[Please note, this is not verbatim.] Did you know that this past March, Dallas hosted the Texas Furry Fiesta during Spring Break? It was a significant event in a crowd of approximately 8000 attendees. However, it's worth noting that not all attendees were Furries. To the uninitiated, a Furry might seem like someone donning an animal costume akin to a college or high school mascot. Yet, these costumes are far from simple—they can be intricate and expensive, ranging from $1000 to $2000+ each. So, what exactly is a Furry? Are they merely a gathering of individuals portraying mascots, or is th ..read more

BEHOLD THE PERSEVERANCE! Why hire autistics? They don't gossip! They are truthful! They have great attendance! They have reproducible outcomes! They see POSSIBILITIES that others do not! They are reliable! They get the work done! The QUIT LESS! And when autistics work at a company, people respect the company and use the business more! More information here: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/lifestyle/article/With-a-few-accommodations-businesses-stand-to-16534471.php ..read more

Written by one of our scholarship recipients Due to COVID-19 I have gotten multiple shots and had other needles in me for a few different reasons for my health. When it came to getting my first shot it was difficult trying to find a place that would fit my needs. For example, I needed someone with patience and calmness, a place with privacy away from others, my mom to be able to be with me, I get to watch something typically NASCAR on a phone to keep me calm, and somewhere that was not a packed place that is trying to push people through as fast as possible. Most vaccine sites do not accommoda ..read more

In our first two years, Autism Research Texas has given out 14 scholarships, and here’s just a fragment of what we’ve learned from our applicants: Why support scholarships for autistics? Autistic scholars: 1. Are creative. 2. Solve problems. 3. Help animals. 4. Have empathy and don’t like bullies! 5. Help people. 6. Write books. 7. Love numbers. 8. Are artistic. 9. Understand computers. 10.Fight for justice. 11.Recognize patterns. 12.Overcome obstacles. 13.Are smart! 14.And amazing individuals ..read more

At the beginning of my sophomore year, I was diagnosed with a superpower...high-functioning autism. Being autistic is like having superpowers. It has its perks, for example, music. Listening to music makes me physically feel joy rush through my body, and it is the best feeling in the world. I was literally born with great rhythm, and I can match most tones and pitch. I’ve grown up in a dual language program, and now we know why I’ve always sounded so authentic from the beginning, when learning to speak Spanish. Another strength is how observant it makes you. I notice everything in the room, so ..read more

Only days away from my high school graduation, I can't help but think about how much has changed...how much I have changed and grown from the frustrated freshman girl who was getting by, but definitely not thriving as we headed into the pandemic. I can't help but feel thankful even, for the time the world shut down and school changed so much, that it was actually just what I needed to get me far enough out of a routine to help my frustrations find a name, and then a plan, and now a much happier me. It was during the height of the Covid-19 outbreak, that I learned of my diagnosis, and it may so ..read more

Grants can aid autistic communities and allow for social change. When Applying for a Grant, Consider the Following: · Do you have the time and energy to produce a grant proposal and follow through with the plan? · Do you fit the requirements for the grant? · Does your plan reflect the giving organization's values, goals, and overall strategy? · Will services continue once the grant money ends? · Why do you or why does your organization need the grant? · Are you or your personnel qualified? · Can you demonstrate positive results from previous efforts? Keep in mind that funding organizations loo ..read more

The search for an appropriate educational setting for you or your child may be time-consuming and stressful. Here are some considerations. 1. Public options Public schools, both primary and secondary, are the most economical choice. Some school districts allow a choice of several schools, but others are limited. Public schools offer Individual education plans (IEPs). Be sure to learn as much as possible about the IEP beforehand, and bring an advocate if at all possible. An advocate can be any person who has knowledge about IEPs, an educator, a social worker, or a special education lawyer. 2 ..read more

5 Factors to Think About 1. Encourage feedback. Understanding what autistics find challenging or perplexing might help you better provide the kind of assistance they need. How do you know? Try asking, and encouraging feedback, especially if something seems off. 2. Be open-minded It's about allowing someone to flourish, so be flexible with your methods of getting things done. It's not uncommon for people to prefer visual aids over verbal ones, such as photographs or graphics while attempting to understand a complex topic. This might be as simple as a diagram or a collection of figurines on the ..read more

We all have precious memories of Valentine's Days from our childhoods. Cupid hearts, homemade cards and crafts, and more sweets than was ever practical to consume. But while they constitute a part of our beloved childhood memories, Valentine's Day can present challenges for children with autism. However, with careful planning, all children may develop their particular memories of the big day. Potential Stressors for People with Autism on Valentine's Day A break from the norm Variations in the meanings of social signals Phrases and vocabulary that are unfamiliar Odd ornaments and exhibits Act ..read more