Neurodiverse

Aliya Rahman: Crash at the Intersection of Disability and Authority

Aliya Rahman, a software security engineer and former engineering manager, experienced a life-altering traumatic brain injury (TBI) in August 2024. Long navigating the tech industry as an autistic, queer, woman of color, she brought a unique perspective and a strong keen awareness of structural patterns to her work. While on the challenging road to recovery, … Read more

Tal Anderson —“The Pitt” and Disability Representation

Actor, author and disability advocate Tal Anderson has built a career bringing authenticity and depth to neurodivergent characters on screen. Audiences may recognize her from Atypical and As We See It, while her latest role as Becca King in The Pitt has earned her an Emmy nomination as well as a DARCY nomination in the … Read more

Ludmila Praslova — Deliberates About Her Book ‘The Canary Code’ and Neurodiversity

Earning the title of Director of Intercultural Relations by age 25, Ludmila Praslova, PhD is well versed in the corporate world. Being told point-blank that as a neurodivergent woman, she would never advance past that title made her well versed in discrimination. It also sparked a desire in her to do more–to change corporate culture. … Read more

A First in a United Voice for Autism

National organizations advancing change, well-being and understanding of autism have united as a common voice. Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Autism Society of America, Autism Speaks and more stand united in calling for evidence-based research and investments in diverse supports for the Autism community. Autistic individuals, the Arc of the United States, Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network, Autistic People of Color … Read more

Poetry of K. Loyd

There is a star that winks at me through black treesWith pleasto come on down and meet me. She glows brighter than all the other stars and moon In   a    silentTune. Her dress of golden silk from a far off land of pure treasurein usherShe signs my name to bade me “Good afternoon.” Here You … Read more

EPIC Players Inclusive Theater Company

Founded in 2016, EPIC Players theater company was created as a neuro-diverse theater environment dedicated to creating professional performing arts opportunities for neurodivergent and disabled artists. To achieve this goal, EPIC offers inclusive mainstage productions, musical cabarets, original showcases and skills-based classes and career recourses. ABILITY Magazine’s Jennifer Woodall met EPIC performers Josh Cartagena and … Read more

Included in Fashion

Clothing is a powerful tool. Whether it’s shopping for something new, deciding what outfit to wear in the morning or donning that itchy shirt you avoid because it’s time to do laundry, clothing can make or break the day. Even so, the fashion industry has a pattern of not always meeting the needs of the … Read more

Bella Zoe Martinez and Joe Mantegna speaking about Autism

Over the years, there has been a long-standing fight for a more inclusive Hollywood. From advocating for authentic representation in film, to support for persons with disabilities to be involved in front of and behind the camera, there is an active push for more diversity and equity within the film industry. Recently, we have seen … Read more

AI and Autism — interview with Andrew Begel, PhD

The advent of AI ushered in a new and exciting era in technology development. The awe inspiring and sometimes terrifying applications of AI technology has left people divided on whether its impact will be beneficial or catastrophic. While some could consider AI a cold technology detached from the human experience, what if it could be … Read more

Autistic artist Katsumi Fukuda speaks on the importance of music

This is a manga sheet I made depicting how most autistic people (I personally have known) tend to gravitate towards music being very emotionally stabilizing in their lives, myself included. Like taking you away from reality helps me somehow be grounded in reality, in a complicated way. I just love music.

Asia Pacific Development Center on Disability — International Cooperation

The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) was established in Bangkok, Thailand as a legacy of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 1993-2002, with joint collaboration of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the Royal Thai Government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Government of Japan. International and domestic visitors … Read more

Lebanese Culture and Art: Kassem Istanbouli and Tiro Arts Association

Kassem Istanbouli is a passionate and renowned Lebanese artist who believes that art is for everyone. His conviction that artistic induction should be available everywhere, not just in metropolitan areas, led him to create the Tiro Association for Arts in Tripoli. Istanbouli’s endeavors with Tiro have taken him around the world and into the heart … Read more

Sue Ann Pien —Actor, Model, Director, Advocate and Maybe Good at Chess

Most of us know Sue Ann Pien as the character “Violet,” on Amazon’s comedy-drama series, “As We See It,” that portrays three- 20-something adults on the autism spectrum who share an apartment in LA. For this role, Pien landed nominations for Best Lead Performance in a New Series at both the Film Independent’s Spirit Awards … Read more

Visalia, California — Autism Certified Destination

In downtown Visalia, California, next to the local post office, stands a lone sequoia tree, named The Legacy Tree. It is a very tall baby tree, if you will, planted nearly 100 years ago. Surrounding the tree, is a wide, extended, circular mulch and rock area, which indicates the projected growth of the circumference … Read more

Durable Accommodations – A story of Accessibility, Struggles & Love

This article is about Joaquin Carson, a 53-year-old autistic man, and his family, and a life-challenging access need. I am his sister Diana Pastora Carson, writing with his permission to share this story. 11 years ago, our family won a 3-year court battle and was able to bring my brother home from 15 years of … Read more

Uncovering My Invisible Self: SPD and Other Neurodivergences

“She’s always covering her little ears around loud sounds.” “It’s just a baby crying. You seem rude plugging your ears. It can’t help it.” “Are you three years old? Uncover your ears, and maybe you’ll actually like the music.” “You’re so picky with your food that it’s embarrassing.” “I said to try it, not to … Read more

Frank Mallatt’s Critters 4 Service

Frank Mallatt is a multifaceted service dog trainer extraordinaire! “I’ve always had a gift with animals, with my autism, it’s always kind of led me that way.” expressed Frank. Autism wasn’t mentioned to him or even entered his realm of daily thoughts until later on in life. He had quite a unique story and connection … Read more

Dane Capo — Art, Dreams and Autism

Dane Capo has long dreamed of data entry and loves to travel. His life took an unexpected turn when is grandmother passed away, leaving him all of her art equipment. Dane and his family discovered his hidden creative talent. He became a painter. Dane likes an array of trailblazers of art, Picasso, Van Gogh, Matisse, … Read more

Exceptional Minds

Most people are aware of the low rates of unemployment and underemployment of people with autism. Exceptional Minds seeks to change that, one career at a time. Exceptional Minds is an academy and studio preparing young adults on the autism spectrum for careers in animation, visual effects, 3D gaming and other related fields in the … Read more

Sandy Petrovic and David Petrovic — Autism: Learning Never Stops

Each person is unique; and understanding a person’s differences and recognizing the innate potential in every individual is of paramount importance. Sandy Petrovic and David Petrovic are two such individuals who have not let their hearts be dimmed by autism. Instead, they have worked on creating a fulfilling life for David who is now a … Read more