Autistics Aloud

06/18/2026

Happy Autistic Pride Day from Autistics Aloud!!

Autistic Pride Day was first celebrated on June 18, 2005. Modelled after the gay pride movement, the date was chosen to honour the birthday of the group's youngest member

We are very proud of all of our Autistic contributors, and you can visit our website: www.autisticsaloud.ca to read their submissions.

[image description] A graphic celebrating Autistic Pride Day from "Autistics Aloud."

At the top, a large rainbow infinity symbol weaves through four diverse, colorful illustrated people holding cardboard signs that read: "HAPPY," "AUTISTIC," "PRIDE," and "DAY."

Below this banner are five distinct comic-style panels featuring black-and-white illustrations of autistic individuals with hand-written style text:

Top left panel shows a person standing apart from a group outline. Text: "I don’t consider myself a broken version of normal. Normal is a setting on a washing machine. Humans are neurodiverse."

The bottom left panel shows a person in a wheelchair holding a communication tablet. Text: "Not using spoken language doesn’t mean I can’t communicate, understand and be understood and be proud of who I am."

The top right panel shows a person looking smilingly into a mirror. Text: "Being different isn’t a negative thing. I am proud to be Autistic."

The bottom right panel shows three people sitting at a table together with smiling speech bubbles. Text: "Being able to unmask around other autistics increases my sense of belonging and pride."

The center features two explosive speech bubbles. The top one shows two people resting, one with crutches, one with headphones, surrounded by flowers. Text: "Our needs aren’t special, they’re human." The bottom one shows a person kneeling down to look at flowers. Text: "My interests are important to me. They bring joy and regulation."

04/02/2026

Happy World Autism Day from Autistics Aloud!

Remember: Today and every day, Nothing About Us Without Us!

♾️

04/01/2026

Happy Autism Acceptance Month from Autistics Aloud! 🎉

Please come check out our website at www.autisticsaloud.ca to help celebrate our wonderful contributors who have shared their stories, art, and experiences with us.

♾️

11/25/2025

In case you missed it!

Autistics Aloud is thrilled to have published Jamie last week!!

Her powerful words about being Autistic and whimsical artwork are a combination that more people should read and see.

So please enjoy Jamie's Conversation and feel free to pop on over to her Instagram account and give her a follow:
https://www.instagram.com/jaycool_art/

Thanks again, Jamie! We can't wait to see what art you post next.

11/24/2025

Pictured here is Autistics Aloud Editor-in-Chief, Patricia George-Zwicker (left side, standing and masked), and Maddy Dever, Interim Chair of Canada's National Autism Network.

Patricia wears a few different work hats. Alongside being the Editor, Patricia is also the Coordinator for Nova Scotia's inaugural Provincial Autism Action Plan.

Nova Scotia is the first province or territory to take on the creation of an Autism Action Plan.

It was wonderful to meet with Maddy and draw from their experiences and expertise working at a national level. We can accomplish amazing things when we work together and listen to each other.

We are very proud of our Editor and the work they are doing. Patricia is steadfast in the disability rights mantra, Nothing about us without us, and the empowerment and true inclusion of autistic people within every area of society.

Thank you so much, Maddy, for meeting with Autism Nova Scotia and Patricia. We appreciate all you have done for Autistic people and our families.

Last week, Autism Nova Scotia was honoured to host Maddy Dever, Interim Chair of Canada's National Autism Network.

Maddy’s leadership in advancing the National Autism Framework continues to empower Autistic people, families, and communities across Canada and across the neuro-tapestry.

Our Provincial Autism Action Plan team, Patricia George Zwicker and Vicki Harvey, joined Maddy for a thoughtful discussion on shared priorities, system challenges, and opportunities ahead. Together, we reflected on the themes emerging across federal and provincial efforts, supporting progress on both the National Autism Strategy and Nova Scotia’s Autism Action Plan.

Thank you, Maddy, for your insight, collaboration, and dedication. We look forward to continuing this important work together.

*Patricia and Maddy pictured

11/20/2025

November 20th is Transgender day of remembrance.

Today, we pause to acknowledge the Trans lives taken over the past year to the weight of stigma.

I think it is very important to note that within the autistic population, there is a far greater likelihood that we will be Trans or under the trans umbrella, which also includes those who are non-binary.

So today, we also acknowledge and hold space for those who are trans and autistic and no longer with us.

As the banner of the graphic states, "I’m not asking you to agree. I’m asking you to let me live."

Autistics Aloud stands with the Trans community, today and every day. You are our family, and we love you.

11/19/2025

Autistics Aloud is back with our final Conversation for 2025! 🎉

When the Editor first saw Jamie's artwork, they knew they wanted to find a way to share it with a broader audience. Between the colours, creativity, and attention to detail, her work is a true delight to look at. You could spend hours exploring a piece and still discover more when you look later on.

Placing Jamie's artwork alongside her 5 interview questions is a glorious juxtaposition of beautiful art and a call to action for how society sees and treats autistic people.

So please enjoy Jamie's Conversation and feel free to pop on over to her Instagram account and give her a follow!

https://www.instagram.com/jaycool_art/

Thank you so much, Jamie! We really appreciate you sharing your art and insights into what it is like to be an autistic adult and how people could understand and support us better.

11/14/2025

Study opportunity that Autistics Aloud was recently made aware of and would like to pass along.

The topic is autism and substance use.

The study is interested in hearing from Autistic individuals' experiences with drugs/alcohol.

Age s are 18 - 29.
A formal diagnosis is required
Live in Canada
Lived in Canada 3+ years as a teen
Have used drugs/alcohol recreationally 6+ times in your life

The study includes questionnaires and a virtual interview.

Please use the QR code or contact:
[email protected]

The website is
https://redcap.link/autsub-screening

Ages are 18 - 29.with anyone whom you think may be interested.

11/12/2025

On behalf of Autism Nova Scotia, Autistics Aloud would be delighted if you could join us for our 2025 Holiday Celebration:

Date - Thursday, November 27, 2025

Time - 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Location - NSCC Ivany Campus, 80 Mawio’mi Place, Dartmouth

This evening is an opportunity for us to come together in gratitude and celebration, recognizing inclusive education across Nova Scotia and the incredible people who make it possible. We’ll honour this year’s Sheelagh Nolan Award for Teaching Excellence recipient and hear from inspiring students supported through the Amy Farnell Education Award.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect, reflect, and enjoy the spirit of the season. Light refreshments and holiday treats will be served, and all are welcome.
You can RSVP or learn more here:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/autism-nova-scotia-holiday-celebration-tickets-1819056961339