Kieran and friends ringing in the new year. | | |
For many years after my son's diagnosis, no one mentioned “masking” when Autism was discussed. This subject came to my attention within the past ten years as more folks with Autism began speaking out (and being heard) on what ASD is like from the inside. Masking involves adopting expected behaviors in order to fit in better socially. We all mask to some extent – putting our best foot forward in job interviews or hiding our true opinions during holiday gatherings in order to avoid conflict.
Those with Autism, however, are expected to mask far more frequently and consistently to appear neurotypical. Masking is often demanded, rather than a result of choice. Autistics are asked to stop stimming (even though it may help them cope or concentrate), to make eye contact (even though that may interfere with auditory processing), or to curb their natural reactions to sensory stimuli (someone who dislikes being touched may find shaking hands or hugging aversive). The problem is that masking takes a great deal of concentration – meaning there is less available attention for dealing with anything else demanded by the situation, which can induce a great deal of anxiety about whether the masking is working.
More importantly, masking is the result of messaging (which begins at a very early age) that one's natural reactions and inclinations are wrong. Being told one is overreacting or too sensitive makes one feel that they are somehow a lesser being. And this is a message that we should not want to send to anyone.
While masking cannot be avoided completely, let's make a New Year's resolution for 2026 to create and be safe places for folks to unmask and be their real selves in our presence. We can be a nonjudgmental haven for stimming, social awkwardness, and focus on a particular subject. By doing so, we can also model the same tolerance and kindness in the hope that 2026 will be a better world for those with Autism.
Happy New Year!
| Kathi J. Machle, President | | PS. January has a few special dates I wanted to make note of. First, January 11-17 is Universal Letter Writing Week. I see this as motivation to send at least one letter by snail mail – a card to a loved one, a thank you for a holiday gift, a statement of opinion to a legislator, or a compliment to someone who has been particularly helpful. Of course, this could also be a teaching moment – everyone likes to get mail. Second, the Autism Society of America is celebrating 60 years of making connections! Happy Birthday! | | |
ASO is preparing for its 2026 grant cycle. If you have a project for which you seek funding in any of the counties not served by a local affiliate (Adams, Allen, Ashland, Athens, Auglaize, Belmont, Brown, Carroll, Clark, Clinton, Coshocton, Crawford, Erie, Fayette, Gallia, Guernsey, Hardin, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Holmes, Huron, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pike, Richland, Ross, Scioto, Tuscarawas, Van Wert, Vinton, Washington, or Wyandot) you can find information at autismohio.org/grants.
ASO also provides funding to your local affiliate to ensure that Autism programming and awareness is spread throughout Ohio's 88 counties.
| | |
The Autism Society relies upon the tremendous work of our local organizations to help individuals and families throughout Ohio. If you don’t see your county listed below, please contact the Autism Society of Ohio so we can connect you with support and services in your area. For more information, call 614-495-7551 or via email at info@autismohio.org
For information about events and support groups sponsored by other local Autism Society Affiliates, click HERE. The page identifies counties covered by a local affiliate and provides contact information.
| | Autism Society of Dayton has announced a key fundraising initiative to bring a comprehensive water safety program to the Miami Valley. This is in direct response to the heightened risks of drowning of those with Autism. A dedicated water safety program would provide Autistic children with developmentally appropriate swim instruction, practical safety skills, and better strategies to avoid danger around water. Families and caregivers would be provided with strategies to reduce risk and effectively respond in emergencies. | | Autism Society Central Ohio is celebrating over 30 years serving twelve central Ohio counties. Thirty years ago, ASCO's activities included a monthly support group and a monthly newsletter. In 2025, this is what was going on: | | NOW is a great time to order ASO merch for yourself or give as a gift. Find your new favorite hat, T-shirt, and more on our website! | | |
Looking for a fun and impactful way to support those with Autism in your community or throughout the state? Consider hosting a third-party fundraising event! Whether you're an individual, business, or organization, there's something for everyone to get involved in. These events raise vital funds, spread awareness, promote inclusivity, and can significantly impact families living with Autism.
Let's make a difference together!
| | |
Examples of third-party events:
- Sip and paint
- Car washes, craft shows, or bake sales
- Casual Fridays and holiday parties
- Grand openings and store promotions
- Art shows/art auctions
- Bike-a-thon, walk-a-thon, bowl-a-thon
- Golf tournaments
- Black-tie events
- 5k races and marathons
| | STATE AND NATIONAL ADVOCACY | | |
Support the KASSA Act
The Keeping All Students Safe Act (KASSA) has been introduced in both the US House and Senate. This bill would make it illegal for a school receiving federal funding to seclude a child or to use restraint practices, such as prone or supine restraint, that might restrict breathing. It would also prohibit physical restraints except when there is imminent danger of serious injury to students or staff. The bill would also ensure that staff training is provided in accordance with evidence-based proactive strategies.
If you would like to voice your support to this bill, including you/your child's personal experiences, visit votervoice.net.
| |
Autism Society of America continues to monitor what is happening in Washington. For updates on national legislation, you can subscribe to The Capitol Connection.
ASO has continued its advocacy statewide. Please reach out to us with comments or concerns. Your voice is important.
|
| | | |
