Maria Shriver’s Post

It’s with extreme pride and excitement that I can finally share this passion project about autistic strengths, written and directed by my friend Benjamin Strum, in collaboration with Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect). I met Benjamin S. a year ago. We bonded instantly over our uncannily similar interests, experiences, goals, beliefs and neurodivergent brains. When he asked if I would like to co-produce a film about the intersection of running and autism, I couldn’t say no. While I’m wary of labelling and identity politics, I believe there’s a universal need for better, more inclusive representation of positive autistic experiences and autistic excellence to help dismantle lingering stigma and harmful stereotypes. More to the point, autism isn’t a label, limitation, choice, or condition. It’s a neurotype whose spectrum of cognitive and sensory processes differ from the majority. Autistics have the potential to teach the world many profound lessons about self-regulation and self-expression when we’re encouraged and supported to live on our own terms. Our often unfiltered communication, curvilinear thinking, abstract humour, instinctive sense of play, and uninhibited movement styles can inspire individual and community openness, and diffuse tension organically. Running is a particularly effective way for autistic and neurotypical people alike to regulate emotions, reduce stress, manage overstimulation, experience agency, build self-esteem, ground in nature, as well as socially and spiritually connect. Upon viewing the raw footage, I was moved to tears. For the first time in over three years of public life, I recognised the person I saw on the screen as me. This is a testament to Ben’s sensitivity, perspicuity and creative genius captured stunningly by Jesse Lane’s cinematography. It also demonstrably disproves the myth that autistics lack empathy. My hope is that this piece helps us all deepen our understanding of autism, each other and ourselves. Thank you also to my dear running companions @ameliaj94 and @meriem_runs for being by my side along the way. Big love, GT 🤍 📝: @benstrum 🎥: @jesselame 👟: @nike 🕶️: @goodr_anz

So great to see Getafe CF from Spain's La Liga making a powerful gesture supporting autism awareness and neurodiversity acceptance by wearing noise canceling headphones during their match! By wearing headphones, Getafe players highlighted the sensory overload many autistic individuals experience and shed light on the challenges faced by the autistic community. Kudos to Getafe CF for using their platform to raise awareness for such an important cause. Let's continue breaking down barriers and celebrating neurodiversity in sports and beyond. Such initiatives should become more common in sports, fostering inclusivity and understanding across all communities. https://lnkd.in/gEag7hs3

What do you see when you look at this photo? Someone said, and I agree. “I see a mother's unwavering love and boundless strength radiating through her eyes. Each person’s hand reaching out symbolises: ✅Family Resilience: The unwavering commitment of a family to face challenges head-on and support each other through thick and thin. ✅Autism Awareness: A subtle yet powerful reminder of the presence of autism in their lives, highlighting the importance of understanding, acceptance, and advocacy. ✅Strength in Togetherness: The collective strength that arises when loved ones come together to navigate life's difficulties. ✅ Unspoken Bond: The unspoken language of love and connection that transcends words, fostering a deep emotional connection. ✅ Community Support: A reflection of the support and guidance provided by organisations like Shades of Life Foundation, which empowers families and individuals on the autism spectrum. ✅ Hope and Possibility: A symbol of hope and the endless possibilities that await when we embrace diversity and inclusion with open hearts.” In this photo, our hands tell a powerful story of love, resilience, and the shared journey of a family touched by their daughter and sibling with autism.

More great information on autism accessible venues. This blog is about Aglow, written by our wonderful Aiden! take a look. https://lnkd.in/efJ4cEVb

Did you know? A recent Dimensions UK survey shows only 25% believe society is inclusive of people with learning disabilities and autism. This is a really concerning statistic, and 30% think society has become even less inclusive in recent years. At Aldingbourne Trust, we're on a mission to change that, and you can help. Your support is invaluable in challenging misconceptions and creating that positive change we need to see. By continuing to champion the work of the Trust, you contribute to breaking down barriers and building a world where everyone is seen, heard, and valued. Together, we can make a difference 🧡 Click the link to find out about more ways you can support us: https://lnkd.in/egcDXWbX

Lessons in leadership from one of the best, right here. As well as lessons in courage, clarity, sincerity, and humor. Come for the “strategies that work” slide (and similar). Stay for the Thriller dance photo (and similar ☺️). #leadership

Put together an article about being an autistic Hull City supporter which you can read on my blog if you want to do so 👇 https://lnkd.in/eFSFgiAa

Can you believe we’re already halfway through the month? For those of you who don’t know, the entire month of April is Autism Awareness Month. As co-founder of the IDDeal Foundation, I want to emphasize the importance of this month. We want YOU to join us in shining a light on the importance of acceptance and inclusion. Let’s pledge to participate in activities, amplify advocacy, and spread understanding. In every sphere of life, be it at work, at home, or within our communities, let’s embrace neurodiversity with open arms and open hearts. It’s about creating spaces where everyone feels valued, understood, and celebrated for exactly who they are. What does Autism Awareness Month mean to you?

Happy Autism Acceptance Month! We're celebrating the strengths and differences of autistic people among our membership, friends, family, communities and beyond. We encourage everyone to think differently about how we can make society more accessible to autistic people and more accepting of neurological differences. This month is an opportunity to: 📣 Raise awareness about autism. There are still misconceptions about what autism is and the month gives people an opportunity to learn more about autism and autistic people. 🥰 Promote acceptance of autistic people. Many autistic people experience exclusion due to people’s lack of understanding about autism, so this event is a call to action for autistic allies to do more to include autistic people in society and in the workplace. 🎉 Celebrate autistic colleagues. Celebrating autistic role models can help promote acceptance of autistic people and increase the public’s understanding of their experiences. For more information, visit: https://lnkd.in/d9jf4Rnf

Did you know that almost 40% of girls are neurodivergent? Neurodiversity is the idea that we all have different brain wiring. If you don’t have a diagnosable brain-based difference, such as autism for example, you are of the “neuromajority”, or are “neurotypical”. But if 2 out of 5 girls think and experience the world differently because their brains process information differently, then we should have a way to bring understanding and acceptance to the neuromajority. Good Friend, Inc. has an online platform, Good Friend Academy, that allows any child service provider anywhere to access developmentally-specific peer education films, discussion guides, and other supplemental materials. Through a generous grant from Women and Girls Fund of Waukesha County, we are able to provide our Good Friend Academy to to a select number of Waukesha County Girl Scout Troops! Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast. 🌟If you're a Girl Scout Leader, watch for more information about bringing autism awareness, understanding and empathy to your troop! 🌟 #AutismAwareness #WaukeshaCounty #GirlScouts #Inclusion #Autism #Spectrum #GoodFriend #OnTheSpectrum #AutismInclusion #GoodFriendAcademy #MixedAbility #BetterLearning #AutismSpectrum #EarnAPatch