Can you share a bit about your personal journey and how it has influenced your writing and advocacy work?
I spent 40 years in the field of special education and psychology. During those years I married a man who, we learned later, was autistic, as were two of our three children all late-diagnosed. After my husband died of a heart attack and I retired, we moved to Oregon, where I have two sisters, and i started writing about autism.
What inspired you to focus your writing on autistic adults and their experiences?
Living with an autistic husband and children, and realizing how little there was out there for late-diagnosed autistic adults inspired me.
What are some common misconceptions about autism that you aim to address in your writing?
1.) that autism is a childhood thing, when in fact it affects adults, too. 2.) that autism mostly affects boys, but we've learned that many girls and women are autistic, too. 3.) that autism is a "disorder" or "disease" or that there is something "wrong" with an autistic person, when in fact it is just a brain difference. 4.) that autistic people are all diagnosed in childhood; many people successfully "mask" their autistic characteristics and escape notice, not realizing that other people are not doing the same thing. 5.) that autistic people have intellectual disability; many autists are from average intelligence to the superior range. 6.) that autistic people lack empathy; I've never known a single autistic person who lacked empathy. Some have excessive empathy and feel things very deeply but may not be showing their feelings on their face.
How do you approach research and ensure accuracy when writing about autism?
I look to research that has been done by autistic people and read books by autistic authors
Could you describe your writing process? Do you have any specific rituals or routines?
First thing in the morning, I bring my cup of coffee to the roll top desk I inherited from my mother, and that's where I write, after a morning routine that includes journaling. In 2024 I am writing a haiku poem every day before I start writing my books. I come from a family of writers, and I love writing.
What do you hope readers take away from your books or articles about autism?
I hope they realize that there is nothing "wrong" with autism so we can normalize neurodiversity. Still, it is not easy for autistic people to thrive in a world that has been set up by the neuro-majority.
How do you navigate the balance between providing information and storytelling in your writing?
I love both. In most of my books, each chapter starts with information about the chapter topic, then I tell stories using fictional characters to illustrate various ways that autistic people might face that challenge or make a strategy work for them. Finally, I end the chapter with a quote or anecdote written by actually autistic people who have lived experience.
As CEO of Adult Autism Assessment & Services, how does your clinical work inform your writing, and vice versa?
There is a lot of crossover. In my practice, I hire many autistic therapists, and they truly understand and can relate to our clients. Now that I'm 70, I have a clinical director and practice manager who handle most of the day-to-day concerns, but I will always be involved.
What challenges do autistic adults commonly face in society, and how do you address these in your writing?
Being misunderstood, coping with sensory and social overload, needing recovery time after social events. The fictional characters in my books demonstrate these challenges in ways that I hope are relatable.
How do you strive to represent the diversity within the autistic community in your writing?
By including anecdotes written by actually autistic people.
What advice do you have for aspiring writers who want to explore topics related to autism or neurodiversity?
Read autistic authors. I'm not autistic, but I've loved, lived with, and worked with autists, and I have read many books written by autistic authors, and continue to do so.
Could you share any memorable experiences or interactions with readers who have been impacted by your work?
One woman I worked with went on to write a memoir about learning she was autistic A Little Less Broken by Marian Schembari. She is a talented writer, and autistic herself.
What are some upcoming projects or areas of focus you're excited about in your writing and advocacy work?
I'm just now starting an online, non-demonational, asynchronous church, The SWAN Church: Scripture & Worship for All Neurotypes. It is for anyone, but especially people who are transgender &/or autistic, who may not feel safe or comfortable going into a traditional church building. Sometimes someone just needs to hear a blue-haired grandmother-type tell them they are loved and worthy, exactly as they are. I'm happy to be that person for anyone who needs to hear that kind of message. We just launched our website, https://theSWANchurch.org
How do you see the conversation around autism evolving in the coming years, and how do you hope your work will contribute to that evolution?
I hope that the conversation will be led by actually autistic people. If my books can be in any way helpful to educating people about autism, I'm happy, but we really do need to listen to autistic people themselves more than me.
What is your takeaway based on your experiences with AllAuthor? What is it about this site that you like and dislike?
I really enjoy AllAuthor's Magic Tool Kit. I think every author should join and try it, it's fun to use, and useful in social media.
