View past chats on this topic: Jan 29, 2017, July 28, 2019, and Apr 11, 2021. #AutChat is open to autistic and similar people. “Similar” = overlap with executive function, social issues, etc. This can include conditions like ADHD, hydrocephalus, OCD, and others. Sometimes called “autistic cousins” #AutChat We’re extending extra encouragement today to folks […]

View archived chats on this topic: November 20, 2016, January 19, 2020, and May 8, 2022. Political activism can be challenging for various reasons, especially if you’re autistic or similarly neurodivergent. #AutChat For example, many politicians in the U.S. value phone calls and visits, which are hard for many autistic people, more than letters/emails. #AutChat […]

Anxiety comes in many forms. It might be ongoing low-level anxiety, short-term intense anxiety, or something else. #autchat Q1 In case you get anxious during this chat, what are some things you can do to calm down? #autchat Q2 What kinds of situations make you anxious? #autchat Q3 What skills help you manage your anxiety? […]

View past chats on this topic: December 18, 2016 and April 28, 2019. and October 17, 2021. Many autistic and similarly neurodivergent people have had others doubt they are really autistic or otherwise neurodivergent. This can happen regardless of whether someone has been formally diagnosed, or is self-diagnosed, or questioning. Sometimes we doubt ourselves, too. #AutChat […]

View past chats on this topic: Aug 9, 2016, Feb 16, 2016, and Mar 10, 2019. Questions: We use coping strategies for lots of things: Sensory overwhelm or understimulation, executive dysfunction, social situations, etc. For example, things like “sensory diets”, routines, social scripts. #AutChat Q1: What coping strategies have you used for sensory overstimulation or […]

View past chats on this topic: Jul 7, 2015, Nov 21, 2015, Dec 11, 2016, and Mar 24, 2019. Questions: Q1: Say a little about your family (whatever you’re comfortable with). Parents, siblings, partner(s), kids, others? You might mention (for example) if any are autistic or similarly neurodivergent (or neurotypical) #AutChat Q2: How have your autistic traits […]

View past chats on this topic: December 4, 2016, March 3, 2019, March 8, 2020, and July 10, 2022. Today’s #AutChat is about learning social skills. For the purpose of this chat, “social skills” means skills that help you interact with other people more effectively. Learning social skills is a process. We get better at […]

View transcripts of our previous chats on this topic here: Jun 2, 2015, Jul 12, 2016, Nov 6, 2016 and Jun 28, 2020. Today’s #AutChat is about other disabilities or neurodivergences you may have along with being autistic/similar. These can include both mental and physical disabilities or health conditions. #AutChat Questions: Q1: Do you have […]

View transcripts of past chats on this topic here: July 14, 2015, Oct 30, 2016,   and Feb 14, 2021. The decision to take or not take medications can be very personal. Try to keep that in mind when responding #AutChat If you mention weight or weight loss/gain today, we ask you to put “cw: weight” […]

View past chats on this topic: Oct 23, 2016 and Sep 1, 2019. Questions: Q1: Have you attended a form of higher education? #AutChat Q2: What do you feel was the biggest obstacle getting into a school? #AutChat Q3: What accommodations have you needed? Requested or not. #AutChat Q4: What aspects of attending college or university […]