Reflections
Essays from Kristy Forbes exploring PDA, autistic experience, parenting, identity, care, systems and the ordinary moments that shape family life.
Yesterday, someone trolled me on social media.
Aug 02, 2023
Yesterday, someone trolled me on social media.
That in itself isn’t the thing. That happens to autistic folks who joyfully resist the disorder narrative all the time.
It’s threatening to some, to read my writings or he...
Labels, labels, labels.
Aug 13, 2021
Trigger Warning: swearing, harsh words.
I hear families often speak about their fear in "labelling" their children autistic, ADHD, among other neurodivergences because they worry their child will be judged,
...Reclaiming the word "autistic."
May 13, 2021
A great beginning point when becoming a friend and ally to the autistic community is to use the term "autistic" rather than ASD.
I see the abbreviation ASD and my skin crawls.
Autism Spectrum Disorder.
...My disability is my most sacred ally.
May 06, 2021
So much of my anger, resentment and self-loathing as a young person came from the pressure I felt to mask.
Masking is both something I, as an autistic person partake in as a choice at times to get to where I wa
...Awareness month? Nah, not over here.
Apr 01, 2021
This morning I'm reminded of an appointment with an obstetrician in the public system seven years ago.
I was heavily pregnant with my last baby.
He was going over my subsequent pregnancies and deliverie
...Let's discuss: "Living with autism."
Mar 18, 2021
I'd like to encourage individuals, professionals seeking out education to be better allies, and families of neurodivergent individuals to be cautious when engaging with any information and education around "neurodivers
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