"Autism has always existed. Autistic people are born autistic and we will be autistic our whole lives. Autism can be diagnosed by a doctor, but you can be autistic even if you don’t have a formal diagnosis. Because of myths about autism, it can be harder for autistic adults, autistic girls, and autistic people of color to get a diagnosis. But anyone can be autistic, regardless of race, gender, or age."

"The range of autism characteristics varies greatly. One individual may experience mild anxiety or avoid eye contact, whereas another may have much difficulty communicating and engage in severe tantrums. Knowing the common symptoms of autism can be helpful."

"We wrote this book for autistic people, but anyone can read it. If you are not autistic, this book can help you support autistic people you know. If you are wondering whether you might be autistic, this book can help you learn more. If you are autistic, think you might be autistic, or if you want to better understand autistic people, this book is for you."

Search the website site search using the following tag: #ActuallyAutistic, to see essays by autistic individuals.

A short article ("8 minute read") from the Child Mind Institute. Audio version available.

"The purpose of this manuscript is to examine some expressed concerns about ABA-based intervention and suggest productive ways of moving forward to provide the best outcomes for autistics/individuals diagnosed with ASD. The authors represent stakeholders from multiple sectors including board certified behavior analysts, licensed psychologists, parents, and autistics/individuals diagnosed with ASD."

"This article, written for a South African audience, includes perspectives of several non-speaking autistics on their ABA experiences."

"Once you receive an autism diagnosis, don’t wait. Early diagnosis of ASD, coupled with swift and effective intervention, is paramount to achieving the best possible outcomes for your child." From the Autism Science Foundation

"Many people with ASD benefit from treatment, no matter how old they are when they are diagnosed. People of all ages, at all levels of ability, can often improve after well-designed interventions." From the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

"We summarize the events leading up to the inclusion of autism as a “new” official diagnostic category in DSM-III, the subsequent revisions of the DSM, and the impact of the official recognition of autism on research."

"From a form of childhood schizophrenia to a spectrum of conditions, the characterization of autism in diagnostic manuals has a complicated history."

"This isn’t a collection of stories — it’s a map of how the autism narrative was weaponized, who built the industry around it, and how autistic people were silenced in the name of help."

"The history of autism is a fascinating depiction of how our understanding of science can change lives for the better..."