These writing examples are meant to accompany my nonfiction piece "Autism 101." They contain examples that illustrate tips on writing a well-rounded autistic character.

almost everybody encounters us regularly. most get annoyed or ignore us. this is how to deal with us in a way that is conducive to a healthy relationship we would otherwise miss out on.

Curious about autism? This resource for writers talks about what autism is and how to write an autistic character. Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disability that affects around 1 in 59 people. Every autistic person is different. Most autistic people typically experience some or all of the common autistic traits, which include developmental delays, difficulty mind-reading, sensory issues, need for routine, stimming, and difficulty understanding and coping with emotions. This resource is intended to be autistic-friendly. This is a space for good-faith learning and positivity. It is OK to have questions and to not know things. People commenting in bad faith will be blocked, and possibly reported. (Please do not try to debate mean people.)

Some relatable memes about being an Autistic person.

Join the cast of Thousand Dollar Friend in an anthology of short stories exploring friendship, disability, and the complicated process of growing up. NOTES: These stories are generally PG. The discussion space is meant to be friendly and safe for minors. Hate towards people with disabilities, any letter in the LGBTQIAPN+ community, or other groups isn't welcome.

Unable to speak, autistic Claire fears she will never be hired. Then an autism organization offers her a chance to realize her dream: to publish her writing and share her voice with the world. It's a dream come true, right? But Claire's father can't shake the feeling that something is off, and 17-year-old Claire must figure out what this opportunity truly means. Winner of the "Dream Job" contest on Episode Interactive NOTES: - Girl x girl - Rated 16+ for child abuse and serious ableism The discussion space is meant to be friendly and safe for minors. Hate towards people with disabilities, any letter in the LGBTQIAPN+ community, or other groups isn't welcome.

"Make friends with my daughter, and I'll pay you a thousand dollars." Tara's junior year of high school is turned upside down after she collides into the life of Aurora Rosenberg, the autistic teenage heiress to Rosenberg Technologies. Mr. Rosenberg's offer feels wrong... but he says his daughter has no real friends, and Tara's family is desperate for cash. Now what? Tara needs to make this work. It doesn't matter that her best friend moved away. Or that she may lose her house. Or that her other friends no longer like her. Oh, yes: and there's a cute boy involved. And the mystery of why Aurora's dad is so desperate to buy her a friend, when Aurora is hardly a social pariah... As Tara watches pieces of her life fall apart, and new things come together, she must figure out what she values most. Notes: Rated mild PG-13. The discussion space is meant to be friendly and safe for minors. Hate towards people with disabilities, any letter in the LGBTQIAPN+ community, or other groups isn't welcome.