On this week’s episode of the Stories About Autism Podcast , I’m joined by TJ from the social media pages Nigh Functioning Autism. TJ is an autistic adult who was diagnosed in her teens, along with diagnoses of epilepsy, OCD, and ADHD. She is a single mum of 3, and two of her children are autistic. I’ve been speaking with TJ online for years, and often picking her brain as she is such a font of knowledge, and always happy to help, as anyone who already follows her will know, especially. This is especially true when it comes to using AAC devices just like my son Tommy does.

In this episode, we talk about some really important topics, including

* The shock TJ had when received her autism diagnosis

* Going through the autism diagnosis process with 2 of her children

* TJ’s own communication struggles and the difference AAC has made to her life

* Some tips from TJ on how to get started with AAC and implement it at home

* The power of social media and the community and how combined with her autism diagnosis, it helped her feel human for the first time in her life.

* We discuss some of the divisions within the autism community, and how deep down we all want the same thing

* ABA, and some of the differences in the systems in the US and the UK

* We touch on some of the difficulties black and brown families face in America, in particular, related to autism and disability.

* The police’s lack of understanding when it comes to disability, and the fear families have when it comes to keeping their disabled family members safe

You can find out more about TJ and follow her in the places below

To listen to the episode in your favourite podcast player click here

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storiesaboutautism.substack.com