Episode 494: If I Had a Nickel for Everything I Don't Know About Autism, I'd Be Rich! with Tessa Watkins

When you step in it, you either step up or run away. Biz steps up and sits down with Tessa Watkins, autism advocate and longtime Badmin. Plus, Biz has an announcement!

Tessa's Advocacy Work:

• Karen Schwartz, “Sunflowers are a hidden symbol for travelers with disabilities” (Mar. 9, 2023). The Washington Post. (my Google Doc of the article to avoid the paywall)
• Abigail Schade Gary, “New Banners Help Autistic Kids Communicate” (Feb. 24, 2023). Mt. Lebanon Magazine.
• Abby Kirkland, “Helping kids Point-N-Play their way to inclusive fun at parks” (Jan. 27, 2023). Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Tessa's Advocacy blog: Just1Voice.com which serves as a digital hub with all their articles, resources, and links to social media channels.

Thank you to all our listeners who support the show as monthly members of MaximumFun.org. Go to MaximumFun.org/join to become a member! This week, we're sponsored by Bombas and Lectric ebikes. Go to Bombas.com/BADMOTHER and use code BADMOTHER for 20% off your first purchase. Go to Lectricebikes.com to learn more about the XPedition cargo eBike and all of the other sweet models Lectric has to offer.

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Show Music

Summon the Rawk, Kevin MacLeod (www.incompetech.com)

Ones and Zeros, Awesome, Beehive Sessions

Mom Song, Adira Amram, Hot Jams For Teens

Telephone, Awesome, Beehive Sessions

Mama Blues, Cornbread Ted and the Butterbeans

Mental Health Resources:

Therapy for Black Girls – Therapyforblackgirls.com

Dr. Jessica Clemmens – https://www.askdrjess.com

BLH Foundation – borislhensonfoundation.org

The Postpartum Support International Warmline - 1-800-944-4773 (1-800-944-4PPD)

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline - 1-800-662-4357 (1-800-662-HELP)

Suicide Prevention Hotline: Call or chat. They are here to help anyone in crisis. Dial 988 for https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org and there is a chat option on the website.

Crisis Text Line: Text from anywhere in the USA (also Canada and the UK) to text with a trained counselor. A real human being.

USA text 741741

Canada text 686868

UK text 85258

Website: https://www.crisistextline.org

National Sexual Assault: Call 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.

https://www.rainn.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 

https://www.thehotline.org/help/

Our advocates are available 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) in more than 200 languages. All calls are free and confidential.

They suggest that if you are a victim and cannot seek help, ask a friend or family member to call for you.

Teletherapy Search: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/online-counseling