Do you identify with some autistic traits, and want to learn more?
Here are some resources I’ve gathered specifically for you.
Blog Posts
Please stop calling yourself an hspWhat is autism?What is neurodivergence?WHAT IS OVERSTIMLUATION?
“On the Spectrum”
When we talk about autism or neurodivergence we often mention a spectrum. Sometimes this is misunderstood as a range of intensity from “more” to “less.” But you cannot be “more” or “less” autistic or neurodivergent.
I made a zine to illustrate the complexity and nuance of being “on the spectrum.” You can read it here.
This is a great place to start breaking down stereotypes. Please remember when listening that every autistic experience is unique (…we don’t all see rainbows.) 🌈
And a few more podcasts.
“What if we assumed our needs were reasonable?” Katherine May & Sara Tasker chat about neurodivergence on Hashtag Authentic.
I’ve collected some of our favorite fidgets, regulation tools, art supplies and books here.
How it Feels to Me
You may also enjoy the picture book I’m co-creating with an autistic illustrator Gracie Klumpp. How it Feels to Me is an introduction to sensory processing for readers of all ages.
I made this video to share my experience of overstimulation.
I also find that my autistic traits are almost always rooted in sensory differences. So this a helpful place to start when discussing autism. Overstimulation can also be experienced by ADHDers.
This book explores the science behind how we each experience the world. Readers will learn about differences in sensory experiences and better understand themselves and others. This book is written and illustrated by two autistic creators making the book they wish they’d had growing up.
This self published book is fully funded and in the proofing stage. If you’d like to know more about the inspiration behind this project you can watch our crowdfunding video here.
Support the project by preordering a limited edition hardcover.
Or choose to donate a copy to a school, library, or a neurodivergent family in financial hardship.
Sarah Shotts (author) is an autistic interdisciplinary artist and author of Discover Your Creative Ecosystem. Their writing has also been published in Ought: The Journal of Autistic Culture. Sarah earned a Masters degree in Applied Drama from Goldsmiths University of London and a bachelors in Fine and Performing Arts at Mississippi University for Women (MUW.)
Gracie Klumpp (illustrator) Gracie is an autistic illustrator and writer who lives in an old Airstream, and never runs out of stories. She’s not always the best at talking about them—but that’s why she’s always creating them. Gracie studied Digital Media Arts: Animation at Huntington University, and has used her animation chops to inform her illustration work since graduating. Gracie makes storytelling magic in all sorts of mediums, and doesn’t really mind which she uses so long as it serves the story best.
The word neurodivergence is made of two parts. Neuro meaning brain. And divergence meaning to differ. Neurodivergence means that your brain processes the world differently.
Every human is unique, but most brains have certain things in common.
Neurodivergent folks experience the world differently. Our brains are processing information in different ways. There are lots of types of neurodivergence including dyslexia, dyscalculia, synesthesia, OCD, dyspraxia, etc. Each with specific ways the brain differs from most people.
Choose Your Adventure
This is a micro post. Continue learning about neurodivergence below.
I’m always reading and listening to content about publishing – both indie and traditional. I’ll keep this page updated with resources you might find helpful as you find your own way within the publishing landscape.
Books About Publishing
These books are from hybrid authors who have worked inside and outside traditional publishing and I find that perspective very insightful. Both pull back the curtain to how it all works.
From an independent publisher who is also a traditionally published author.
I don’t agree with everything Trubek writes – specifically her views about which books are “worth” being published (it’s a capitalist lens) so if you’re feeling imposter syndrome maybe don’t dig into this one yet. But I learned a lot about the nuts and bolts of how publishing and bookshops work from this book.
Catherynne Valente has been traditionally published, self published through a wildly successful Kickstarter, and then that self pub book was picked up and traditionally published. She is a great example of how authors can move between worlds.
It’s also worth listening to Catherynne Valente talk about her publishing journey on these podcasts. She wrote and published The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making as a marketing material for another book. Because it won awards before it was traditionally published it was never edited. 🤯
There are endless ways to approach self publishing so I’ve started an author spotlight series to help indie authors connect and share stories.
Part One
Part Two
Meet the Author
B. S. H. Garcia is the author of the epic fantasy series, The Heart of Quinaria. A household manager by day, writer by night, she graduated with honors from The University of Colorado with a bachelor’s degree in English Writing. To get into character for her stories, she trudges through the woods in cosplay with a mead-filled drinking horn and has traveled from Oregon to New Zealand seeking inspiration. Visit her online at www.bshgarcia.com. There, you can get your hands on a FREE copy of The Heart of Quinaria prequel novelette, From the Ashes. All she asks for in exchange is your soul.
