I am Samantha Craft, M.Ed, the President of myspectrumsuite.com and author of Everyday Aspergers. I am autistic (Aspergers) and have been researching autism and making connections with 1000s on the autism spectrum for several years. I am the mother of three sons, one adult son who is on the autism spectrum. I work as a job recruiter and community manager for ULTRA Testing, a software testing company that provides job opportunities for neurodivergent individuals. I also work as an author and autism educator/presenter. I am the Selection Committee Chair of the ANCA World Autism Festival, as well as a former schoolteacher and former advocate for children with special needs.
Below are some influential people and resources that I came across in the autism community. The majority of the individuals listed here are autistic.
I am currently working on a business book about attracting and retaining the autistic workforce and have been researching employment and autism spectrum conditions for over two years.
I respect everyone’s right to self-identify and organizations and professionals that promote support, kindness, and mutual respect in the autism community. My blogs are Everyday Aspie (2015-2017), Everyday Aspergers (2012 – 2016), and Belly of a Star (current).
A special thanks to Sean Walker for sending me his long list of autistic people and to Judy for her list of autistic blogs. Here is my new book. If you are an autistic leader, advocate, speaker, artist, etc., you can contact me at @aspergersgirls on Twitter.
Authors, Advocates, and Professionals in Field of Autism
Judy Singer, coined the term “Neurodiversity” while calling for a new “liberation” movement for people who were discriminated against for being neurologically different. “She identifies as being in the middle of 3 generations of women somewhere on the Autistic Spectrum’. Her 1998 Honours Thesis from the University of Technology Sydney, was the pioneering sociological study of this then new kind of disability.”
Anita Lesko BSN,RN,MS,CRNA author and advocate. Anita is autistic.
Dena Gassner, LMSW advocate, writer, and national presenter on topics related to neurodiversity and autism. Dena is autistic. More about Dena.
Jeanette Purkis author, public servant, and passionate advocate for autistic people and their families. Jeanette is autistic. Her Facebook page.
Emma Goodall, Ph.D. author, blogger, autism advisor, education consultant and autistic.
Dr. Judith Gould, Ph.D. Director of the Lorna Wing Centre for Autism (in the UK). Focus on autism as it relates to girls and women.
Dr. Frank Gaskill, PH.D. specializes in autism and has his own Aspie Show.
Tony Attwood, PH.D. specializes in Asperger’s Syndrome and author, speaker, and advocate in neurodiverse community.
Dr. Peter Vermeulen Ph.D. autism consultant, lecturer, and trainer at Autisme Centraal in Belgium. He has published more than 15 books and several articles on autism.
Dr. Estevão Vadasz Ph.D. public figure (Brazil), Dr. Stephen Vadasz’s childhood and adolescent psychiatrist. He was chief instructor teacher’s childhood psychiatry sector and adolescence of Santa Casa de São Paulo and creator of PROTEA (autism spectrum disorders program) Institute of Psychiatry, Hospital das Clinicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo.
Stephen Shore, Ph.D. author of Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome, founder of autismasperger.net. Assistant Professor of Special Education at Adelphi University, and a Board Member of Autism Speaks
Tania Marshall, M.Sc. author of best selling books on females and Asperger’s Syndrome, psychologist, and advocate. Author of IPPY eLIT gold medal books I am Aspiengirl and I am Aspienwoman and 2016 & 2015 Autism Australia National recognition award nominee (advancement category).
Temple Grandin, PH.D. author, speaker, well known autistic advocate.
Steve Silberman author of the groundbreaking book, Neurotribes, and speaker. Steve’s site has a great resource list.
Malcolm Mayfield founder and Managing Director of Autism STAR Pty Ltd. He self-diagnosed his Asperger Syndrome at the age of 37 and had that diagnosis confirmed a few years later. NLP Practitioner and life coach, is an Independent Director on the Autism CRC Board of Directors and is co-author of The Hidden Curriculum of Getting and Keeping a Job: Navigating the Social Landscape of Employment
Samantha Craft, M.Ed. teacher, writer, presenter, and author of Everyday Aspergers Blog and Book. Sam is autistic.
Valerie Paradiz, Ph.D. is the director of Valerie Paradiz, LLC, a consultancy that provides technical assistance and strategic development to schools, universities, corporations and agencies that support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Amy Gravino autism specialist, author, college coach, autism consultant, public speaker.
Kelly Margo advocate diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) a form of autism. Author of Defining Autism From The Heart and Autism and Falling in Love.
John Elder Robinson author of best selling book, Look Me in the Eyes, and other books on Asperger’s Syndrome, speaker, and advocate. John is autistic.
Taylor Orns autistic adult who is also an autism advocate.
Martine Stonehouse a “Trans Woman with Asperger Syndrome, Fighting for Equality”
Margo Comeau “Life Asper Margo” public figure, autistic.
Alex Wineman public figure, autism advocate, former Miss Montana, autistic.
Jesse Saperstein author, autistic, anti-bullying and motivational speaker.
Ron Sandison Christian author, speaker, advocate, autistic.
Alis Rowe The Girl with the Curly Hair Project, high profile on Facebook, autism awareness, author of pictorial books. Alis is an adult woman with ASD.
Mr. Chris viral YouTube creator advocating for neurodiverse children across the USA.
Lindsey Nebeker Pianist, songwriter, and advocate. Diagnosed with autism. Appeared in documentary Autism In Love.
Arman Khodaei autistic adult whose mission is to empower individuals with Asperger’s and on the autism spectrum to realize their full potential.
Dani Bowman autism, animation, illustration, autistic.
Phil Martin photographer, activist, autistic.
Amber Black founder of Autisticfit Society, small-business owner, AADP Board Certified Practitioner, an International Figure Universe Pro, a fitness and nutrition expert, healer, world culture lover — and lives with autism.
Dr. Lamar Hardwick pastor, author, autistic.
Haley Moss author of two books, autism advocate, artist.
Alex Plank filmmaker, actor, photographer. Consultant on FX’s former series The Bridge. Founder of well known Wrong Planet online forum.
Kenneth Kelty public speaker, autistic, and author.
Aaron Likens Easter Seals autism ambassador, “diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at age 20,” author of Finding Kansas, and racing official.
Chloe Rothschild a young adult who has autism, a writer, presenter, advisory board member, and advocate.
Anna Kennedy “Autism Ambassador,” promoting the inclusion and equality of children and adults. Ms. Kennedy has sons on the autism spectrum.
Carly Fleischmann Carly’s Voice is in production with Simon & Schuster and is available online or at popular book retailers. (video)
Heather Kuzmich model, spokesperson, diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and ADHD at the age of 15.
Rudy Simone, author and singer, with best selling books on females and Aspergers. New book due out in August 2017. Her blog.
Barry M Prizant “more than 40 years experience as a clinical scholar, consultant, researcher and program consultant to children and older persons with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and related developmental disabilities and their families. He is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist.” Author of
Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism
Monique Blakemore activist, speaker, researcher and writer with a focus on autistic rights and women.
Ronnie Pinder UK based advocate, married father of 5, diagnosed with autism in his 40s. A public speaker, giving talks on autism and on receiving a diagnosis as an adult.
Mickey Mayhew autistic author of multiple books, historian, achiever – totally Tudors. –Twitter link
Kevin Healey ambassador, author, autism campaigner, making autism film, anti bullying campaigner.
Henny Kupferstein M.A.student of psychology and autistic savant; published autism research and a book endorsed by Temple Grandin. Gives Skype piano lessons to non-verbal autistic students around the world, and am a parent of autistic children.
Alix Generous: Alix Generous is a professional speaker, neuroscientist, author, tech consultant, and observational comedian. Her TED talk “My Inner Life…” has received over 1.4 million views. Through high impact media, comedy, and creative storytelling, she advocates for scientific literacy, child welfare, and for the advancement of Mental Diversity in STEM and the entertainment industry. From 2013 to September 2016, she was the co-founder for Podium (formerly AutismSees), a social impact company that creates technology to help high functioning autistic millennials improve their presentation skills.
Peter William Craig McFeely Reiki healer located in Oxford, trains in and works in karate, positively encourages ASD people and their families to enjoy the positive benefits of training in this martial art. Being an Aspie he has first hand knowledge of how karate has benefitted his own life.
The following autistic individuals can be found in this article from Autistic Pride Day 2016:
Jules Roberston an actor who plays Jason Haynes in BBC’s ‘Holby City’. He is a youth patron for the charity Ambitious About Autism.
Ian Adam Bellamy works as a Project Officer at Ambitious About Autism.
Alex Lowery is Youth Patron at Ambitious About Autism.
Robyn Steward is an autism and Asperger’s trainer and the author of “The Independent Woman’s Handbook to Super Safe Living on the Autistic Spectrum”.
Dami Benbow a participation co-ordinator at Ambitious About Autism.
Adam Bradford a social entrepreneur.
George Harvey provides autism awareness talks in schools.
Dr Valerie Paradiz a strategy consultant and a National Board Member of Autism Speaks.
Coaches
Mari Nosal M.Ed. CECE Published author on autism spectrum Amazon.com, workshop presenter on Autism, Coach, Greater Boston Area
Cyndi McCoy Fully Accredited Personal Coach. Aspie Advocate. Creative Director. Cyndi is autistic.
Barbara Bissonnette author of vocational books, career development and job coaching, workplace advocacy for individuals with autism spectrum profiles and Nonverbal Learning Disorder, consultation, and training. (not autistic)
Artistic Autistics
Facebook Group for Actors on the autism spectrum (Jasmin Egner, page owner)
Kate Smith autistic song writer
Lori Sealy a professional singer/songwriter and conference speaker who lives with autism both personally and parentally. Her primary area of focus is on issues of autism and faith. (Christian)
Sheryl Wing is a lifelong artist from Maine who specialized in floral design and now focuses her time painting. Here is a link to her art blog.
Jasmin Egner a German actress and artist, autism and animal rights advocate, based in Scotland. Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at the age of 38, after previous misdiagnosis. Psychology student developing a coaching program for those struggling to make their voices heard.
Jonas Lundstrom is an artist and poet from Sweden.
Tim Sharp “Laser Beak Man Man is the colorful superhero created by Australian artist Tim Sharp who has autism and has won fans from all around the world with his unique sense of humor and happy and very original art.”
Remrov’s Artwork (pencil drawings of animals)
Aspie Comic, Michael McCreary
Michael Korins Singer with Autism inspired by James Durbin & Scott James
Jeremy Sicile-kira personalized paintings
James Durbin American Idol Singer
Jonathan Carlander Writer/Director/Editor of short films
Chat Rooms & Facebook Pages
ASPERGER’S SYNDROME AWARENESS, BRYAN’S ADVOCACY
Everyday Aspergers (endorsed and supported by Spectrum Suite)
Bill Nason Autism Discussion Page
Heart For Autism (New Zealand)
Autistic Women’s Association
TheAutcast Aspergers and Autism Community
Autistical
Autismo Girl
Karleigh’s Story – the Awesomeness of ASD
Autismo Girl New Zealand
Rachel Barcellona – The Ability Beyond Disabilities
Tina J R
Our Beautiful Random Thoughts (3 autistic women share their thoughts)
Autistic Women’s Collective
WRONG PLANET
Reddit
Autistic UK (twitter @autisticUK)
Websites Supporting Autism/Neurodivergent People
ANCA (annual conference with autistic presenters)
International Aspergergirl Society Uniting Women on the Spectrum (Membership group) with Rudy Simone
Autism Empowerment Autism Empowerment is devoted to promoting a culture of acceptance, enrichment and empowerment in the lives of children, teens, adults and families in the Autism and Asperger communities. We offer innovative and inspiring programs, training and services as well as opportunities for leadership and volunteerism for those within and supporting the Autism and Asperger community. Our work is guided by our Four Foundational Pillars of Positivity: Accept, Enrich, Inspire,Empower
Yellow Ladybugs for girls on the spectrum
The National Autistic People’s Organization
Association for Autistic Community (annual conference)
The Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism
The Art of Autism (ARTS) facebook link The Art of Autism is a nonprofit collaborative project. We are an international collaboration of talented individuals who have come together to display the creative abilities of people on the autism spectrum and others who are neurodivergent. Our mission is to provide a forum to connect with those who wish to employ these abilities. The Art of Autism accepts many art forms, including blog posts, art, poetry, video submissions and requests for book and film reviews. We seek diverse viewpoints including those from autistic people, parents, siblings, therapists, and others.
Formed in 1999, the Davidson Institute is a 501(c)3 private operating foundation funded by the Davidsons and headquartered in Reno, Nev. Prior to starting the Davidson Institute, the Davidsons founded Davidson & Associates Inc., a successful educational software company best known for the Math Blaster™ and Reading Blaster™ series. They sold Davidson & Associates in 1997 and decided to launch a significant philanthropic effort to continue their commitment to make a positive difference in education and to help all children be successful learners.Spectrum Suite LLC
The Autism Education Foundation
Animating the Autism Community At Autism Animated, we are an inclusive community of people with autism, caretakers, relatives, therapists, researchers and advocates of all ages who are coming together to share friendship, articles, resources, blogs, personal experiences, and discussion. The site was launched by Gary Jesch, the founder of Invirtua.
AutismAsperger.net serves to build greater awareness of the autism spectrum and in particular, Asperger Syndrome. It joins other websites with this same focus and will work together with them toward strengthening our community of people on the autism spectrum. I hope autismasperger.net will help people appreciate those on the autism spectrum for who they are and participate with them to develop strengths and make accommodations for challenges.
Blue Ribbons Arts Initiative (ARTS)
OASIS The Online Asperger Syndrome Information and Support (OASIS) center has joined with MAAP Services for Autism and Asperger Syndrome.
The League of People with Disabilities
AASCEND Adults of all ages on the autism spectrum, their families and friends, academics and professionals in the autism field unite as a community in AASCEND. Our members sit down at the table as peers to support one another and work together to achieve AASCEND’S goals of Education, Networking and Development.
Asperger Syndrome & High Functioning Autism Association (AHA) Asperger Syndrome & High Functioning Autism Association (AHA) serves individuals on the autism spectrum, their families, and the professionals who work with them, providing crucial resources and support as they face challenges, build on their strengths and fulfill their potential. AHA helps families and individuals become more informed self-advocates. Our programs encourage awareness and acceptance.
Action for Autism (India)
With a network of affiliates across the United States, the Autism Society is the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization. Their mission is to increase public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocate for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and provide the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy.
High Achievers An independent team of autism researchers. “This independent research project investigates current approaches to supporting students with autism studying at universities in the United Kingdom.”
Articles on Autism
The Invisibility of Black Autism
Clinical bias and ignorance have led generations of clearly autistic black children to be diagnosed with ADHD or even “mental retardation”
68 People with Autism to Know for Autism Awareness Month
My Answer to the Question: What Does Autism Feel Like
We’ve Called Autism a Disease for Decades. We Were Wrong
An Aspergers diagnosis didn’t mean I had to give up on my dreams By Eric Kirschner
Diagnosed With Autism at 21—and OK With It
Perspectives on Autism Working Paper, Lars Perner, Ph.D.
Fast Company Microsoft Autism Hiring
The Atlantic The Invisible Women with Autism
The Toast: Interview with Steve Silberman
The Art of Autism: An Interview with Steve Silberman, author of neurotribes
Fast Company: Microsoft Autism Hiring
Theory Mind Challenges Treatment within Aspergers
Neurodiversity: Some Basic Terms & Definitions
NeuroTribes’ Examines The History — And Myths — Of The Autism SpectrumAnd another with Steve
Great List of resources/books for girls on the autism spectrum
Autism in the Media
African Americans with Autism face additional challenges
Paul Silver on Autism Awareness
The Game Nobody Could Forget Jason McElwain
Andrew Greenspan My Story Daybreak
James Durbin talks Asperger, Tourette’s Syndrome
Planet Asperger (Movie)
More Resources
Actually Autistic Blogs List: A list of blogs by Actually Autistic people
Davidson Gifted Database (Extensive list of books, groups, and more)
LINKED IN SEARCH AUTISM
50 Best Autism Resources Online
50 Great Websites for Parents with Special Needs
Autism support groups Facebook list
Autism (females) resource page at Autistic Women’s Collective
Links to articles related to females and autism at the bottom of this article
Speakers at Love and Autism Conference
Sesame Street Autism Resources for Parents
Resources for Military Families
Academic Accommodation Resources
Estate Planning for Parents of Special Needs Kids
SITES WITH NEURODIVERSE BOOKS
Autism Aspeger.net bookstore
Jessica Kingsley bookstore
Steve Silberman five books recommended
Kerry Margo’s These 21 Books Will Help You Learn More About Autism
Products
ICE4Autism Autism Specific in case of emergency ICE Mobile App
FREE WEBINARS from Autism Research Institute
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