As a follow on to the post from way back in April regarding religious groups in the States exorcising autistic folk because we're possessed by the Devil (obviously) it was reported in The Irish Times today that the  Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin, has 'considered'* withdrawing an for Fr Dominic Valanmahal to lead a retreat in Ireland after he'd been found preaching that the increased incidence of autism and hyperactivity in children is due to their parents’ lifestyle. Classy guy. “Why does this generation have autism and hyperactivity? That is to say, mentally retarded children are in abundance,” Valanmahal asked in a sermon after sneakily polishing off a bottle of communion wine**. “Adultery, masturbation, homosexuality, porn, if you are addicted to these , I say to you in the name of God,...when you get married and have children, there is a high possibility of bearing these type of children,” he said, nervously eyeing up an altar boy*** as he fiddled wit...

Trailer for director James Gray's sc-fi 'epic' Ad Astra which tells the tale of the 'slightly autistic' (their quotes) engineer Roy McBride, as he does something meaningful in space. No idea what they're doing using the phrase ' slightly autistic' tho' in a film billed as being "the most scientifically accurate sci-fi film ever." but heyho, it might be good.

Just a quick update about Glasgow City Council and their ongoing Autism Aware Initiative, which launched last year with the aim of delivering the 'best possible' experience in the city for Autistic people and to make Glasgow venues - and the city as a whole - more Autism friendly*. News just in that GCC - as the cool kids cry it - are holding a number of autism training days for staff across the city over the next few months. Staff - from participating venues - will partake in training carried out by Autism Network Scotland and Tanya Tennant Autism Training & Consultancy, which takes place on 31st May, 27th June 27 and 25th July and the training will compliment that already carried out - with great success I must add, especially with museums and a fair few shops - for organisations including museums (see? - told you!), transport hubs and arts venues. No idea what an 'Autism Champion' is but I shall endeavor to find out! Councillor Susan Aitken...

Do you remember last year when Morrison's announced it was doing 'Quiet Hour' shopping for autistic folk? ...And do you remember the comments on the BBC website? Happy times. You can read more here if you're bored.

...everyone!

Just sometimes when dealing with stuff outside your control, being a parent and autistic can be the hardest, most frustrating and soul destroying thing in the world. Then occasionally in the middle of the whole emotional tornado someone listens and you get that glimmer of empathy as if they understand. And when that happens you start to feel that everything may, just may turn out OK. Stick with it everyone. End of pep talk, more of the usual vaguely amusing/angry/confusing posts to follow.

After drawing Greta Thunberg t'other month I felt I couldn't leave the quite marvelous (and bequiffed - must be an Autie thing) Chris Packham out of the arty equation. Normal service will be resumed as soon as.