November 2018 has been a quiet month for the autistic community, with medical advancements and status-quo changing events taking a backseat to heartwarming gestures and progression stepping stones – actions, which may make a difference in the long run but, right now, don’t seem too earthshattering.

As such, November’s autism news round-up has been condensed to a top 3 instead of the usual top 5, but stay with me as, what these headlines lack in impact, they more than make up for in heart (as always, links to the full stories can be accessed by clicking on the red titles and the bold headings).

Honourable Mentions

Eddie Redmayne thinks Newt may be autistic

While I may only be covering 3 pieces of autism news in depth today, that’s not to say that were only 3 pieces of autism news in the whole of November. So, before we get to the meat of the matter, here are some honourable mentions:

The Top Autism News for November 2018:

3. Strangers Unite to offer Support during Californian Fires 

Hope amongst flames for autistic man

Due to a myriad of factors (largely linked to climate change), this November, Calfornia experienced its most destructive wildfire since records began. Covering a total of 1,667,855 acres and leaving thousands homeless, the fires, which are now said to be contained, have devastated lives and have caused around $3b worth of damages.

However, while financial reparations aren’t something which should easily be looked over, it is the items with emotional connections which continue to be some of the most upsetting losses during this catastrophe – and It is one of these losses: an autistic man’s playing card collection, where I want to begin this month’s round-up.

But this isn’t a sad news item by any stretch, in fact, it’s one which shows how people will band together in times of tragedy; as after 28 year old autistic Alexander Humbert lost his prized playing card collection to the wildfires, his mother: Carla, put out an online request for donations to help Alexander build up his collection once again.

Carla’s pleas were soon met by hundreds of responses and within days Alexander had built up a new card collection from those gifted by strangers, including others, who had been equally affected by the forest fires, but still found the opportunity to offer support to their fellow man.

(While Carla’s appeal for playing cards has since been met, there are still thousands in California in need of support. If this is a cause you would like to help, please follow this link to all the different charities fighting this disaster.

2. Autism Advocate on ‘I’m A Celeb’

Anne Hegerty made her I'm a Celeb debut

While this year’s series of ‘I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here’ has been full of the usual twists and turns, for many, this season’s biggest surprise of the long-running UK reality show came, when Anne Hegerty (of The Chase fame) discussed her diagnosis of autism, in week 1.

Although for certain members of the autistic community, this may not have come as too much of a shock (due to Hegerty’s already prominent autism advocacy in recent years), it was certainly a revelation for many as, after the show aired, so many people went straight to the National Autistic Society’s website that the site overloaded and crashed!

What makes this piece of news so worthy of celebrating however, is just how well Hegerty has handled her discussions of autism with her fellow campmates (as well as the 11 million viewers who tuned in) – explaining differences such as those associated with ‘mirror neurones’, whilst also opening up about how not all autistic people have the same traits and that even these traits may change with age.

As a sidenote, I also thought it was great that this has led people to say ‘Anne’s Autism’ which cuts through the people first/identity first argument, by creating a language which shows how autism is unique to the individual.

Hegerty’s appearance on I’m a Celebrity can only mean great things for our community over the coming months. So, whether it’s her open-ended discussion which invites people to learn more, or Hegerty’s gender informing people that, yes, autists can also be female, then I’m certain that this year’s show is going to be one to watch.

1. An Autistic Presence at the Macy’s Day Parade

Julia makes her live appearences at Macy's

In 2015, Sesame Street created a digital storybook called ‘We’re amazing 1, 2, 3’, which simultaneously taught young folk about friendship, whilst also introducing the world to the first autistic muppet: Julia: a 4 years old atypical girl.

Julia’s popularity was so immediate, that it wasn’t long until she joined the main cast of Sesame Street, appearing in the 4715th episode of the show (my God that’s a lot of Sesame Street), complete with two sets of arms – so that she can flap when excited.

Now, just one year after making her first appearance, Julia has made history again, by appearing in this month’s Macy’s Day Parade – a thanksgiving celebration in America, which features multiple festive floats.

I have no doubt that Julia’s presence in the parade would have made the top news this month (even if she was just a still picture). However, the level of detail that went into her first live appearance is so impressive that it can’t help but bring a smile to your face – yes, I am of course referring to how she came prepared with a little set of noise cancelling headphones!

Every year the Macy’s Day Parade is watched by 50 million people and I can’t help but praise Sesame Street and the organisers of the parade for Julia’s inclusion, as it is likely thousands of autists who watched that day will have felt a greater sense of belonging thanks to this representation. Whilst children, who are not themselves on the spectrum, may now begin asking questions about autism.

Carry on the Conversation

While the autism community may have strayed from the headlines this month that doesn’t mean we haven’t done things worth celebrating. So, please, share any of your personal achievements in today’s comment section. Also, for any of those who want to hear my thoughts on the Newt Scamander autism story, please follow this link to my article on ‘Why Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is the autism film we NEED‘.

As always, I can also be found on Twitter @AutismRevised and via my email: AutisticandUnapologetic@gmail.com.

If you like what you have seen on the site today, then show your support by liking the Autistic & Unapologetic Facebook page. Also, don’t forget to sign up to the Autistic & Unapologetic newsletter (found on the sidebar on laptops and underneath if you are reading this via mobile) where I share weekly updates as well as a fascinating fact I have found throughout the week.

Thank you for reading and I will see you next Saturday for more thoughts from across the spectrum.