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Life in a beautiful neurodiverse family

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Optimist Jenna

Life in a beautiful neurodiverse family

the Mitchells vs the machines and autism; Katie doesn't get her peers, Aaron is obsessive and shy, and the dad has awful social skills

The Mitchells vs the Machines and Autism

4 Comments / Autism, Books and Movies

Some people say that beloved characters from The Mitchells vs. the Machines might be on the autism spectrum. Here’s why it matters.

down syndrome vs autism venn diagram

Autism vs. Down Syndrome: What’s the Difference?

4 Comments / Autism, Down Syndrome

Not everyone knows the difference between autism and Down syndrome. Both of these are in my family. Here’s how they differ.

what autistic people want you to know about autism at optimist jenna dot com

What Autistic People Want You to Know About Autism

4 Comments / Autism

Stories about autism are often told without autistic input. Let’s change that. Here’s what many autistic people want you to know.

disability awareness days in April

Disability Awareness Days in April

Leave a Comment / Disability

Do you want to stay up-to-date with disability awareness? Here are the disability awareness days in April with an overview of the issues.

7 gift ideas for young women and teens with Down syndrome

7 Gift Ideas for Young Women with Down Syndrome

2 Comments / Down Syndrome

While you can get gift ideas anywhere, how do you pick something that a young woman with Down syndrome will actually love? Here are some tips.

a doll reaching for the sky surrounded by starry confetti with a chain around her ankles with the words what's wrong with manifesting

What’s Wrong with Manifesting? What You Need to Know

4 Comments / Mental Health

Manifesting sounds like a nice idea, but it can also give you the wrong idea. Here’s how to keep a healthy attitude about your thoughts.

February 2021 disability roundup with pink flowers and an amputee woman holding a flower

February 2021 Disability Roundup

2 Comments / Disability Roundup

Here’s what the disability community wrote in February 2021! Topics include pregnancy after a coma, empathy, and facing your fears.

Down Syndrome: She’s Not My Teacher

10 Comments / Disability, Down Syndrome

Katie has Down syndrome, but that doesn’t mean she’s my teacher. No, our relationship is far more beautiful and complex.

hair clips in a heart shape with the words single? 4 ways to love yourself on Valentine's day

Single? 4 Ways to Love Yourself on Valentine’s Day

4 Comments / Positivity

There’s your love life, and then there’s your self-love life. You may be single on Valentine’s day, but you can still show yourself some love.

How to Be Happier: 4 Easy Mental Exercises

12 Comments / Mental Health, Positivity

Happiness can be elusive at times. Here are a few easy exercises that can help you cheer yourself up and live a happier life.

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Hello from Jenna!

My family is a little different: Katie has Down syndrome, Red is autistic, and I’m neurodivergent too.

And I want people to know how amazing it can be.

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  • The Mitchells vs. The Machines & Autism
  • Norma from Dead End: Paranormal Park is a Great Autistic Character

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