My name is Kathy Carter, and I curate Spectra.Blog – an #actuallyautistic autism resource that is most definitely about empathetic awareness and acceptance. Many posts are written by myself, although some will be by other contributors, and they will be credited. The Spectra.Blog website launched in 2017.
I am a writer. I have written professionally since the late 1990s, and am also undertaking professional studies and qualifications within the field of autism (2018-2019). My fourth book (and my first concerning autism) is scheduled for release summer 2019, titled: ‘Autism from A-Z: presented by Spectra Blog‘. (I also hope to undertake counselling training / qualifications (2019-2023), and thereafter to specialise in working with people with anxiety disorders.)
Anyway, down to the juicy stuff; I am on the autistic spectrum. My diagnosis is autism with an Asperger’s-type profile, so I am an Aspie! Yay! I have a badge and everything*. I was diagnosed in my 40s, like many adults who begin researching autism spectrum conditions when they suspect a family member is autistic.
It’s safe to say that autism spectrum disorders are now one of my Special Interests; I love reading about autism and helping to spread the word about ASDs (autism spectrum disorders) / ASCs (autism spectrum conditions) in a positive and well-informed way. Like I say in every blog, I don’t claim to be an expert or state definitive facts about autism; what I write is based on my own experiences and exposures. Thanks for reading!
*I don’t have a badge. They don’t give you a badge. I wish they gave you a badge.
Also published on Medium.
I am 58 and was diagnosed with autism this year 2017. It is a strong family trait. I really want to help other people and try to learn everything I can about Autism.
Thanks for taking the time to read our blog Kathryn, and for commenting. Congrats on the diagnosis! Yes it is a learning curve isn’t it! If there’s anything you’d like to see covered on spectra.blog then please do let us know; or maybe you’d even like to contribute yourself in a guest blog? Good luck with your new ASD journey! SB team x
Hi Kathy,
I read your 2018 text on the Aspie Superpower days with much interest and found this to be a true lightbulb moment. Those green days sure makes you question your diagnosis but this explained it all to me, as it almost perfectly replicated my own experience.
I have shared the link to the text with my autistic networks and a lot of people seem to relate strongly to what you wrote.
I am curious if this concept was ever picked up and developed, as I would like to read more. I am fairly recently diagnosed at 48 yo and am currently going through the intensive learning-about-autism period that everybody seems to go through. So much to read and it is hugely interesting, but there is obviously so much out there that I have missed so far.
Any pointers towards readings around the green-amber-red days would be hugely appreciated!
So sorry your post wasn’t responded to Mia. Such an oversight as we SO appreciate comments and feedback. Glad you enjoyed this post! To my knowledge there’s no research on this theory. I can gratuitously recommend my own book Autism from A to Z but can’t point you to other Superpower days info, I am sorry to say! All the best – Kathy – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Autism-Z-Kathy-Carter/dp/099343925X