Author: V.R. Blevins

up·stage /ˌəpˈstāj/ verb gerund or present participle: upstaging divert attention from (someone) towards oneself. "they were totally upstaged by their co-star in the film" I know there's other big news in the world of autism lately thanks to Elon Musk, but since it's Mother's Day here in the US could we maybe celebrate some fantastic Autistic… Continue reading Upstaging Mother’s Day →

It isn't fun this year. It wasn't fun last year. It wasn't fun the year before that. It certainly wasn't fun when they tried to do it for Breast Cancer Awareness either. If you're not aware of this ridiculous "game" here's how it goes. A friend of yours makes an obscure or odd/funny post. You… Continue reading 2021 “Autism Awareness Game” →

A lot of my readers know that like much of the Autistic Community, I loathe Autism Speaks. From their long since buried but never forgotten "I Am Autism" video to their disgustingly ableist "Mssng" campaign, to the money trail that leads almost anywhere *but* actually helping Autistics and their families, to their push for a… Continue reading AIM Higher Than Autism Speaks →

This began as an admin post in a closed group and I was asked to make a public version. Edits may happen, to add feedback and additional microaggression phrases relevant to the topic. So let's talk (which means NTs should take seats and listen while Autistics discuss this, so you can see our perspectives without… Continue reading Microaggressions in Autistim Spaces →

I did it. What can I say? I have my masochistic moments. I bit the bullet (as it were) and watched Sia's film 'Music' in all its lack of glory. It's bad, y'all. I mean Bad bad. Capital 'B' BAD. Before I go any farther let's get the obvious out of the way. SPOILER ALERT.… Continue reading I Saw You, Sia →

I don't have autism. It is not an accessory I carry with me, nor can I set it down and leave it somewhere. I'm not a person with autism, like those old t-shirts in the 90's that said, "I'm with st*pid" and had the arrow pointing sideways. Ha freaking ha. I'm not "on the spectrum"… Continue reading I Am Autistic →

Ok, so Backstage has a listing right now for a casting call for neurodivergent talent. Great, right? That's exactly what we want is more accurate representation! This should be a good thing, right? Screenshot of backstage.com Company Last Resort Productions Gabby Harrison, writer-dir. Production Description Casting "Radio Static," for two actors for a virtual reading… Continue reading Problematic Representation is Still Problematic, Even When You Cast Autistic Actors in the Problematic Roles →

To whom it may concern: Your theater is set to premiere or is currently showing the movie Music, written and directed by Sia Furler. In this film the title character is an Autistic young woman who is non-speaking, which would have been a great opportunity for the Autistic Community to get some accurate representation in… Continue reading Open Letter to Movie Theaters Screening the Film ‘Music’ →

Well as you might've guessed, with the movie's imminent release Sia is in the news again, this time with an "apology" to the Autistic Community. ....Is how I would've liked to begin this post. Unfortunately I can't do that, because the statement that's being reported by USA Today as well as Australian media isn't exactly… Continue reading We (Still) See You Sia →

I'm livid. Absolutely beyond enraged. I will try to stay civil so I still have a piece people can share when I'm done here, but I honestly don't know if that's possible. This came to my attention Before Coffee and I'm still working on my first cup, so bear with me y'all. This might not… Continue reading Wal-Mart’s “Autism Advocate” Doll Misses the Mark →