If Electric Fences are Abusive for Dogs, Why are They OK for Your Autistic Child?

As an autistic parent to autistic kids, a veterinary technologist and a human being, I never thought I would have to write this. In an autistic led parent education group someone posted about elopement and how to help their child. One person suggested an electric fence.   Even A dog Trainer Finds it Horrific A …

Quack Exposed: Dianne Jacobs Thompson

Dianne Jacobs Thompson was a substitute teacher at Sunny Side School District in Washington state. When she wasn't teaching, she was promoting MMS use on children. This was in a secret group on Facebook called Autism Through Their Eyes. Who would want someone like this teaching children, even as a substitute? Dear @sunnysidesd you have …

Problematic Organization: PETA

What does PETA have to do with autism? It shouldn't it stands for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. But like many organizations, they could not stay in their lane. PETA is so controversial, the rescue and veterinary community does not like them.  PETA was founded on August 21, 1980 by Ingrid Newkirk …

Achievements by Autistic People are Not Amazing just because they are Autistic

Far too many times achievements by autistic people are sensationalized and the recipient is infantilized. This is how inspiration porn is born. Disabled people are put on a pedestal to make non disabled people feel good. This happens often to autistics who have multiple college degrees, been campaigning against mistreatment, have a career, etc. The …

Debarking an Autistic Child?

A mother from Wisconsin had a very controversial surgery done on her autistic child. She claimed that it helped quiet him. The mother said it was the right choice for their family. Kade Hadegraaf is her son. Three years ago he started screaming and didn't stop. The mother claimed that he would scream 1000 times …

Can Dogs Be Autistic?

There has been the age old question going around the community:"Can dogs be autistic?" The answer to this question is not as simple as it may seem. To answer this question, the psychology of dogs, structure of their brain and genetics need to be examined.  Psychology of humans and psychology of dogs are completely different.  …

"Autism Parents" Would Learn A Lot from Jackson Galaxy

The majority of "autism parents" I run into want to fix their autistic child with ABA or having them mask. This is usually achieved by operant conditioning, positive/negative reinforcement, etc. As an autistic veterinary technologist, I noticed that Jackson Galaxy from "My Cat From Hell" has a different approach when he works with cats and …

Autistic, veterinary professional = complicated feelings about Temple Grandin

One question I get asked a lot is my thoughts on Temple Grandin. I am an Autistic and am in the veterinary field. My thoughts on her are complicated. Let me explain. When I first thought I may be autistic, but not sure, I did some research. I found Temple Grandin. She is autistic and …