A year in review: 2010

It has been a pretty intensive year, so busy that I think I missed the first anniversary of No Stereotypes Here!

About this time last year, the board of directors and myself at the Autism Women's Network was preparing to launch the website for the first time. Since then, it's been non-stop excitement working on various issues. I'm actually surprised I found time to blog and keep track of it all, especially with the new DSM drafts, our board members working with the White House, and the whole Pepsi refresh contest. It's a lot to try and keep up with and blog about.

As for my own events, it's been a little tipsy turvy, with two moves, the drama of new house mates, the usual fussing over medical issues, and my own personal studies.

In the beginning of this year, I had been studying in a Library and Information Technician program, but after all the blogging I've been doing, I decided to sit back, give myself a summer vacation, and think.  I thought about being employed, and how much energy and resources that would cost me.  I thought about trying to balance work with what I do the most, writing.  Writing novels and writing about Autism.

And then I made another decision.   I decided that I would be perfectly miserable if I could not write, and was not involved with Autism issues.  And if I was miserable, I would be setting myself up to fail, crash and burn out, over and over again.  And I do not like those experiences.

So I decided to dedicate myself more to Autism and disability issues, and to educate myself more.  Because it's all good that I sit here and write my opinions and thoughts, and I hope that even that has made a difference for at least one person.  But I'd like to try and make a large difference, because I see things that don't seem right, and I don't see anyone stepping up to change things for the better.  And to do that, I need to know more things about how to make changes in my own country, province and town.

And so, I applied for the Disability Studies program at Ryerson University.  Earlier this month, I was accepted and am preparing to take courses on-line, starting in January.  For me, this is a big and exciting step towards being an active citizen, despite financial difficulties. I hope that I'll be able to share with all my readers the things that I'll be learning, and how I plan to apply them to practical use. 

As the year draws to a close, I think back on what has happened on this blog over the year, the success of ASDay, and everyone I've met online.  And I think about the year to come with hope that as good as this year has been, that next year will be even better!!!

Happy New Year everyone!

Merry Christmas!

Two characters from my webcomic Amhelaki and I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Recipes for Autism Hope

I'm going to be extremely honest; there are some things about myself I don't like, and one of them is how I'm still angry and hurt over the Autism Speaks "Autism Every Day" video, especially the parts with Alison Singer.  However, I understand that she's changed, left Autism Speaks, and started the Autism Science Foundation.  Recognizing this, I am working towards healing the hurt I feel and beginning the process to forgive her.  I hope that one day I'll be able to fully forgive her, and I am very glad that I've made this decision.  

Because really, there needs to be more science-based knowledge about Autism, and I think that the Autism Science Foundation plays a key part in "providing funding and other assistance to scientists and organizations conducting, facilitating, publicizing and disseminating autism research" and contributing to Autism Awareness. 

They consider strict scientific standards and values to be essential in Autism research.  This is crucial to understanding Autism as it makes as sure as possible that the results are accurate, and better understanding means better approaches and supports in our communities.  Truly, this is one of the best gifts that can be given to families and individuals on the Autism Spectrum.

Currently, ASF is raising funds with Recipes4Hope, and every dollar raised will go towards science-based Autism research dedicated to discovering better ways to recognize Autism and implement better supports and enhance the lives of Autistic persons.

With the hope of a better future for all Autistic persons, I encourage everyone to contribute as you wish, to donate if you can, and to spread the word as far as you can.