This April, autism acceptance month, we have insightful conversations with Milena Bates and Jules Edwards about neurodiversity. These two mothers recognized that they themselves are neurodiverse as they sought diagnoses and services for their autistic children. This episode will bring you joy, make you think, and provide a new lens on autism. Milena and Jules share their personal and parenting journeys and shift the autism narrative toward acceptance.

Show Notes: 

- MN Autistics and Allies is the Facebook group that Milena and Jules co-administer.

- Writing from Jules (@AutisticTyping):

"Today, your child was diagnosed with autism"
#AutismMoon in-progress series (images with bite-sized information)

- Milena is a Pacer Parent Advocate and member of the MN Department of Education's Special Education Advisory Panel.

- Jules is a Parent Advocate with the Multicultural Autism Action Network and current University of Minnesota LEND fellow.

Acknowledgements:

This Oxygen Mask Episode was made possible by an Family Connections Innovation Grant from the MN Department of Human Services. Communities Engaging Autism is grateful for this financial support.