Brown Side Of Autism

  A recent large-scale study out of Denmark has brought new clarity to a question that has been widely discussed and sometimes misunderstood: whether taking acetaminophen (commonly known as Tylenol) during pregnancy increases the risk of autism in children. The study followed more than 1.5 million children, making it one of the largest of its kind. Researchers carefully examined medical records, prescription data, and sibling comparisons to better understand whether there is any link between prenatal acetaminophen use and autism spectrum disorder. What the study found The main finding was straightforward: There was  no evidence that acetaminophen use during pregnancy causes autism . Even when researchers accounted for factors like dosage, timing during pregnancy, and family medical history, the results stayed consistent. In other words, the data did not support a causal connection between Tylenol use in pregnancy and autism in children. Why this matters This topic has caused c...

Job interviews are stressful for almost everyone. But when you’re autistic—especially as a Black or Brown individual—it can feel like you’re being tested on things that have nothing to do with your actual ability to do the job. It’s not just about your skills. It’s about eye contact. Tone. Body language. Small talk. Things that sometimes don’t always come naturally to me. And that’s where it gets complicated. 🎭 The Pressure to “Perform” When I walk into an interview, I already know I’m being judged within the first few seconds. Not just on what I say—but how I say it. Am I making enough eye contact? Am I smiling enough? Do I sound “confident” or “too quiet”? For me, that pressure can feel like acting. Like I have to mask parts of myself just to fit into what they think a “good candidate” looks like. But masking is exhausting. By the time the interview is over, I’m not just mentally tired—I’m drained. 🧠 Processing on the Spot Another challenge is processing questions in ...

On Tuesday, we decided to try something new at Flagship City Food Hall. For me, moments like this aren’t just about food—they’re about the experience, the environment, and how everything comes together in a way that feels right. We stopped at Enrique’s Southeast Mexico Taqueria and Tortilleria, and from the first bite, I knew I made the right choice. I ordered a burrito with chipotle tinga, and the cheese stood out immediately—warm, rich, and literally oozing out with every bite. It’s one of those textures that can either make or break a meal, and this time, it made it. The chicken tinga had a deep, smoky flavor that felt both comforting and exciting at the same time. Delaney went with the chicken tita plate, which came with rice, beans, plantains, avocados, chicken, pico, and white shredded cheese. What stood out to me wasn’t just how good it looked, but how balanced everything was on the plate. Each element had its place, and nothing felt overwhelming. As someone on the autism spectr...

  There are several artists in the industry who are autistic or on the spectrum that are using their talents and their platforms to raise awareness. Many of them may feel bad about being autistic because of not finding success in music. Some names in the UK such as Giggs, Lickz, Questlove, and Spaceghostpurpp, who is an underground Florida producer and rapper who previously claimed to have autism, 50 Tyson, who is also an underground rapper who achieved success by posting videos online and often highlights his experience with autism, and others such as Jennifer Posey. And YJ, who YJ has confirmed his disability since birth, being on the spectrum, a “superpower.” And as for me on the spectrum,  I also put out music while raising awareness  for autism and often times,  I feel like some people get overlooked  or not taken seriously enough as an artist.  But that shouldn’t be the case.  I think the way I come up with certain ideas  in music as well as...

Autism is not one single experience—it shows up differently in every person. But one thing stays the same: autistic people still have basic human needs that often get misunderstood or overlooked. When those needs aren’t met, stress, burnout, and behavioral challenges can show up. Understanding early signs and core needs helps families, educators, and communities support autistic individuals better—not change who they are, but support how they move through the world. Basic Needs in Autism Autistic people have the same basic needs as anyone else, but sometimes those needs require different support. 1. Sensory Regulation Many autistic people experience sensory input differently. Sounds, lights, textures, or crowds can feel overwhelming or even painful. Support looks like: • Quiet spaces when overstimulated • Noise-canceling headphones • Comfortable clothing without irritation • Predictable environments when possible 2. Communication Support Not all autistic people communic...

People often think burnout just means being tired. For autistic people, it’s much deeper than that. Autistic burnout is what happens when your mind and body have been pushed past their limits for too long—trying to keep up in a world that isn’t built for you. For many of us, burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It builds slowly. Years of masking. Years of forcing yourself to socialize when your brain is overwhelmed. Years of trying to appear “normal” so people won’t judge you, misunderstand you, or treat you differently. Eventually, something inside just shuts down. Tasks that used to feel manageable suddenly feel impossible. Your energy disappears. Your patience gets shorter. Sensory things that you could once tolerate start to feel unbearable. Sometimes even speaking or explaining how you feel becomes exhausting. And the hardest part? Many people don’t recognize autistic burnout for what it is. They might say you’re being lazy, unmotivated, or dramatic. But the truth is—you’re not l...