Author Archives: William

Barbershops, Haircuts, and Harmony

For any kid growing up, a major milestone in their life is the first haircut – for today’s kids, that might mean getting to sit in car shaped chair, while the hairdresser performs their magic. In some cultures, it’s a … Continue reading

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Making a Living: Working for a Moving Target

April 2 marks World Autism Awareness Day. The day was designated by the United Nations to increase awareness of autism and how it affects people. For many people in the neurodiverse community, it is also somewhat controversial due to it … Continue reading

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Special Interests: Planes and Aviation

For parents of neurodiverse kids, air travel can be a challenging endeavour. Planes are big and loud (though not as loud as in the early days of jet travel), and for the kids, it is an unfamiliar environment. Going to … Continue reading

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Train Spotlight: The Northern Line

“Smell of a man, smell of a musk. The noise of the train, from morning till dusk”. The opening line of “Something’s Gotta Blow“, the last song on Joan Armatrading’s 2007 album “Into the Blues”. The song depicts a journey … Continue reading

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Childhood Memories: Birthday Parties

If there was one thing I could not stand as a child, it would be, believe it or not, birthday parties. Sure, for any neurodiverse person, they can be overwhelming with all those people and all that noise, but I … Continue reading

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Three Minutes to Wapner: The Real Rain Man

Depending on who you talk to, mention the term “autism” and different things come to people’s minds. People like Temple Grandin or Albert Einstein. Film and TV characters like Julia on Sesame Street or Sheldon from Big Bang Theory. For … Continue reading

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Childhood Fascinations: The Car Wash

One of the classic signs of being on the autism spectrum is fascination or even downright obsession with very narrow and specific topics. Sometimes it’s just the initial exposure to something interesting that triggers an obsession. Some of these obsessions … Continue reading

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Train spotlight: Puffing Billy Railway

In most parts of the world, it is expected that when riding the rails, one should keep their hands and arms inside the vehicle at all times. Riding on the outside of a railway carriage is generally discouraged, if not … Continue reading

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Luka: Neurodiverse, not abused?

“My name is Luka. I live on the second floor. I live upstairs from you. Yes I think you’ve seen me before”. Those are the opening words to Suzanne Vega’s hit song, Luka, first released in 1987 on her album, … Continue reading

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Childhood Trauma: Sports and Gym Class

Do you remember your favorite subjects in school? Some might like art, others music. The nerdier kids might enjoy science or computer class, yet for many kids, especially young boys, their favorite school activities were anything related to sports. One … Continue reading

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