For this week, I have interviewed Meghan Ashburn, who is a wonderful ally to the Neurodiversity Movement. She is a ND (ADHD) mother with autistic children who runs the blog/website Not an Autism Mom, as well as That Au-Some Book Club.
Neurodiversity News: Could you tell me what drew you to the Neurodiversity Movement?
Meghan Ashburn: When my first child was diagnosed, I had no idea what autism was. At that time, my only understanding of autism was a little boy in the corner staring off into space, and that wasn’t anything like my kids. I wandered aimlessly for an entire year looking for information.
And then I read The Reason I Jump. That book changed my entire world! I suddenly realized that my twins did have reasons for doing things (like stimming and sensory seeking), even if I didn’t yet understand.
Reading that book led me to a community I never knew existed – The autistic community. From them, I learned about presuming competence and alternative forms of communication. Finding that community has been an amazing gift.
NN: In what ways have you inspired other parents?
MA: I’m not sure I can answer that accurately. My goal is to reach other parents (and educators) who want to learn about autism and connect them to the resources I wish I had found earlier.
NN: How has That Au-Some Book Club been going?
MA: Oh, man! It’s been amazing! We just celebrated our first year of learning, and we reached 3000 members at the same time! We’ve read four books, discussed countless others, and interviewed so many incredible authors and bloggers from all around the world! I never imagined how valuable a book club could be!
NN: Who are your greatest inspirations?
MA: I couldn’t create a long enough list! Honestly, I find bits of inspiration from everyone I encounter. But if I had to pick one person, it would be my mom. She’s fierce and brilliant and compassionate.
NN: What do you hope to achieve in the future with your advocacy work?
MA: So many things! I want to make sure every parent receives a list of resources (recommended by the autistic community) when they leave their child’s diagnosis appointment.
I want student teachers learning compassionate, trauma-informed approaches instead of those outdated behaviorist strategies of classroom management. I want to end the use of seclusion rooms and restraint.
I want to connect educators and administrators with resources that promote meaningful inclusion for every student. I want to normalize the use of AAC devices and make them more accessible for everyone.
I could go on, but those are my main focuses right now.
Links:
Blog: https://notanautismmom.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/notanautismmom
Twitter: https://twitter.com/notanautismmom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notanautismmom/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGd4vMMRB8A21jCx5yQuTOg