Brown Side Of Autism

On Wednesday July 29th, my brother David and I went to Flagship City Food Hall. I happened to check my email and every Wednesday, CheesErie does 5 dollar burgers and so we had went ahead and got dinner there. Although it wasn’t my first time coming here it was my brother’s first time coming here. I had got the burger and a side of fries and a Diet Coke to drink and it definitely hit the spot. Sometimes when I’m on break from working at the courthouse I’ll come to this spot and get a burger & fries, but also will check out the other food spots. For me, moments like this are important. As someone who has experienced challenges with autism throughout my life, I’ve learned to appreciate the simple moments — spending time with family, trying new experiences, and creating memories. Something as small as sharing a meal with my brother can become a meaningful reminder of how far I’ve come. David got the mac & cheese cheeseburger with onion rings. I never seen the burger before but it l...

  Recently, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro spoke out about something that hits close to home for me and so many others in the autism community. He called out the way public figures like RFK Jr. and Donald Trump have spoken about autism—words that don’t just stay words, but can shape how people see us, treat us, and support us. Let me be clear: autism is not something that should ever be disrespected, dismissed, or used as a talking point. As someone who was diagnosed at three years old and was once nonverbal, I know what it feels like to be misunderstood. I know what it feels like when people underestimate you, talk over you, or act like your voice doesn’t matter. So when people in positions of power speak carelessly about autism, it doesn’t just affect policies—it affects real people like me. It affects families trying to get support. It affects kids who are still finding their voice. It affects how society chooses to see us. That’s why what’s happening here in Pennsylvania ma...

  From July 19–22, I went on vacation to Deep Creek, Maryland with Delaney and her mom and dad. This trip was a special experience because it gave me the chance to step outside of my comfort zone, try new things, and create memories with people I care about. One of the biggest highlights of the trip was getting on the boat for the first time. As an autistic person, new experiences and unfamiliar environments can sometimes bring challenges because of changes in routine, sensory differences, and being in a new setting. However, I was able to take in the experience at my own pace and enjoy the moment. On Monday, we all got on the boat and started riding around the lake. At first, it was something new and different for me, but I quickly found myself enjoying it. Feeling the cool breeze while riding across the water was calming and refreshing. The sound of the water, the open space, and the peaceful views of Deep Creek helped me feel relaxed and present in the moment. It reminded me tha...

When people hear the idea of cameras in special needs classrooms, reactions are immediate—and usually divided. Some see protection. Others see invasion. As someone on the autism spectrum, I understand both sides of this conversation in a way that goes deeper than headlines. Because this isn’t just about cameras—it’s about trust, safety, dignity, and how society treats people with disabilities. For many families, the idea of cameras brings a sense of relief. They want to know that their child is safe when they aren’t there. They want accountability. They want reassurance that their loved one is being treated with the same respect and compassion they would provide at home. And those concerns are understandable. Many autistic individuals and people with disabilities may communicate differently, making it harder to explain when something goes wrong. Some may not have the ability to describe an experience clearly, especially during moments of stress or after a traumatic event. For families,...

  “I hate being autistic.” That’s something I’ve heard more than once—and if I’m being honest, it’s something I’ve felt before too. Not because I hate who I am. But because sometimes… being autistic feels exhausting. It’s the moments when your mind won’t slow down, when the world feels too loud, too bright, too overwhelming. It’s trying to explain yourself over and over again just to still be misunderstood. It’s people saying things like “you don’t look autistic” or treating you like you’re either too much or not enough at the same time. So when someone says they hate being autistic, I don’t take it as self-hate right away. I hear frustration. I hear burnout. I hear someone who’s tired of having to fight just to exist comfortably in a world that wasn’t built with them in mind. Because the truth is—most people don’t hate being autistic. They hate how hard it can be to live with it in a society that doesn’t always try to understand it. There’s a difference. And it’s a dif...

  There’s something special about a house filled with music, laughter, and a little bit of chaos—and that’s exactly what karaoke day with the family feels like. It’s not about hitting every note perfectly or knowing all the lyrics. It’s about being present, letting loose, and creating memories that last way longer than the songs themselves. For me, days like this mean more than just fun. As someone on the autism spectrum, environments can sometimes feel overwhelming—especially when things get loud or unpredictable. But karaoke day is different. It’s a kind of “good noise.” The kind where laughter replaces pressure, and the focus isn’t on being perfect, but on being yourself. We all take turns picking songs—some throwbacks, some crowd favorites, and some completely random choices that somehow become the highlight of the day. There’s always that one person who goes all out, performing like they’re on stage at a concert, and someone else who starts off shy but ends up stealing the sho...

On Friday, July 3rd, my brother David and I grilled steaks for the first time. At first, it felt a little unfamiliar, but once we got started, the process wasn’t hard at all. My stepdad, JW, helped us by turning on the grill, making sure everything was set up the right way. After that, I took on the responsibility of flipping the steaks, making sure they cooked evenly on both sides. It was a simple moment, but it meant a lot—learning something new, working together, and building confidence in the process. Sometimes, trying something for the first time can feel intimidating, but once you take that first step, it becomes easier than you think. Daniel Gillespie  Today marked the day when my brother, my stepdad, and I embarked on a culinary adventure to prepare for the upcoming 4th of July weekend. Just a couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of assisting my stepdad in cooking a delightful spread of burgers, hotdogs, grilled chicken, and kielbasa sausage. Today, my brother Daniel joi...

  There are a lot of conversations happening about autism—but not enough of them include autistic people themselves. Too often, decisions, assumptions, and narratives about autism are shaped by people who don’t actually live with it. That creates a gap. And in that gap, real voices get overlooked. I know what that feels like. Living on the spectrum means I’ve experienced moments where people spoke about me instead of to me. Moments where they assumed what I could or couldn’t do before I even had the chance to show them. And moments where my silence, processing style, or communication differences were misunderstood as absence rather than difference. But being autistic doesn’t mean being voiceless. It means being communicated with differently. 🧠 Autism is not one voice—it’s many There is no single way autism looks, sounds, or shows up. Some people are verbal, some are nonverbal. Some process quickly, others take more time. Some show emotions outwardly, others hold them inside....