Category: Neurodivergent

Posted on by Gregory Wood

 On December 24 ,2024  just before Christmas I went to Thailand to board the World Odyssey for a journey that lasted from January 5th to April 20th, 2025.  The ports that we went to were Ho Chi Minh, Penang, Kochi, Mombasa, Cape Town, Tema, Takoradi, Casablanca, and LaCoruna. We disembarked in Bremerhavan. From the ship I went to see family in Hamburg. This was my second voyage with the program and I tried to implement some lessons learned from my first experience yet there were some new challenges. I found socializing with the students and ship staff very good.  Like last time I reported to the Dean of Students office when I boarded. 

I did have an unfortunate incident while I was aboard this trip. I was in Kenya on a safari texting my girlfriend and she sent me a very private picture.  Some how I did not know someone was looking over my shoulder and saw it.  Back on the ship I got an email to report to the Asst. Dean of Students about the matter. I went into anxiety mode. Before getting on the ship I let the administration know about my Asberger’s issues so if something came up they could come to me as a adult. This time, I was ready to leave the program after the incident, but one of the other Life Long Learners talked me out of it.  Instead, I got support from the Counseling Office and the Life Long Learner Coordinator. I settled the issue and refused going to the Dean’s Office.  The Care Team on board should have flagged the issue. It took a lot of self advocacy to put a procedure in place for future voyages.  I spent the rest of the voyage in anxiety mode. I just wish the individual who saw the picture and had an issue with it would have come to me instead of going to the administration so it didn’t escalate. 

Traveling when on the spectrum can be difficult; navigating airports and customs.  I asked someone on the trip to go through customs with me to keep me calm. I spent the rest of the voyage around people who I felt safe with.  Sometimes I would sit and eat meals alone to remain calm.  This is a good way to learn about different cultures as well.  This type of travel allows you to come in contact with many different people. If everyone had the ability to experience this type of trip, the world could be a different place.  

AANE Statement: The Real Autism Crisis: Lack of Services, Not Tylenol

Posted on by Gregory Wood

By Brenda Dater, MSW, MPH

About the Author

Brenda Dater, MSW, MPH, is the executive director at AANE and the author of “Parenting Without Panic.” Brenda is a mom of three, and her eldest is an Autistic woman. Brenda has facilitated parent support groups for over 20 years and thoroughly enjoys creating an environment where parents can find the support, information, and the community they need.

We at the Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (AANE), along with the larger autism advocacy movement, have worked for decades to advance understanding of autism, create inclusive and supportive communities, and dispel disinformation. As Autistic individuals, families, and clinicians, we recognize and honor the inherent worth and diverse experiences of Autistic people and their families. We also know the real barriers our community faces as they navigate the world. 

In their most recent press conference, the President and his administration continued to spread disinformation that highlights questionable research and misinforms the public about autism. The HHS Secretary and the President repeatedly frame autism as an “epidemic” despite well-established research showing that rising prevalence rates reflect broader diagnostic criteria, greater awareness, and improved screening. In particular, claims about acetaminophen use in pregnancy as a cause of autism are deeply misleading. A massive Swedish study found no evidence that acetaminophen causes autism, directly contradicting the administration’s statements. Medical experts at the Coalition of Autism Scientists have issued a statement pushing back on each one of the claims made, saying the assertions, “only stoke fear.” 

The real crisis occurs when Autistic individuals and their families are left without the understanding, services, and support they need. Among many examples, recent cuts to Medicaid funding and weakening the Department of Educationhave removed supports and protections that will have a dramatically negative effect on the autism community. Our collective focus must be on ensuring robust funding, resources, and inclusive supports that the Autistic community relies on to live meaningful and connected lives. We know the autism community is strongest when the experiences of both Autistic individuals and their families are recognized. Autistic individuals bring essential insight into shaping policies and practices, while parents and caregivers play a vital role in support and advocacy alongside them. We urge leaders and the media to elevate these experiences and move away from divisive rhetoric, so that together we can focus on what truly matters: understanding, respect, and meaningful support for every Autistic person and their family