FAQ

Q: Can I ask you for your Facebook so I can request you? 
A: Unfortunately, no. Respectfully, while I love hearing from you all and getting to know you-my Facebook is strictly reserved for close friends, family, and people that I went to school or have worked with. Please understand this is me setting a boundary-not just for me, but for the safety and privacy of loved ones-and asking that you respect it.

Q: How does one get into social work?
A: Honestly, there is no straight answer or "right" way to go into social work-just like there's no "right" way to be autistic! From personal experience, I intended to start out and end up in clinical psychology and took classes at community college at first-but I first got a taste and glimpse of what social work was like when I took my first human services class my second year, and that gave me a far clearer idea of what I wanted to do for the next few years and after graduation. However, because I've always had a strong passion and sense for social justice and compassion for others-not just because of my autism, but thanks to how I got a Tumblr in 2013, a time when Tumblr was a breeding ground for social justice and the like, that was definitely one of the main catalysts! I also read I Am Malala around that time, which made me question exactly why we weren't doing more to change and challenge  the inequalities and unfairness within the world-and where I could start. So, that being said, try to consider what your catalysts/starting points are-whether they're social issues impacting you or your friends and family (gun violence, abortion bans, LGBTQIA+ discrimination, Palestine, police brutality, domestic violence, etc), or politcal figures (such as Bernie Sanders, RBG, AOC, Malala, Gloria Stienem, Tamara Burke, Greta Thunberg, etc). Ask yourself "why does this upset me/make me question why our society is the way it is so much? What are the consequences of not questioning it, and what can I do to help push for/make a change? What policies do I need to consider?" Another important thing to  consider: don't be afraid or ashamed to start small! For example, I attended what was and still is a predominantly white high school-a lot of students of color, particularly the black students, felt isolated, so around 2018 or 2019, they started a Black Student Union, or BSU, curating a safe space for all students, regardless of race, opening a way to have structured, safe conversations concerning race and ongoing problems the black community still faces, but also inviting ways to work towards solutions as a whole. And a fair warning-social workers deal a LOT with clients that may be survivors of abuse, people who self-harm, people that may hold different values and views than them (for example, even though I don't see anything wrong with being trans, I may need to work with a client that's having a hard time accepting his child coming out as transgender, and still need to accept his opinions regardless) etc-be sure to ask yourself as well, do you think you would be ready enough to handle that once you graduate? 

Q: I'm struggling right now. Can you please take me on as a client? 
A: First off, while I'm humbled you're disclosing your problems to me, and I'm extremely sorry to hear you're struggling, unfortunately, I cannot do that. This isn't because I just don't want to-social workers need to abide by a code of ethics that clearly lays out what's considered appropriate vs inappropriate behavior with clients and larger society-and unfortunately, having consistent therapeutic relations with someone you only know via the internet is considered highly inappropriate. Please, if you are struggling, consider texting this hotline or talking to a family member/trusted adult, friend, or utilzing the counseling resources at your school

Q: Are you being paid for this? Can I pay you?
A: No, and thank you, but no thank you! While I'm flattered, I really don't want or require any sort of financial compensation-truly. However, I urge you to consider sending your money to organizations like Planned Parenthood, the Malala Fund, or Autism Inclusive Meets. Reading this blog and passing it on to your friends, peers, and associates, both neurotypical and neurodiverse also means more to me than a million dollars ever could!

Q: Can I ask you to speak at my school/event? 
A: Yes and no-while I would love to, that does depend on a few factors. First off, I'm all the way in Illinois-so unfortunately, chances are if you're from somewhere like New York, or even as far as India, I will not be able to make a physical appearance, but I can always join via Zoom! I also would like to clarify that I am double-boosted, but will wear a mask if asked to should I be able to be there physically. Also, these are only times I require payment-at most, $25 works fine! 

Q: Can I use your blog in my paper/research study/etc?
A: Yes, yes, and yes! Just be sure to cite me properly. :) 

Q: I'm pretty sure I'm/someone I know is autistic. How do I know for sure?
A: While self-diagnosis is valid, I would try to check if your insurance allows for you to go see a professional and get an actual diagnosis. However, I am also unfortunately aware of how many people don't have the coverage to just go in for a professional diagnosis-if you don't have the coverage, be sure to refer to this document, scroll to the very end, and if you can answer "yes" to at least three out of the first five questions, chances are you're autistic!