Words of Compassion & Autonomy: Language for Ourselves & Next Autistic Gen.

Cultural Autism Studies at Yale (CASY, ethnography project led by Dr. Dawn Prince-Hughes) is delighted to welcome Lindsey Mclaren M.S. CCC-SLP on Tuesday, January 6, 3-4pm EST (12pm PST, 8pm GMT, 9pm CET). There is no cost to attend, and international participants are welcome. NEW: Free access also available through Eventbrite

TITLE: Words of Compassion & Autonomy: Language for Ourselves & the Next Autistic Generation

DESCRIPTION: In this presentation I will provide examples of how differences in language affect one’s relationship with oneself as well as with autistic children. The goal is to provide information about how to choose language that is respectful, compassionate and promotes autonomy when working with autistic children and within the context of self-reflection and self-talk. I will also discuss how this intersects in my profession as a Speech and Language Therapist.

BRIEF BIO: I am a person in their 17th year of practice as a Speech and Language Therapist. I was identified in April of 2025 as autistic, though I had self-identified for many years. I am committed to continual self-development, learning how to be a part of a community, and using my skills as a communication therapist to develop autonomy in my autistic students. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, sharing the company of animals, playing the drums, writing, painting, and putting puzzles together.

ABOUT Cultural Autism Studies at Yale (CASY): An 'ethnography' is an exploration of how a group of people express themselves in a cultural way. Autistic people have a growing kind of culture, and each autistic experience is a vital part of it. Dr. Dawn Prince-Hughes is an anthropologist, ethnographer, primatologist, and author who is autistic. Join her for an exploration of the importance of autistic self-expression and the culture that grows from it. Those who wish to share their content are free to do so on our private Facebook groups, organically contributing to a growing autistic culture: CASY Cultural Autism Studies at Yale (recommended for autistic adults) and SOCIAL CONNECTIVITY FOR AUTISM (recommended for allies, professionals, and family members).

CREDITS: The preparation of this material was financed under an agreement with the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities (CTCDD). CASY Sparks membership and events are free. CASY Sparks is sponsored in part by The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Adult Autism Research Fund, and Dr. Roger Jou

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