The Autivist (Fighting for a Post Behaviorist World)

@neurodivergentequity.org

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Todd D. Woodward (He/Him/Theirs) Father. Husband. NeuroEducation & NeuroRelational Science wonk. AuDHD, Dyslexic. Disability Justice, Emancipatory Autism Studies. Perpetually awkward! #ActuallyAutistic Personal: @todd.woodward.social

Promo graphic. A round table with five seats: four yellow chairs are pulled up, and the fifth sits apart in a dashed outline. Text reads: The Fifth Chair. A public presentation. Thursday, the 16th of July, 2026, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Pacific, on Zoom. ASL and CART provided. Free and open to the public.
Alt text (1,998 characters): Infographic titled "Beyond the Label: Why 'Profound Autism' is a Step Backward." Subtitle: The label bifurcates the diagnosis using flawed data to justify segregation, prioritize cure-based research, and silence those with high support needs. Four sections: "Profound Autism Label: A Flawed & Regressive View": Two buckets on a linear scale represent the categorization. A pie chart marked with an X debunks the claim that 50% of Autistic people are "profound," noting non-autistic control groups were erroneously included. A callout notes DSM-5 Levels 1-3 already describe varying support needs. "Autistic Reality: A Spectrum of Heterogeneous Needs": A colorful spiky sphere illustrates autism as multidimensional rather than linear, with labeled dimensions: Communication (varied, e.g., AAC), Social Interaction (diverse), Executive Function (complex), Daily Living (support needed), Motor Skills (varied), and Sensory Needs (high). "The Harms of the 'Profound' Label": Three panels contrasting harmful vs. supportive approaches: segregated schooling versus accessible communication tools; presumption of incompetence versus ability to communicate via AAC; exclusion from decisions versus inclusion in conversations affecting one's own life. "Core Priorities Comparison" table: The "Profound Autism Label" focuses on cures and causation and views self-advocates as not representative. The "Neurodiversity Paradigm" focuses on quality of life, inclusion, and human rights, and centers the lived experience of all Autistic people.
The Organizing Logic Each category answers a distinct question: • What lenses do we use? → Paradigms & Frameworks • What are people? → Neurotypes & Conditions • How do minds work? → Cognition & Processing • Who are we? → Identity, Culture & Community • How do we connect? → Communication & Relationships • What does it feel like? → Lived Experience & Wellbeing • What does the world do to us? → Systems, Structures & Ableism • What do we do about it? → Praxis & Tools
A dark charcoal gray t-shirt features a graphic made entirely of colorful polka dots arranged in the shape of a lightning bolt or stylized arrow pointing right. The dots are roughly the size of large coins and densely packed together. The dots are drawn from a wide spectrum of colors with no repeating pattern, representing many different pride flags simultaneously. Colors include red, orange, yellow, green (both bright and lime), teal, light blue, medium blue, purple, lavender, pink, hot pink, magenta, white, gray, brown, and black. This broad palette references multiple pride flags, including the rainbow Pride flag, the bisexual flag, the transgender flag, the nonbinary flag, the intersex flag, the asexual flag, and others within the LGBTQIA2+ community.
“The truth is, no one of us can be free until everybody is free.” —Maya Angelou
Data Equity Defined Data equity transforms numbers into liberation • Who we count determines who counts • Data reveals or conceals structural inequities • Disaggregated data makes invisible communities visible
B&W picture of Audre Lord looking contemplative taken in 1980 by K Kendall in Austin, Texas.
A classy woman smoking a cigarette with the words, “Make Art, Do Spells, Fuck the System” surrounding her.
Picture of Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele for the comedy series Key & Peele.
Picture of scissors cutting a gold ribbon with the following words on top: Bethel Family Resource Center Don't Miss It GRAND RE-OPENING We are excited to announce the Grand ReOpening of the Bethel Family Resource Center (formerly the Cascade Family Resource Center) at its new location at the Clear Lake Community Resource Center. We are excited to serve the Bethel Community in our new location. Thursday From 4 - 6 PM July 10, 2025 4646 Barger Ave. Eugene, Oregon 97402
Logo of fork and knife in the middle of a sun with the words: Oregon Summer EBT Nutrition Program for Kids”
Photo of a book titled: Empire of Normality: Neurodiversity and Capitalism Robert Chapman Book features the outside of a human head filled in with a diverse scene of Audubon-like humming bird drawings.
Comic of a support group consisting of Bigfoot, a leprechaun, a mermaid, and a pink unicorn. On a chair next to the mermaid is a small vile of syrem. She points to it and says, "I'd like everyone to welcome our newest member to the group, the vaccine that causes autism."
Screenshot of a post by “Judy Singer Australia” that says: “I'm now blocking vicious defamers who call me "transphobic" for the simple tweet that "Trans'women' are not Women, and should find themselves another moniker. My aim was to point out the importance of self-naming for real Pride, as is done in many other non-binary cultures. But silly me, I didnt make it clear.”
Picture of a table with three buttons and a sticker. The three buttons read: MAKE LYING WRONG AGAIN CURE ABLEISM NOT AUTISM PRO-CHOICE PRO- LOVE PRO-SCiENCE And a sticker that reads: ONE DAY we will wake up TO HIS OBITUARY
I LIKE TO MAKE LISTS. I ALSO LIKE TO LEAVE THEM LAYING ON THE KITCHEN COUNTER AND THEN GUESS WHAT'S ON THE LIST WHILE AT THE STORE. FUN GAME.
Sign on the wall at the Oregon Coast Aquarium that has an exclamation mark in a circle with the words “Sensory Overload Zone” and the logo and URL for KultureCity.org.
Screenshot of write up about the BSP Disability Model Summary The Biopsychosocial Model conceptualizes disability as arising from dynamic interactions between biological, psychological, and social factors. Emerging from medical and social science integration in the 1970s, this framework attempts to bridge medical and social understandings of disability through a holistic, systems-based approach. It recognizes how physical conditions, mental states, and environmental factors continuously interact to shape disability experience. While gaining influence in healthcare and rehabilitation contexts, this model offers both opportunities and challenges. It provides tools for understanding complex interactions in disability experience, while raising questions about practical implementation and assessment methods. The model continues shaping clinical practice and service delivery, particularly in settings emphasizing comprehensive care approaches, though implementation often requires significant professional adaptation. Its principles remain central to contemporary healthcare while evolving to address implementation challenges and equity concerns. (Engel, 1977; Wade & Halligan, 2017; Imrie, 2004) Quote "Health and disability cannot be understood through biological factors alone - the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social influences shapes both individual experience and societal response." —George Engel, "The Need for a New Medical Model" (1977) History Key Time Periods: - 1970s: Initial framework development - 1980s: Healthcare integration
Neurodivergent Umbrella with a number of different traits and conditions under it. Autism Plurality Epilepsy Dysgraphia FASD Dyslexia ADHD Bipolar CPTSD Hearing Voices Alzheimer's Tourettes Acquired Brain Injuries Synesthesia DID & OSDD Down Syndrome OCD Anxiety Stuttering Plurality Dyspraxia Intellectual Disabilities Eating Disorders Psychosis Dyscalculia Personality Disorders Giftedness Cerebral Palsy * non-exhaustive
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Maxwell Smart character talking into his Shoe Phone.
The flag of Cascadia, with three horizontal stripes (blue, white, green) underneath the silhouette of a sequoia tree.
Neurodiversity Glossary/Lexicon screenshot of the ableism definition: Discrimination against disabled people based on the belief that the non-disabled are superior. Ableism includes prejudiced attitudes, stereotyping, and wrong ideas about disabled people. It also creates barriers that limit opportunities for disabled people. Ableism exists at personal, institutional, and cultural levels. It often assumes that disabled people need to be “fixed” instead of being valued for their unique perspectives and contributions.
Excerpt from the book The AntiAbleist Manifesto, chapter 14. Highlighted portion reads: "If you've ever participated in unconscious bias training..you might have been asked about your closest contacts," says DEI manager Siobhán Kangataran, "and then asked to consider how diverse they are in comparison to your race, eth-nicity, age, ability, background, gender, sexual orientation, and so on. Often these exercises are surprisingly unsurprising-we surround ourselves with people who look, sound, and live like us. Familiarity equals comfort, safety, and security."
What people think the autism spectrum looks like, vs. what the spectrum actually looks like.
Skydive @skydive8.bsky.social Follow THE CURE FOR AUTISM IN CHILDREN AND POSSIBLY ADULTS? jefftbowles.com/autism-cure-. AUTISM THE CURE FOR AUTISM IN CHILDREN AND POSSIBLY ADULTS? - Jeff T Bowles THE CURE FOR AUTISM IN CHILDREN AND POSSIBLY ADULTS?
A graphic representation of the autism spectrum. On the left is a line that goes from less to more autistic. On the right is a color wheel with pie wedges cut out for language, executive functioning, perception, motor skills and sensory.
Neurodivergent umbrella featuring list of different traits and conditions that fall under it like autism, ADHD. dyslexia, ocd, epilepsy, PTSD and more.
Two frames comparing what Autism Spectrum means. On the left is a linear line between “more” or “less” autistic. On the right is a circular color wheel with language, motor skills, executive functioning, perception and sensory as pie wedges.
Screenshot of BlueSky moderation settings that mute the words “nytimes”, “apple.news” and “washingtonpost”.
Book cover Title: “I Will Die On This Hill: Autistic Adults, Autism Parents, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World” Authors: Meghan Ashburn and Jules Edwards Foreword by Morénike Giwa Onaiwu
BlueSky post by: Jennifer Fitzpatrick BCBA: “Women who provide ABA therapy, have their professional contributions devalued, and their efforts to provide evidence-based care are framed as oppressive. These self dx autistic males act like the victims but in reality, they attack and abuse aba therapy practitioners who are 85% women.”
BlueSky post by Jennifer Fitzpatrick BCBA: “From a feminist standpoint, it is essential to recognize and call out the misogyny and sexism embedded in ABA therapy critiques. Advocacy for autistic individuals should focus on meaningful inclusion and support, not on amplifying the voices of those who exploit the cause to avoid accountability.”
BlueSky post by Jennifer Fitzpatrick BCBA: “The criticism of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy by certain individuals, particularly self-diagnosed autistic males, reveals a deeper issue rooted in misogyny, sexism, and resistance to accountability.”
BlueSky post screenshot by Jennifer Fitzpatrick BCBA “While the neurodiversity movement raises valid points about acceptance and inclusion, the way these critiques are often expressed— especially by men—reflects problematic attitudes toward women and authority rather than genuine advocacy for autistic individuals.”
Picture of a gravity timer counting down 60 minutes at 25:16 minutes now, sitting on top of a laptop.
I tried a new phrase in a meeting today. Instead of "underserved," "underprivileged," "historically marginalized," Try "strategically undervalued". I like it because it emphasizes the purposefulness of racism (rather than 'historically which gives a kind of happenstance energy) and uplifts the community by emphasizing the value of the community, rather than emphasizing the marginalization.
Two cats laying next to each other on a cushion. On the left is a white cat with brown mottled coloring, green eyes, wearing a purple collar. On the right is a tabby tiger-striped cat with yellow eyes.
Jennifer Fitzpatrick BCBA @je... • 6h The neurodiversity movement often highlights Level 1 supports but neglects the needs of those requiring Level 2 and 3 supports. Women, as primary caregivers, are left to navigate a lack of resources, fighting for their children's needs without sufficient advocacy. #Neurodiversity #Equity
Does NEXT for AUTISM have board members and employees with autism? NEXT for AUTISM has a diverse group of advisors in our community and on our board, including many autistic voices. We are always seeking to expand our community and add additional voices. Earlier this year, we expanded our Advisory Board to include much more representation from the autism community, and have committed to including more autistic board members in the future.
A star filled long exposure photo of the Milk Way
The image depicts a purple umbrella with a curved handle, standing as a central symbol of neurodiversity. Around the umbrella are various terms written in different colors and orientations representing different neurodivergent conditions and experiences. These include terms like ADHD, Autism, Epilepsy, and others, scattered dynamically around the umbrella as if sheltered beneath its protective span. At the top of the umbrella, the word 'NEURODIVERGENT' is prominently displayed. At the bottom of the graphic, there's a note indicating this is a '*NON-EXHAUSTIVE LIST', and it includes a credit to 'www.livedexperienceeducator.com' along with a social media handle '@livedexperienceeducator'. The design metaphorically suggests that neurodiversity encompasses a wide, interconnected range of neurological experiences and identities, all united under a single, inclusive "umbrella".
Screenshot of an iPhone showing a menu confirming if “Delete ‘Threads’?” is OK.
A rainbow infinity lanyard with various pins attached to it. One the left is an “AuDHD” pin. In the middle is a “You are SAFE with me” rainbow circular pin. On the right is an upside down Queer Pride pin, a peace dove of Palestine pin, and a Disability Pride flap pin.
A graphic showing the differences between an understanding of autism like a line from less to more autistic, contrasted with a circular spectrum wheel with language, motor skills, executive functioning, perception
Five yellow and black cards laid out on a wooden surface, each describing a different cognitive bias such as the backfire effect, confirmation bias, and sunk cost fallacy. Part of a 'call out card' game with explanatory text about psychological biases.
https://autisticadvocacy.org/considerthefacts/
Comparative graphic showing the evolution of the Autism Speaks logo, featuring two versions side by side - one with a puzzle piece hand symbol and another with a heart replacing the puzzle piece. The image includes critical text about the organization's problematic representation and approaches to autism, with handwritten annotations and a video thumbnail in the background.
Animated GIF of a clip from the movie Shawshank Redemption where the the character of Andy shares a story with the warden that might prove his innocence. Despite how much Andy has helped both the warden and the prison, the warden refuses to help Andy. Andy's simple question "How can you be so obtuse?" enrages the warden, causing him to send Andy to solitary confinement for a month.
Picture of a table with a far-apart split keyboard with a gyro in the middle. Above is a laptop. To the rest is a bottle of soda, and a cup of tea.
Screenshot image of the album cover of Chicanes newest album, “Trampolines” showing the song “Polystyrene” playing and Favorited.
Two panes. Left pane says “What people think the autism spectrum looks like” followed by a linear line from “less autistic” to “more autistic”. On the right pane is “what it can actually look like” colorful circle with pie slices for different areas like language, motor skills, executive functioning, perception and sensory areas.
A rabbit in a smart looking suit and tie, looking out from a hole, illustrating the concept of “rabbit holes”
Two cats laying down next to each other. Cat on the left, Ms. Mittens, is white with tortoise shell colored fur. Cat on the right, Mr. Brooks, is all tortoise shell colored.
Spice packet from Penzeys Spices called “Outrage of Love”. Package features a red heart, with multicolored squiggles on a background of blue.
Screenshot of the "The Remix Tour Live Eddie Izzard: The First 35 Years" event at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts in Eugene, Oregon, Nov 13, 2024 at 8:00 PM PST.