Tag Archives: intense interests

The pathologization of interest and curiosity

Posted on May 21, 2015 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

As I am increasingly connected with people in Disabilities and Autistic communities, I am finding that there were things that in the past sat quite comfortably with me – that now – looking back – make me uncomfortable. I sometimes … Continue reading →

Posted in ableism, acceptance, Autism, Autistic, inventing, language, self-directed learning | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 27 Comments

Preoccupation with another layer of autism stigma: Crap…this goes deep!

Posted on July 19, 2012 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

I have been preoccupied with the ideas of self-advocacy lately. I am so motivated to delve into this – to understand more about the developmental components and the building bricks that will support the skills of advocacy.  I know… I … Continue reading →

Posted in acceptance, Arizona TASH, Aspergers, Autism, Autism Positivity, connections, Diagnosis, label, Laura Nagle, Neurotypical, perspective of others, promote social understanding, self-advocacy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 26 Comments

Harnessing the power of intense interests: MJ meets StarWars

Posted on November 19, 2011 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

For the last couple of months H has been fascinated with Michael Jackson. He began with Thriller and Smooth Criminal, but has moved on to broaden his tastes. He loves the messages: Heal the World and Black or White. While … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Dance, executive function, retro pop culture, Star Wars, The joy of dance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments