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22 Reasons Why Autistic People Deserve a Neurodiversity-Affirming Era
"It feels like a perfect night" to celebrate autistic authenticity, identity, and culture. Let’s "ditch the whole scene and end up dreaming" of the changes we can make together. "This place is too...
A Recap of ‘An Evening with Ezra’
Because of you, an ‘Evening with Ezra’ got it Right! Beauty, intentional imbalance, thoughtful accessibility, and human connections meant unmasked and authentic experiences for all of us. This was...
I Don’t Do Non-Conformity
When I think of non-conformity, I see this as an absolute strength within autistic culture. It is not a learned trait or nurtured within early childhood experiences but something that is somehow...
To the Mommies Who Still Use the R-word
Trigger warning: The R-word will be used throughout this blog for impact and clarity. It is not the intention of the author to engage in hate speech I feel like I surround myself with wonderful...
Creating Change
Dear Jenny, about that letter…. Time is changing, but did we change? In 2015, I wrote an open letter from my future self of 2025 to the me of 2015. This letter situated foundational change events...
A Well-Ordered World
By Quincy Hansen When I was younger I used to like to sit on the floor with a bug bucket full of Matchbox cars, rubber animals, and other small toys. I’d take out each object one after the other and...
Everyday Heroes
This story was submitted to us by Ronan Daglish. Hello, my name is Ronan and I am a film maker. I love to film, edit, Direct, Produce, and write scripts for my own films. Someday I hope to work in...
What This Autistic Teacher Wants Professionals to Know
This article was originally posted on Everyday Aspie by Samantha Craft. ONE Some of us on the autism spectrum embrace the word “autistic” and prefer the use of autistic over phrases such as “with...
Seven Beliefs that Keep All of Us (Autistic and Allistic alike) from Making Friends
Guest post by Kyler Shumway, MA. Co-host of You Belong, Love & Autism for teens! Unfurl a large blank scroll in your mind and stretch it across the table. This is your timeline, the story of...
Your Friends
This article was submitted to Love & Autism by author and #actuallyautistic woman Alexandra Adlawan. Alexandra Adlawan, Alex for short, is a Long Beach, CA resident who began drawing characters...
10 Things I Wish People Knew About Dating Someone on the Autism Spectrum
This story was submitted to Love & Autism by Kerry Magro, a professional speaker, best-selling author and autism entertainment consultant who is on the autism spectrum. He wrote a book called...
My Life: Struggles of the Past, and Hopes For The Future
This story was submitted to us by Griffen Harbolt, an #actuallyautistic young man who wants to share his journey of finding his truth. Hello There, As the year 2019 moves forward, there are things...
Love and Autism
This blog post was written and submitted to Love & Autism by Sally J Pla. My oldest son was born on Valentine’s Day. The first time I held him, and felt that fuzzy warm head nestling snugly...
Giver of Words
This story was submitted to Love & Autism by #actuallyautistic writer and musician David Keosababian. His contact information will be at the bottom of the post. I was diagnosed at the age of 20....
You Will Probably Be Fine – Anxiety & Autism
This post was submitted to Love & Autism by acclaimed autistic author Sally J. Pla An #actuallyautistic Story When I was eight or nine, I saw a production of The Nutcracker on television, and...
Love & Autism Event Intro: Practicing Self Compassion
Think about the last time you made a mistake. For many, this isn’t a comfortable thing to do. For many, making a mistake is accompanied by self-judgement. A critical voice in our head that calls us...
2018 Love & Autism Conference
If you attended the Love & Autism conference and want to tell us about your experience or submit pictures or video, do it here! The Social Buzz Share your story of the 2018 Love & Autism...
Love & Autism Events are Here!
We, at the Family Guidance and Therapy Center, love Love & Autism! We love it so much that we want to bring it to you year round! For those of you who were torn between two of our breakout...
Fall Candles, Wine, Tears, and Conference Review
Leadership is a personal and vulnerable experience It took me exactly a week to find the courage to review the stack of Love & Autism conference forms. I knew it would be emotional, even...
Serving as the Bridge to Autism Identity
This was submitted to us by Sonia Rivera, a parent of two children diagnosed with autism. To submit your story of Love & Autism, go here. David was in third grade when he said to me, “Something...
Finding Authenticity at Love & Autism
This was originally posted on the ARTC San Diego website. You can read the original here. Reblogged with permission from the author Tracy Sekhon. I attended the Love & Autism conference last...
Love and Autism
This guest blog post was submitted to Love & Autism by Alfonso J. Camacho. A lot is said about love and autism, always by the experts. I have no degree and no Ph.D., my only credential is being...
Autistic Power on the Job
This guest blog post was submitted to Love & Autism by Samantha Craft (aka Marcelle Ciampi), a speaker at the 2018 conference. Sean, a member of the selection committee for the ANCA World Autism...
What has Changed at Love & Autism 2018?
At Love & Autism, we want to continually improve our conference and your conference experience. After every conference we gather to discuss what went well, acknowledge the misses, and engage in...
10 Tips for Teaching Values Through Daily Activism
We’ve had a year of activism, my children and I. Gracie and Oliver joined our fellow humanitarians at the Women’s March, as women’s rights are human rights. We sadly found ourselves among children...
Coming Out from Under the Radar
This guest blog post was submitted to Love & Autism by author Sally J. Pla. When I tell friends I was recently diagnosed with autism, some of them scoff and call it nonsense. They say I function...
Tired. Sickened. Exhausted…. Hopeful.
I'm tired. I'm tired of the fight. Fighting takes something out of you and in our autism community it feels like there is a lot of fighting. Fighting for an initial diagnosis, fighting to keep the...
Why Staying in the Field of Autism Matters
Around eighteen years ago, I met the first autistic person that I was told had this label. This was in my very first “real job.” I exited the world of waitressing to work in a residential group home...
Get to know our Love & Autism 2018 speakers!
Each year I have the privilege of inviting individuals who support the value and intentions of what Love & Autism means. This year each of our speakers embody what it means to embrace the power...
Maverick Crawford III
My name is Maverick Crawford III and I am an African American man with a story that is full of disappointment and abandonment. I grew up in a violent neighborhood where crime, poverty, drugs and bad...
Changing & Shaping Dialogue About Autism: Why it Matters!
What we say matters. What we say shapes how we think and move through the world. What other people say about us serves as the foundation for our self-perception and self-worth. We know this. You...
5 Ways Love & Autism Has Changed Me
Its our fifth year of Love & Autism. When I look back through the years, it’s clear that Love & Autism has grown from its humble beginnings. Yet, it is not just the Love & Autism event...
When No One is Watching: Our Time Together In Therapy
Dear Little One, When no one's watching, let's do our silly handshake. I'll show you my goofy face and you will burst into giggles. We’ll let our giggles turn to wiggles and wiggle our way into a...
7 Positive Things In Our Autism Community That Are Changing The World
Change is Happening! Sometimes I can get so passionate about what needs to change within our world as it relates to autism that I don’t spend enough time thinking about what is right and good. So...
Be-You-tiful
Being our true self is the most beautiful experience that we can share with another while inviting internal contentment. There is only one you in this whole universe. Not one other person is you....
Love & Suicide
Kate Spade. Anthony Bourdain. The news hit all of us hard. Maybe for some of us, this news feels like a punch in the gut because we experience these feelings or we love someone that does. Suicide...
David and Me
This was submitted to us through our Love & Autism Story campaign. To submit your story of Love & Autism, go here. David was in third grade when he shared, “something must be wrong with me…....
Valuing the Autistic Identity Worldview
As a clinician, I am aware that the larger discussion on autism is often “How do we reduce the symptoms of autism?” While I recognize that support is needed and many autistics experience real...
Love and Autism: Fact or Fiction
After being in our 5th year of Love & Autism, we’ve had to field many questions and clarify misconceptions. Here are a few we wanted to share. Is Love & Autism all about sex? Um, no. (But...
Membership is Now Open!
Love & Autism is a local conference, creating global change. This year, no matter where in the world you live you too can be a part of the Love & Autism movement & community. Become a...
Creating A Better World; Autistic or Not
Love & Autism is for all of our children, yours and mine, autistic or not. Why? Because my kids walk the world with yours. My children, five and seven, don’t need to learn the R word on the...
Girl On The Spectrum
My name is Aspling, and I am a girl on the autistic spectrum. But more importantly I am a human being, just like any other human being. I grew up feeling like an outsider, a lost cause, different. I...
Join Dr. Jenny Palmiotto in a Discussion about Love & Autism
Who doesn't love a blend of good stories, especially when they incorporate those whose brains operate just a bit differently — and for those of us who know and love them? We invite you to join us...
What Happens AFTER Parkland?
One more day…one more school shooting. In this moment in history there is only one question that we can ask ourselves; What happens after Parkland? How do we move forward with what feels like a war...
Dance Party Parenting
Sometimes you just hit your wall. The sh*t has hit the fan. You want to get in bed and let the day pass you by, but the reality of it is, the day isn’t done. In fact, its barely past 10:00 am. Lots...
Looking Beyond the Pen
“Nobody ever looks behind the pen.” ― Khali Raymond Living with Asperger's is not an easy feat. It never is. Imagine yourself in a room full of people. All of those people are laughing and mingling....
MORE than Autism!
My name is Kendal. I’m 29 and I have PDD/NOS. Growing up, I have had difficulty functioning in school. I’ve had people tell me that I don’t look autistic or I’m less than others because my autism...
What does Love & Autism Stand For?
Want to know what Love & Autism stands for? ...
Full Circle
This blog entry was submitted to us as a story and testimonial of the 2017 Love & Autism conference. By William Tole Although I didn't fully understand it at the time, 40 years ago, I went to...
I am a beautiful awesome person
I was not diagnosed with being on the Autism Spectrum until this year, 2017, at the age 43. All my life I wondered what was wrong with me; why was I different, had no friends, saw the world...
Why is Flash Photography Prohibited?
At Love & Autism it is our desire that all of our guests have access to a safe and secure environment. For this reason we would like to remind you that the Love & Autism conference is...
Conference Accommodations: Love & Autism 2017
Love & Autism is committed to providing an accessible conference experience for all our diverse guests. With consultation from a team of autistic advisors, we have come up with the following...
Are you ready to get involved?
It seems like everywhere we turn, hate is the new normal. The world is developing a culture of hate. Children are being bullied, people with autism are treated as less than human. Yet, hate neither...
Movement & Calming Rooms: Love & Autism 2017
Play, Dance, & Meditate: A Guided Tour of the Movement and Calming Rooms\n\nDescription: Join us for an interactive tour of both the Movement and Calming Rooms provided at the conference....
Meet Kristine & Jake Mastronardi
Jake will be presenting at this year's Love & Autism conference on Saturday, September 30th, 2017. In their session, Becoming: Our Story of Autism and RDI, Relationship Development Intervention,...
The Miracle Project: An Artistic Expression of Autistic Empowerment
Contrary to popular myth, autistic individuals are capable of deep emotional expression, intense emotions, and having strong, meaningful relationships with those on and off the spectrum. In her...
Being Seen
Hi, I am a 51 year old autistic woman whose book, Being Seen, was published in the United Sates last year and just came out in France on June 16! I was born in France and now live in California....
Why Love “&” Autism
The ampersand’s (&) origins date back to 1st A.D. and appeared in our English language in the 19th century to mean “and.” It actually evolved from the Latin word et which means ‘and’....
Family
This story was written by blogger Kaylie Clinton. You can read this story and all of her other wonderful blog posts about her life, family and friends, here. To say really nice things about my...
Making Friends
This story was written by Phillip in response to a question he received. You can read his original post on his blog here J writes: Phillip, how do you makes friends? My grandson is 11 and has no...
Daisy’s Mom
This story of Love & autism was submitted by Lisa Porter, mother of a twelve year old autistic girl Daisy. Here is what she wants you to know. I am Mom to Daisy, age 12. Daisy is autistic and I...
Our Story
This story was submitted by Anita Lesko My husband and I, both autistic, met at one of my autism support group meetings I used to conduct. There was an immediate spark between us! We became friends...
Helping Our Children Find Their Own Path
It’s time to let my babies travel the path. They are ready for No Surf. You see, the beach also called Nobes is a little local’s gem of Point Loma, not just because it is a secret beach, but because...
Who I Am
My name is Henny Kupferstein I am an autistic researcher, parent of autistic children, and piano teacher to nonverbal students around the world. I am the co-author of the book "Perfect Pitch in the...
8 Reasons Parents Should Attend Love & Autism
Every parent is connected in their desire to watch their children thrive and grow into happy, healthy adults. However, when parents of autistic children receive the diagnosis, they question their...
Still Water Runs Deep
This video was submitted to us for our "Stories Love & Autism" Series Former Love & Autism bride, Anita Lesko shares what she wants the world to know about being autistic.
What If
What is my place in this world? What is my purpose? Why Love & Autism? I recently sat down to answer this question. Tasked to write my Love & Autism story as part of our storytelling...
Birthday Cards
This video was submitted to us for our Love & Autism Stories series. Parent of an autistic child, Yvette Soto, tells her story of Love & Autism.
Badasses of Love & Autism
“People who wade into discomfort and vulnerability and tell the truth about their stories are the real badasses.” -Brene Brown I like this definition of a badass...and we have some real badasses at...
To My Husband
This story was submitted by Cindy Facteau We've been married for almost 15 years. I had a child from a previous (abusive) marriage when I met him. He and I also have a child together. He formally...
Join us in our celebration of Love & Autism
From conception, the intention for Love & Autism has always been about sowing the seed of love through everyday actions. Focused and determined, I set out to find a collection of people that...
My Friends
This blog post was written by Phillip and was re-blogged with permission. You can read this and all of his writing on his blog here. Friends and acquaintances are people who make life interesting,...
13 lessons about Autism and Suicide
“I want to go to sleep and never get up.” “I just want to go to the bottom of the pool and stay there.” “I’d be better off dead.” It’s absolutely terrifying and deeply heartbreaking when a 6 year...
Coping
This story was submitted by Mark Brown My name is Mark Brown, I was diagnosed as 'on the spectrum' about three or four years ago. I am nearing 60 years old and only found out about autism and high...
Birthday Poem For Loving Mom
The following poem was written by Fox and was re-blogged with permission. You can read the original and his many other stories and writing on his blog site here. I WROTE THIS POEM FOR MOMS...
How to Love
This Love & Autism story was written for us by a speaker at last year's conference, Chou Chou Scantlin. You can read her original post on her blog (along with many other great stories!) here. ...
What It Means To Be Highly Empathetic, And Autistic
This Love & autism Story was submitted by activist Alaina Leary and was originally published on theestablishment.co. You can read more about Alaina and her work on her personal website, here. ...
Everyone Needs a Friend
Imagine dropping your child off at school and watching them for a few minutes before you leave. What would you see? Would you see your child walk alone on the outskirts, not talking or interacting...
The Hope of Happiness for Those with ASD
Chou Chou Scantlin is infectiously happy! She’s insanely creative. She amazingly open and friendly. She exudes confidence. She is ever positive and satisfied with her life. She’s the type of person...
You’ll Figure it Out!
When a child is born, parents are thrust into the role of attending to their needs. As new parents, we are concerned with finding everything our child needs, be it the right bedding to the best...
Michael Tolleson: Changing the Way We think of Autism
When you hear the word autism, what do you think? Do you think of your son or daughter with autism? Do you think about yourself? Do you think about your husband, wife, friend, or colleague? Wouldn’t...
Letter Between a Non-Speaking Autistic and Apraxic Boy and His Nuerotypical Therapist
In our digital age, letter writing has unfortunately become a lost art. The formality of putting your words onto paper allows a depth of thought often lacking in the oversimplification of emoji and...
Marriage Really Isn’t about Making Each Other Happy
For those of you who attended the 2015 installment of Love & Autism: A Conference with Heart, David Finch needs no introduction. One of the most provocative, powerful, and witty speakers I have...
Three Cheers for Our Third Year!
In 2014, Love & Autism was imagined due to my own yearnings to learn. At that point, I was done with the conference offerings within our field. Many of the programs felt tiresome in the way they...
Dear Parent(s) of an Autistic child – A Letter from Anita Lesko
I am writing to you from my heart, and I truly hope you will listen closely. I went the first fifty, yes, FIFTY years of my life NOT knowing I’m autistic! Oh, I knew my entire life that I was...
Barry Prizant: Forty-Seven Years of Creating a More Compassionate World for those with ASD
Walk into your run-of-the-mill autism treatment center and you will inadvertently hear professionals describing autistic individuals as “inappropriate,” “non-compliant,” and “challenging.” Their...
Do’s and Don’ts Learned from Steve Silberman’s NeuroTribes
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Steve Silberman’s NeuroTribes is a game changer. Through his examination of the history of autism, Silberman invites those within the autism community and...
Part 2 Love by Lindsmith: A blog series by Kirsten Lindsmith
Extending Care (Part 2 of 2) When we recall our experiences attempting to receive or extend care, many of us encounter negative feelings as a result of past social traumas. Learning to receive...
Part 1 Love by Lindsmith: A blog series by Kirsten Lindsmith
Active Listening—A Three Step Process(Part 1 of 3)Active Listening—A Three Step Process (Part 1 of 2) Misunderstandings are part of being human—whether you are on the autism spectrum on not. They...
Autism In Love–What We Can Learn From This Film
With yet another Valentine’s Day having come and gone, forming loving connection continues to be a worthwhile discussion for some persons with autism. Love is certainly nuanced and...
THE THERAPIST SHIFT: A GRASSROOTS SHIFT TO AUTHENTICITY IN #AUTISM TREATMENT
Everyone has had those moments where they look back on their life and think, ‘If only I knew then what I know now, I would have done it differently.’ We all shift throughout our lifespan with...
Meet David Hamrick
David Hamrick is another speaker that we invited back after he spoke at last year’s Love & Autism Conference. As the other half of the autism power couple, David has been a speaker at...
Listening to Autistic Voices
Have you ever received a bad prognosis about your child’s future? Have you ever been told that you shouldn’t have hope? Dr Steven Shore at 4 years old – “Diagnosed with atypical development...
A Message of Hope: One Young Man’s Views on Love and Autism
Two nights ago, a mother and her 13-year-old son, David, had one of those surprisingly delightful conversations. One in which his parent felt validated that her efforts to help her child grow are...
Meet Lindsey Nebeker
Lindsey Nebeker, pianist, advocate for many important issues (eating disorder awareness, LGBTQ rights, and supporting sexual abuse survivors…to name a few), creator/owner/blogger/voice of Naked...
10 fun facts about Alex Plank that you won’t find on Google
For those in the autism community, Alex Plank is the well-known creator of Wrong Planet. Having started the community at 17 years old, the Wrong Planet was created as a way to connect with people on...
3 Reasons to Attend an All-Autism Wedding
3 Reasons to Attend an All-Autism Wedding THIS IS THE WEDDING OF THE YEAR. Yet, for those of you still needing a push, I offer three reasons why you should attend this very special all-autism...
Positive Relationships Are Possible For People On The Spectrum – Love & Autism
Anita & Abraham burst into a fit of giggles as they recount their first night as a couple. Anita builds the story and Abraham shares the punch line. In telling it, they appear transported to...
9 Lessons You Can Learn from Our Speakers Before Love & Autism…No matter who you are!
A routine part of conference planning is identifying an audience and how the conference will serve that target audience. In our community – the autism community – I’m often approached with the same...
Find out why my Google search of ‘Sexy Autism’ was a big Disappointment!
Many of you might wonder why I would do a Google search on ‘sexy autism’. While the old proverb claimed, “Curiosity killed the cat”, with Google, the only think that’s killed is my...
The Importance of &
The ampersand’s (&) origins date back to 1st A.D. and appeared in our English language in the 19th century to mean “and.” It actually evolved from the Latin word et which means ‘and’....
Developing Friendships and Defying Stereotypes
As this year’s conference host, I’ve found myself in a new situation—developing friendships. When I think about my adult life, I’ve established far fewer relationships than in my childhood. I...