Greetings and salutations,
At this point it seems right that I update you all with how this book thing is going - not least because it’s moving slowly and I could do with multiple kicks up the arse.
Word count wise, I’m close to hitting the first 10K. Initial write-ups of two chapters are done.
I’m now at the point of doing further research and conducting multiple interviews to flesh out what I want to discuss in the other chapters - thanks so much to everyone who reached out off the back of my last email!
I'm also needing to finish transcribing several interviews too, which is a long process made even longer by the fact I am Deaf, but we move.
Speaking of interviews, there’s still a few topics which I would love to get some more people’s thoughts on. Please keep scrolling…
Non-speaking autistics
I knew I would forget something from my last email. If I’m going to talk about the underrepresentation of certain communities within the wider autistic community, then I should probably talk to non-speaking autistics who have no doubt been spoken over in the context of research.
If this is you, or you know someone who can answer a few questions over email with their views, then please do get in touch!
Autistics in the global majority
I’ve already spoken to some ethnically diverse autistics and have a few more responses due, but I could really do with expanding my pool of comments from this group.
As per usual, if you’ve got opinions and don’t mind hopping on a call, please reach out!
Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA)
You might remember me mentioning this topic in my last email, and it’s still very much something I want to touch upon. However, in comparison to the other areas explored in the book, ABA is a big one which I don’t know how I’m going to unpack just yet (other than mentioning the fact that it is, of course, Very Bad).
What I do know is that I will probably want to speak to those who have been through the process of ABA to discuss their experience, why this harmful method is still being practised today and ultimately what message this sends. If you’re comfortable with discussing your story, please get in touch. Conversations will be handled with the utmost sensitivity and contributions can be anonymous if need be.
Lastly, a thank you
I continue to be blown away by the support for this book - both in terms of the number of people coming forward to share their thoughts, and those who have expressed a desire to buy and read it when it’s finally published. It means so much.
OK, I best get back to writing now.
Until next time,
Liam