If autistic people don't have a clear voice in an autism organization or event, then it is probably not a good place to find autistic people. Look for spaces that affirm, include, and empower autistic people across the board. If an organization is run partially or completely by autistic people, its about page will usually say so. Look at partner organizations, and whether they include or mistreat autistic people. Stay away from stigmatizing groups like Autism Speaks. Plenty of autistic adults have written about their experiences, as well as some compassionate loved ones and experts. The Ed Wiley Autism Acceptance Lending Library has a book list that can be useful for finding books to read. Many autistic people use the internet to find friends and build community, so you can find a lot of autistics online if you know where to look. Certain hashtags are buzzing with activity from autistic people and their allies. #AskAnAutistic is a hashtag where anyone can ask questions, and autistic people will come answer. You can also try #AskingAutistics. #REDinstead is a hashtag where people take selfies or pictures involving the color red to promote autism acceptance. It was created as an alternative to #LightItUpBlue, a campaign which many autistic people find hurtful. #ToneItDownTaupe and #LightItUpGold are two other alternatives. #ActuallyAutistic is a space for only autistic people to post in, without being drowned out by non-autistic people. If you aren't autistic, it's bad manners to post in this tag (but it's okay to read what you find, and often okay to retweet or reblog). #DoILookAutisticYet is a tag for autistic people to post selfies, created to represent how autistic people are (and look) unique. #YouCantBeAutisticBecause is similar, in that it's a tag for autistic people to post things regarding assumptions about how they don't "seem" autistic. The autistic community is full of wise, compassionate, and educated people. Some well-known autistic writers include: Cynthia Kim Amy Sequenzia Ari Ne'eman Julia Bascom Emma Zurcher Long Jim Sinclair Lydia Brown Judy Endow These can be rare, but if you live in more populated areas, you may be able to find positive autism events. Look for walks, charity fundraisers, pride festivals, and more. Always research an event before participating in it. Some events are run by harmful organizations, and the money they raise may be hurting more than it helps. Autistic people use a unique set of terminology to discuss autism-related issues and experiences. Here are some example terms: Stimming: Repetitive motions such as rocking, hand flapping, echolalia, and more. Useful for coping, and self-expression (like a smile) Neurodivergent: having a neurological disability such as autism, Down Syndrome, dyslexia, or bipolar disorder Neurotypical/NT: having no neurological disabilities Allistic: non-autistic, though not necessarily neurotypical Neurodiversity: the biological diversity of human brains Neurodiversity paradigm: the idea that autistic and other neurodivergent people are not broken, just different, and should be accepted and accommodated instead of forced to change against their will Curebie: a person who believes that autism is a horrible disease that should be cured (regardless of what autistic people want) Some autism language is considered insulting or outdated. Sometimes, it is hard to find out what language has negative connotations, especially since autistic people are often pushed out of the conversation. Here are words and phrases that have negative connotations: High/Low-Functioning: It's considered rude to put people in boxes, especially since they may be skilled in some areas and significantly impaired in others. Person with autism or "Person who has autism:" Disliked by the autistic community in general because it implies that autism is separate from a person, and that it is antithetical to humanity. Autism is part of an autistic person and should be accepted and respected, just as the person is. Only use this to describe someone if it is their personal preference. Suffering from autism: Many autistic people are not suffering. They have challenges, butso does everyone, and they consider themselves all right. Autism epidemic:Autism doesn't kill people, it is not a disease, and it is not communicable. Different symbols have developed different connotations based on how they have been used. Understanding the symbols can help you know what to put in any media you create, and spot signs of different communities. The puzzle piece and the color blue have negative connotations. The neurodiversity symbol (a rainbow infinity sign), rainbows in general, red for #REDinstead, and Autisticat have positive connotations. These symbols are used by the autistic community. Some descriptions of autism are inaccurate, because they are written by people who don't really understand autism, or they are motivated by a desire to control autistic people. Autistic people tend to paint a more factual and accepting picture. Read from lots of autistic people to get the best picture. You will want to read from people who can speak and those who can't, those who can drive and those who can't, those who have active social lives and those who don't, et cetera. Understanding autism means understanding the diverse experiences that autistic people can have. Several events take place yearly, and you can join in and post about them to spread acceptance and positivity around autism. Autism Acceptance Month is every April Autistic Pride Day is June 18 Autistics Speaking Day is November 1

Summary: Realize that autistic people make autistic culturenot non-autistic people. Read autism-friendly books written by autistic people and allies. Go to autism-friendly hashtags online. Find prominent voices in the autistic community. Participate in autism-related events. Learn the common terminology. Learn about the negative language to avoid. Learn about positive and negative symbols related to autism. Listen to how autistic people describe autism. Mark autism events on your calendar.

What herbs do you like to use in your cooking? When choosing what herbs to grow, start by thinking about your own preferences. Since herbs are easy and fun to grow, you might want to try your hand at growing an herb or two that you wouldn't normally buy at the grocery store. When you have a few in mind, buy packets of seeds at your local nursery or online. Basil, dill, sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano and mint are wonderful herbs that are used in many cuisines. If you'd like to grow a variety of herbs, these would make a good foundation for an herb garden. You can also grow an herbal tea garden. If you're planning on growing your herbs outside, you'll need to take your region's climate and soil properties into account. Determine what regional growing zone you fall into and make sure the herbs you pick out are able to thrive in your area. Herbs are easy to grow both outdoors and indoors. You can also choose between planting them directly in the ground or in a growing container. Most herbs need plenty of direct sunlight, although some need only partial sunlight. It's best to research which herbs suit which conditions before planting. If you're growing herbs as part of your vegetable garden, plant to separate the herbs from the vegetables with about 612 inches (15.230.5cm) of space. You can grow herbs in separate pots, or buy a large pot and grow several types of herbs together. Soil composition is an important factor for successful herb gardening. Herbs thrive in a somewhat neutral pH (between 6.5 and 7), but soil need not be especially fertile. In fact, if it is too rich, growth will be rampant and flavor, diluted. More important than fertility is drainage. The soil should be loose and crumbly so that it drains well. If you're starting your herbs from seed, look for a seed starter potting soil that has not been enriched with extra nutrients, since seeds contain the nutrition they need to sprout and take root. For older seedlings, choose potting soil that hasn't been treated with pesticides. You can mix commercial soil with compost to help the herbs grow strong and healthy.
Summary: Choose herbs to grow. Decide where to grow the herbs. Get potting soil.