I was 12 the first time that I got on a roller coaster at a theme park. We were given tickets to the theme park at school for reading a certain amount of books. I was just happy to be included in something, so I went along with the group. It started out pretty fun, but then we got in line to ride the roller coaster. I was already extra nervous about it because I did not like heights and did not like the … [Read more...]

As a child I knew that I was different. I struggled academically in school and just plain didn’t fit in. Basic things such as being able to tie my shoes, put my hair in a pony and ride a bike were delayed by more than a few years. I often heard people say “something is wrong with her”, at first I ignored it, then when I got older I wanted to find out. I so badly wanted to unlock the secret to what this meant. … [Read more...]

When I was 6 years old I told my teacher that I wanted to be a music teacher. I struggled academically and was behind in a lot of areas, so this dream seemed pretty far fetched at the time. I had piano lessons from age 10 to 11, we had borrowed my aunt’s piano, but then we moved and discontinued lessons, making my dream even harder to get to. As a kid I had been to a few piano competitions and recitals that … [Read more...]

The Musical Autist acknowledges, commemorates and participates in the Disability Day of Mourning on March 1st. We encourage our readers to find a vigil near you, or participate virtually. You can find a list here at Autistic Self Advocacy Network. Several of us will be attending the virtual vigil organized in Maryland, since our organization is based here. If you'd like to attend a vigil and have no … [Read more...]