Creating a Neurodivergent
Affirming World Together.
For too long, autism has been stigmatized, misunderstood, and treated as something to “fix.”
We are here to change that.
Together, we can challenge outdated beliefs, dismantle ableism, and transform how autistic individuals are treated in every corner of society: at work, at home, in schools, and in our communities.
Authentic & Autistic
Autistic Identity Matters
You deserve to live a life without hiding, shame or fear. Caring for your mental health does not mean searching for a “cure” for your autism or learning how to better “fit in” in a world made for non-autistics. Mental health care is an important part of being human, one that we all can benefit from.
As an autistic, it is very important that you see a counselor that understands neurotype. When you are able to understand and embrace your autistic identity you are better able to engage with the world around you, your peers, lovers, friends and family. Learn more about mental health services for autistic adults & teens.
Connected & Competent
Show Up As Your Best Self
Parents, you don’t need another “autism parenting” program, you need to be told it’s ok to accept your child without forcing change.
Most of the “autism universe” is geared towards how to help the parent. But how much of the information given is helpful, and how much is harmful? Gain real advice on how to nurture your child’s autistic identity, help them through their specific life struggles, and how to show up as the best version of yourself. You have a responsibility to nurture autistic identity and reject harmful rhetoric.
Create & Redefine
Autism ≠ Pathology
Neurodivergent affirming health professionals are healthcare providers who recognize, respect, and support the diverse neurological experiences and identities of their patients.
These professionals are trained to create an inclusive, compassionate, and empowering environment for neurodivergent individuals.
Autistic affirming is a deliberate practice, but it also a values based position. Autistic affirming is not just because you want to be kind or you want to stay current in popular treatment trends, it is absolutely an ethical framework of operating in this world.
Tiggers & Glimmers
Mental Health Boosts
At Love & Autism, Glimmers & Triggers is our living practice of awareness. Glimmers remind us that connection and safety are possible—the small, powerful moments that light us up and whisper, you belong. Triggers, too, hold meaning. They show us where harm still lives, where the world asks us to shrink or hide. Both are messages from our nervous systems, guiding us toward authenticity, safety, and community.
This page exists to name what nurtures and what hurts, to honor the full spectrum of autistic experience. By identifying glimmers and triggers, we move beyond awareness into transformation—celebrating what aligns with love and calling out what still needs to change. Together, we create a culture where autistic lives are seen as worthy, valuable, and deeply needed.
If all persons with autism experienced a world where their characteristics and symptoms were understood as being part of the human experience, we’d be a better society. This societal change would mean more opportunity, more understanding, more love for neurodivergent thinkers. Humanity improves when we move away from fear and into love.
At Love & Autism, we are committed to dismantling ableism—confronting both the overt and the subtle ways bias and exclusion persist. The fight against ableism belongs to all of us. You can be part of the change—through your voice, your actions, and your support. Join us. Stand with us.
Attend & Connect
Join us at an event
Merch & Stuff
Buy some stuff
Give & Grow
Donate to Love & Autism
Finding meaningful connection isn’t always about trying harder—it’s about finding the right spaces. At Love & Autism, we know that belonging isn’t just a nice idea—it’s essential. You belong here.
22 Reasons Why Autistic People Deserve a Neurodiversity-Affirming Era
"It feels like a perfect night" to celebrate autistic authenticity, identity, and culture. Let’s "ditch the whole scene and end up dreaming" of the changes we can make together. "This place is too crowded" with old ideas of what it means to be autistic. Let’s be...
I Don’t Do Non-Conformity
Autistic culture doesn’t need to become non-conformist based on an observation of reduction of rights for others; it’s part of who many autistic people enter this world.
To the Mommies Who Still Use the R-word
When you say the “R” word, you are saying that those people – disabled people, autistic people, neurodivergent people – are bad or lesser than you. Choose another word
Creating Change
The truth is, we’re still asking autistic people to not be autistic. The demands to act non-autistic, to mask autistic traits, lead to depression, anxiety, and behaviors consistent with aggression. Dismantling ableism can only occur if we are willing to internally reflect and shift.
What This Autistic Teacher Wants Professionals to Know
Autism Spectrum Disorder is the correct terminology for an autism diagnosis. “Disorder” serves its purpose in diagnosing and receiving services. But some on the autism spectrum would prefer “condition” over “disorder.” Autism is a neurological condition. “Disorder” implies that something is out-of-order. Condition is more so a state of being.
Seven Beliefs that Keep All of Us (Autistic and Allistic alike) from Making Friends
Guest post by Kyler Shumway, MA. Co-host of You Belong, Love & Autism for teens! Unfurl a large blank scroll in your mind and stretch it across the table. This is your timeline, the story of your life. To your left, we see your birth. To the right, we see you, at...
Fall Candles, Wine, Tears, and Conference Review
The challenge isn’t just my internal narrative. In truth, I’m always afraid I will fail Love & Autism and to me Love & Autism has become one of the greatest loves of my life.
Autistic Power on the Job
Endowed with the want to do their best and remain honest and loyal, autistic workers are not likely to cut corners when under deadlines, nor steal, cheat, or try to gain the upper hand. And an autistic worker will not commonly leave out pertinent information or fabricate facts to beat the workplace competition or gain recognition.
10 Tips for Teaching Values Through Daily Activism
We must stand firm in our values and express them in our daily actions. This is the only way to ensure change.
