Yet services fail to adapt care to autistic needs.
https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/news/2025/04/23/the-rise-of-adult-autism-diagnosis
How We Can Make it Glimmer
Mental health systems must adapt care to autistic needs. Therapy, crisis services, and prevention programs must be affirming, not dismissive.
Make it Glimmer
Autistic people are at far greater risk of suicide—up to nine times higher than non-autistic peers. These deaths are preventable.
The Lancet – Suicide among autistic individuals
How We Can Make it Glimmer
Suicide prevention programs must center autistic voices. Real safety means belonging, not just awareness.
Make it Glimmer
Autistic characters are too often stereotypes, played by non-autistic actors. Representation without authenticity misleads and harms.
Psychology Today– The problem with autistic representation
How We Can Make it Glimmer
Representation must be authentic. Autistic stories should be told by autistic people, not filtered through caricature. Nuanced storytelling with diverse autistic characters in front facing roles reduces real life stigma.
Make it Glimmer
When therapy demands compliance instead of connection, children learn to mask instead of thrive. ABA still too often prioritizes obedience over autonomy.
MDPI – Autistic perspectives on ABA
How We Can Make it Glimmer
Therapy must honor authenticity. Growth happens when autistic kids are supported, not conditioned.
Why it Glimmers
In Paris, Dani Bowman walked hand in hand with her love, Henry, reminding us why she has always been the ever-romantic. Dani has built a life on her own terms—animation, advocacy, visibility—and she carries that same determination into her relationships. She believed that if she loved herself first, she would find her happily ever after. And in the City of Love, she did.
Why It Glimmers
Dani’s story is a reminder that autistic love stories are not only possible, they’re powerful. By embracing herself fully, Dani shows the world that love—real, steady, and joyful—is for all of us.
Why it Glimmers
At our Eras Tour event, Rob Repass showed up like the living soundtrack of a Taylor Swift album—joyful, bold, and absolutely Fearless. He carried himself like a “human exclamation point,” making the whole space shimmer.
Why It Glimmers
Rob reminds us that belonging isn’t a delicate thing—it can be loud, fearless, and unapologetically joyful. He proves that sometimes the Glimmer is a person who turns up and makes the whole place feel enchanted.
Why it Glimmers
The NeuroTranslator app helps autistic people decode confusing social situations in real time. Users input what happened, and the app translates it into plain, nonjudgmental language—bridging the gap between autistic perception and neurotypical expectations.
The app was created by Michael Daniel, an autistic data analyst from Australia, who turned his lived experience into a tool now helping thousands worldwide.
Why It Glimmers
NeuroTranslator shows the power of autistic insight. It takes what was once confusing and isolating, and turns it into clarity and connection—one explanation at a time.
Why It Glimmers
Chris Packham, the beloved UK naturalist and broadcaster, has never shied away from naming his autism—and never let the world define it for him. Whether he’s fronting a wildlife program, writing candidly about his mental health, or challenging the media to treat autistic lives with dignity, Chris pairs fierce honesty with a deep love of the natural world.
Why It Glimmers
Chris reminds us that autistic voices can shift entire cultures when they stay true to both passion and principle. He proves that clarity, whether about conservation or neurodiversity, is its own kind of brilliance.
Why It Glimmers
Leila of Sprinkled Spectrum doesn’t tiptoe around the status quo—she comes for it with quick wit and radical honesty. She drops truth like it’s hot: screens aren’t the enemy, ableist tropes deserve a takedown, and therapy should never mean silencing autistic voices.
Why It Glimmers
Leila is proof that you can parent differently and joyfully at the same time. By rejecting shame and embracing truth, she frees families to raise their children with dignity, laughter, and love.
Why It Glimmers
Gabe, a non-speaking autistic teen, beams joy into every video his moms share on For the Love of Gabe. Whether it’s a burst of energy, a laugh, or a moment of connection, Gabe shows the world that communication is more than words.
Why It Glimmers
Gabe reminds us that autism isn’t a tragedy—it’s a life worth celebrating out loud. His story proves that joy, love, and belonging speak louder than any words ever could.
Why It Glimmers
Pennsylvania State Representative Jessica Benham made history as the first openly autistic woman elected to her state’s legislature. She co-founded the Pittsburgh Center for Autistic Advocacy and has carried that commitment into lawmaking. Jessica has fought to end medical discrimination against people with disabilities, advanced protections for autistic children in schools, and championed Medicaid-funded long-term care and fair wages for direct support workers.
Why It Glimmers
Jessica proves that autistic leadership changes systems. Her work turns lived experience into policy, ensuring that dignity and access are written into the laws that shape people’s lives.
Why It Glimmers
Clay Marzo is a master of his craft, moving with an ease that feels like watching joy itself. His surfing is pure authenticity—no pretense, no polish—just a body and the ocean in conversation. Clay’s vibe is unmatched.
Why It Glimmers
Clay reminds us that greatness doesn’t always look loud. Sometimes it looks like someone so at home in their element that the rest of us exhale just watching.
Why It Glimmers
Noah Seback is a non-speaking autistic advocate who types to communicate. His writing is direct, vulnerable, and unflinchingly human. He speaks about autonomy, agency, and the right to be taken seriously—not as inspiration, but as a peer in the movement.
Why It Glimmers
Noah’s words show us that being non-speaking is not the same as being unheard. His voice, typed letter by letter, adds strength to the chorus demanding dignity for all autistic people.
Why It Glimmers
Known online as the Neurodivergent Rebel, Lyric Holmans lives at the intersection of autism, ADHD, and queerness—and refuses to assimilate into neurotypical molds. Their work is playful, stylish, and sharp, dismantling old narratives while building up a vision of what neurodiversity can really mean.
Why It Glimmers
Lyric shows that being autistic and queer isn’t a sidebar—it’s a whole, vibrant way of being. Their voice is a reminder that authenticity, even when disruptive, makes the world more livable for everyone.
Why It Glimmers
Wable is a dating and connections app designed specifically for neurodivergent people, with features that prioritize safety, clarity, and accessibility. From customizable sensory design to guided prompts, Wable creates a space where connection feels possible without pressure or shame.
Created by Michael Theo—known from Love on the Spectrum—Wable is expanding from Australia to the U.S., U.K., and New Zealand, carrying his vision that love and belonging should be available to everyone.
Why It Glimmers
Wable proves that when autistic people design the tools, the world changes. It’s not just an app; it’s a promise that romance, friendship, and joy belong to us all.
Why It Glimmers
When Bella Ramsey shared that their autism diagnosis felt “freeing,” it landed like a deep breath. They didn’t wrap it in perfect language or inspirational clichés—they just told the truth.
Why It Glimmers
Bella’s words don’t make diagnosis heroic, they make it human. In their honesty, autistic people everywhere found permission to breathe, too.
Why It Glimmers
Lou doesn’t soften the edges of autistic life—they sharpen the focus. With clarity and conviction, Lou uses their platform to say what many feel but are rarely given the space to voice.
Why It Glimmers
Lou’s presence is proof that speaking plainly is its own form of advocacy. By sharing their truth so directly, Lou carves out space where autistic people can feel not only recognized, but celebrated.
Why It Glimmers
AJ Wilkerson is the first to laugh at himself—his comedy is wildly self-deprecating, messy, and honest. But under every punchline is a deeper truth about what it means to be autistic in this world. AJ leans into the awkward, the stims, the too-muchness, and somehow makes it all feel like a gift worth celebrating.
Why It Glimmers
AJ’s humor works because it’s real. He teaches through laughter, letting us see autistic life with fresh eyes and lighter hearts. And he can certainly be captain of our team—Captain Autism.
Why It Glimmers
What a gift Demi Burnett has given us—inviting the world into her life with heavy doses of fun. From her crochet creations to playful hair tutorials, Demi fills our feeds with color, style, and laughter.
Why It Glimmers
Demi reminds us that autistic joy doesn’t have to be serious to be meaningful. Sometimes it looks like bright yarn, a hair flip, and the courage to let us see the real you.
Why It Glimmers
In Red Bank, New Jersey, a groundbreaking moment is taking place—the nation’s first neuroinclusive apartment complex, designed for autistic and neurodivergent adults. THRIVE Red Bank is a 32-unit building with sensory-friendly spaces, a teaching kitchen, and wellness areas.
Why It Glimmers
THRIVE Red Bank shows that autonomy can be built brick by brick. Safe housing isn’t charity, it’s justice—and this project reminds us how transformative simple, right solutions can be when people choose to make them real.
Why It Glimmers
Dora Raymaker, Ph.D., is an autistic researcher and co-founder of the Academic Autistic Spectrum Partnership in Research and Education (AASPIRE). Her work transforms research by centering autistic voices rather than studying them from the outside.
Why It Glimmers
Dora shows us that autistic people aren’t just data points—they’re the heart and brains transforming research and policy in ways that respect dignity, justice, and authenticity.
Why It Glimmers
On TikTok, Tyler (@checkmyfreshh) shows up with confidence, charisma, and humor that draws millions of views. He doesn’t hide his stims, his style, or his story.
Why It Glimmers
Tyler reminds us that representation matters most when it’s lived out loud. His presence is a powerful counter-story: autistic joy is fresh, bold, and for everyone to see.
Why It Glimmers
James Hunt, father of two autistic sons, built Stories About Autism to make sure no parent feels alone. His posts don’t gloss over challenges, and they don’t wallow in pity either. Instead, James tells the truth with balance—joyful moments alongside the messy ones—reminding families that autism is not a path to fear, but a different way of walking together.
Why It Glimmers
James shows that storytelling can be a lifeline. By sharing his family’s journey with honesty and compassion, he creates connection, dissolves stigma, and gives other parents hope rooted in reality.
Why It Glimmers
On Instagram, Mikko and his mom (@mikkomirage) invite us into their world—bright, playful, and unapologetically autistic. Mikko, a Black autistic teen, shares his life with honesty and flair, while his mom amplifies his voice with love and pride. Together, they dismantle stereotypes and replace them with something better: joy that feels gentle but shines boldly.
Why It Glimmers
Mikko shows that autistic teens don’t need to be “fixed” or hidden—they need to be seen. His presence online is a reminder that youth voices matter, and that family-centered advocacy can be both tender and transformative.
Why It Glimmers
Karen Mayer Cunningham—known to families as the Special Education Boss™—takes the fear out of navigating IEPs and 504 plans. With her trademark blonde hair, quick wit, and fierce advocacy, she answers parents’ questions with clarity and conviction. Karen doesn’t just know the law; she knows how to empower families to use it. Her Q&A sessions turn overwhelming jargon into simple, actionable steps.
Why It Glimmers
Karen proves that knowledge is power, especially when shared generously. She transforms confusion into confidence, showing parents that they don’t have to fight alone for their child’s rights.
Why It Glimmers
The AutistiX are a London-based rock band made up of autistic and neurodivergent musicians who’ve taken their music across international stages. Their sound is classic rock energy, their shows are full of joy, and their presence smashes the idea that autism means silence or sidelines.
Why It Glimmers
The AutistiX prove that autistic community is loud, proud, and rocking out together. Their music is more than performance—it’s connection, rebellion, and a stage shared with the world.