For decades the conversation surrounding autism and autistic people was facilitated exclusively by doctors, therapists, teachers, and parents. While those individuals were and are primarily well meaning, the conversation excluded one key group of people, those who are “actually autistic.” In order to understand the needs and experiences of autistic people it is necessary to include autistic individuals in the conversation.
It is this concept which inspired me to begin sharing my lived autistic experience and use that deepened self awareness and life experience to help broaden the understanding of those on the spectrum. With over ten years of teaching and public speaking experience, a passion for helping others on the spectrum, and decades of lived autistic experience, I hope to connect with families, therapists, teachers, and other professionals in order to support the further understanding and care of autistic individuals. Please let Actually Autistic Consulting and Advocacy be your go to resource for autism education presentations and consultation!
Get to know Ashley…
Ashley Thomas is an autistic self advocate and public speaker who is passionate about educating people on the lived experience of being on the autism spectrum. Ashley provides educational talks to therapy centers, parents, and the community in order to foster better understanding for autistic individuals and the autistic community overall. As both an autistic individual and a subject teacher, Ashley offers a unique perspective within her consulting work when supporting autistic individuals, their families, and their teachers. Ashley is an Athena learning systems inspired level one practitioner and equine assisted therapy facilitator.