From edc3a8518b36b5b19071ef94317fa7948b067b93 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: rachaelbradley Date: Sun, 15 Mar 2026 21:29:18 -0400 Subject: [PATCH 1/4] first draft --- astro/src/content/blogs/autism-podcast.mdx | 93 ++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 93 insertions(+) create mode 100644 astro/src/content/blogs/autism-podcast.mdx diff --git a/astro/src/content/blogs/autism-podcast.mdx b/astro/src/content/blogs/autism-podcast.mdx new file mode 100644 index 00000000..d9db94a3 --- /dev/null +++ b/astro/src/content/blogs/autism-podcast.mdx @@ -0,0 +1,93 @@ +--- +title: Autism Podcasts +description: Day in the Life: Understanding Autism +published: 2026-03-15 + - education +author: esther-klang +--- + +On Accessible Community’s **Day in the Life** podcast, we have been focusing on autism. This post provides clear insights into autism. It values real experiences and shows why **inclusion matters**. Autism is part of human diversity. It affects how people feel, think, talk, and move through life. + +## What Autism Is + +Autism, known as autism spectrum disorder, is a developmental disorder that affects the brain. It influences a person's: + +● Communication + +● Social interactions + +● Sensory processing + +● Adherence to routines + +Autism is lifelong. It is not an illness and does not need a cure. Autism exists on a spectrum. Autistic individuals have a broad range of strengths, needs, and preferences. **There is no single way to be autistic.** + +## Common Traits with Important Context + +Autistic people may experience some of the following traits. Not everyone experiences all of them. + +### Communication + +● Communication styles vary. Some use direct language, while others rely on fewer social cues. + +● Some may use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), text, or other tools to communicate. + +● They may need more time to process and respond. + +### Sensory Processing + +● Some are sensitive to sound, light, touch, or movement. + +● Others seek sensory input, such as rocking or using fidget toys, to feel balanced. + +### Routines and Focus + +● Many prefer predictability and clear expectations. + +● They may have a deep focus on interests, which can support learning and work. + +**These traits are differences, not deficits.** Barriers often come from spaces that aren't designed for autistic people. + +## Autism Across the Lifespan + +Autism is often discussed only during childhood. But autistic people are also teens, adults, and elders. Many autistic adults weren't identified as children. This is especially true for women, people of color, and those with other disabilities. + +Support needs can change over time. Access to accommodations, community, and respect are important at every age. + +## Language Matters + +Many autistic people prefer identity-first language, such as “autistic person.” Others may prefer person-first language, like “person with autism.” **The most respectful choice is to use the language a person chooses for themselves.** + +Avoid language that frames autism as a tragedy or burden. Steer clear of terms that suggest someone is less capable or less human. Focus on **access, support, and inclusion.** + +## What Inclusion Looks Like in Daily Life + +Inclusion is practical. It’s not just a feeling; it shows up in choices and design. + +* Provide clear instructions and predictable schedules. +* Create calm settings and choices that meet sensory needs. +* Offer many ways to communicate and take part: +* Flexibility with eye contact is important. +* Movement should be adaptable. +* Allow extra time for processing information. + +**These supports help autistic people thrive.** They also benefit many non-autistic people. + +## Listening to Autistic Voices + +Autistic people are the experts on their own lives. **Autistic voices improve** media, research, and services when we include and compensate them for their expertise. + +The **Day in the Life** podcast highlights real experiences. These stories remind us that autism is not one narrative. **There are many stories told by those who live them.** + +## What You Can Do Next + +Listen to this month’s **Day in the Life** episodes focused on autism: +* Autism with Rachel Profitt https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2568061/episodes/18544860-autism-with-rachel-profitt +* Autism with Thea Walther https://accessiblecommunity.buzzsprout.com/2568061/episodes/18544910-autism-with-thea-walther +* Autism with Pedro Morataya https://accessiblecommunity.buzzsprout.com/2568061/episodes/18633800-autism-with-pedro-morataya + + +**Autism is part of our community.** When we design for access, everyone benefits. + + + From ec47f72d583d4e54fc528a32a9483c86e55894a0 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: rachaelbradley Date: Sun, 15 Mar 2026 21:45:55 -0400 Subject: [PATCH 2/4] fixes --- astro/src/content/blogs/autism-podcast.mdx | 35 +++++++++------------- 1 file changed, 14 insertions(+), 21 deletions(-) diff --git a/astro/src/content/blogs/autism-podcast.mdx b/astro/src/content/blogs/autism-podcast.mdx index d9db94a3..aa349b12 100644 --- a/astro/src/content/blogs/autism-podcast.mdx +++ b/astro/src/content/blogs/autism-podcast.mdx @@ -12,13 +12,10 @@ On Accessible Community’s **Day in the Life** podcast, we have been focusing o Autism, known as autism spectrum disorder, is a developmental disorder that affects the brain. It influences a person's: -● Communication - -● Social interactions - -● Sensory processing - -● Adherence to routines +* Communication +* Social interactions +* Sensory processing +* Adherence to routines Autism is lifelong. It is not an illness and does not need a cure. Autism exists on a spectrum. Autistic individuals have a broad range of strengths, needs, and preferences. **There is no single way to be autistic.** @@ -28,23 +25,19 @@ Autistic people may experience some of the following traits. Not everyone experi ### Communication -● Communication styles vary. Some use direct language, while others rely on fewer social cues. - -● Some may use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), text, or other tools to communicate. - -● They may need more time to process and respond. +* Communication styles vary. Some use direct language, while others rely on fewer social cues. +* Some may use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), text, or other tools to communicate. +* They may need more time to process and respond. ### Sensory Processing -● Some are sensitive to sound, light, touch, or movement. - -● Others seek sensory input, such as rocking or using fidget toys, to feel balanced. +* Some are sensitive to sound, light, touch, or movement. +* Others seek sensory input, such as rocking or using fidget toys, to feel balanced. ### Routines and Focus -● Many prefer predictability and clear expectations. - -● They may have a deep focus on interests, which can support learning and work. +* Many prefer predictability and clear expectations. +* They may have a deep focus on interests, which can support learning and work. **These traits are differences, not deficits.** Barriers often come from spaces that aren't designed for autistic people. @@ -82,9 +75,9 @@ The **Day in the Life** podcast highlights real experiences. These stories remin ## What You Can Do Next Listen to this month’s **Day in the Life** episodes focused on autism: -* Autism with Rachel Profitt https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2568061/episodes/18544860-autism-with-rachel-profitt -* Autism with Thea Walther https://accessiblecommunity.buzzsprout.com/2568061/episodes/18544910-autism-with-thea-walther -* Autism with Pedro Morataya https://accessiblecommunity.buzzsprout.com/2568061/episodes/18633800-autism-with-pedro-morataya +* [Autism with Rachel Profitt](https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2568061/episodes/18544860-autism-with-rachel-profitt) +* [Autism with Thea Walther](https://accessiblecommunity.buzzsprout.com/2568061/episodes/18544910-autism-with-thea-walther) +* [Autism with Pedro Morataya](https://accessiblecommunity.buzzsprout.com/2568061/episodes/18633800-autism-with-pedro-morataya) **Autism is part of our community.** When we design for access, everyone benefits. From c76d2d7e8a8045c44f216d5e79e57c064d06dcc6 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: rachaelbradley Date: Sun, 15 Mar 2026 21:47:23 -0400 Subject: [PATCH 3/4] fix 2 --- astro/src/content/blogs/autism-podcast.mdx | 1 + 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+) diff --git a/astro/src/content/blogs/autism-podcast.mdx b/astro/src/content/blogs/autism-podcast.mdx index aa349b12..7d5de5e6 100644 --- a/astro/src/content/blogs/autism-podcast.mdx +++ b/astro/src/content/blogs/autism-podcast.mdx @@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ title: Autism Podcasts description: Day in the Life: Understanding Autism published: 2026-03-15 +tags: - education author: esther-klang --- From 5cb192632707504feb0c86f5995ab09be95c2930 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Brian Montgomery Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2026 09:11:49 -0400 Subject: [PATCH 4/4] Cleanup --- astro/src/content/blogs/autism-podcast.mdx | 13 +++++-------- 1 file changed, 5 insertions(+), 8 deletions(-) diff --git a/astro/src/content/blogs/autism-podcast.mdx b/astro/src/content/blogs/autism-podcast.mdx index 7d5de5e6..85050815 100644 --- a/astro/src/content/blogs/autism-podcast.mdx +++ b/astro/src/content/blogs/autism-podcast.mdx @@ -1,13 +1,14 @@ --- title: Autism Podcasts -description: Day in the Life: Understanding Autism +description: >- + Day in the Life: Understanding Autism published: 2026-03-15 tags: - education author: esther-klang --- -On Accessible Community’s **Day in the Life** podcast, we have been focusing on autism. This post provides clear insights into autism. It values real experiences and shows why **inclusion matters**. Autism is part of human diversity. It affects how people feel, think, talk, and move through life. +On _Accessible Community_'s **Day in the Life** podcast, we have been focusing on autism. This post provides clear insights into autism. It values real experiences and shows why **inclusion matters**. Autism is part of human diversity. It affects how people feel, think, talk, and move through life. ## What Autism Is @@ -56,7 +57,7 @@ Avoid language that frames autism as a tragedy or burden. Steer clear of terms t ## What Inclusion Looks Like in Daily Life -Inclusion is practical. It’s not just a feeling; it shows up in choices and design. +Inclusion is practical. It's not just a feeling; it shows up in choices and design. * Provide clear instructions and predictable schedules. * Create calm settings and choices that meet sensory needs. @@ -75,13 +76,9 @@ The **Day in the Life** podcast highlights real experiences. These stories remin ## What You Can Do Next -Listen to this month’s **Day in the Life** episodes focused on autism: +Listen to this month's **Day in the Life** episodes focused on autism: * [Autism with Rachel Profitt](https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2568061/episodes/18544860-autism-with-rachel-profitt) * [Autism with Thea Walther](https://accessiblecommunity.buzzsprout.com/2568061/episodes/18544910-autism-with-thea-walther) * [Autism with Pedro Morataya](https://accessiblecommunity.buzzsprout.com/2568061/episodes/18633800-autism-with-pedro-morataya) - **Autism is part of our community.** When we design for access, everyone benefits. - - -