Bened Life Blog - Gut-brain education & PS128 stories

A chalk board above a bookshelf of bookstore books reads Celebrate Neurodiversity

Voices of Neurodiversity: An Inclusive Encyclop...

Writer Ben Breaux interviews Dr. Chris Papadopoulos about his recent book Voices of Neurodiversity: An Inclusive Encyclopedia

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Voices of Neurodiversity: An Inclusive Encyclop...

Writer Ben Breaux interviews Dr. Chris Papadopoulos about his recent book Voices of Neurodiversity: An Inclusive Encyclopedia

2 comments
An Autistic girl removes the innards from a pumpkin to make a jack o lantern as her little sister smiles

Halloween Sensory Activities and Accommodations

For kids with sensory issues (including some Autistic kids), Halloween can be a challenging time. Here are some accommodations–and some fun activities–to plan.

Halloween Sensory Activities and Accommodations

For kids with sensory issues (including some Autistic kids), Halloween can be a challenging time. Here are some accommodations–and some fun activities–to plan.

A child viewed from behind who is stimming using a popping toy.  The toy is blue, green, white and purple, and round in shape.

Stimming in Autism vs Self-Harm: What’s the Dif...

Stimming in autism is a necessary tool for preventing overwhelm. Self-harm is a sign that overwhelm is already happening. Learn the difference - and what to do for each.

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Stimming in Autism vs Self-Harm: What’s the Dif...

Stimming in autism is a necessary tool for preventing overwhelm. Self-harm is a sign that overwhelm is already happening. Learn the difference - and what to do for each.

1 comment
Corporate Memphis-style illustration of a group of people standing and having conversations. A caption reads, “What Happened to Asperger’s Syndrome?”

What Happened to Asperger’s Syndrome?

While some felt that losing “Asperger’s Syndrome” was a kind of erasure, its inclusion in the autism spectrum can be helpful in making care and accommodations accessible.

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What Happened to Asperger’s Syndrome?

While some felt that losing “Asperger’s Syndrome” was a kind of erasure, its inclusion in the autism spectrum can be helpful in making care and accommodations accessible.

2 comments
A child lays on a wooden floor on his back, playing. He is wearing a bright shirt with a graffiti-style art pattern

The Best Probiotics for Autism

From improving gut health to easing frustrating mental and emotional difficulties, research suggests probiotics for Autistic people can be beneficial.

The Best Probiotics for Autism

From improving gut health to easing frustrating mental and emotional difficulties, research suggests probiotics for Autistic people can be beneficial.

A lecture hall in a conference center. We are looking down long rows of tables where dozens of people are seated, paying attention to a speaker on stage to the left.

I-ASC & Motormorphosis: Accessible Communicatio...

Do you have a Nonspeaking loved one? Here's what to know about I-ASC and Motormorphosis, an annual conference on accessible communication for Nonspeakers. 

I-ASC & Motormorphosis: Accessible Communicatio...

Do you have a Nonspeaking loved one? Here's what to know about I-ASC and Motormorphosis, an annual conference on accessible communication for Nonspeakers. 

Dr. Briana Traina, the originator of the Autism 101 course for parents of newly diagnosed Autistic children

Charting a New Course: Autism 101

Learn about the doctor behind the course for parents of newly diagnosed children and the course itself.

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Charting a New Course: Autism 101

Learn about the doctor behind the course for parents of newly diagnosed children and the course itself.

2 comments
A row of three glass jars, each containing a grain. There is a jar of couscous, a jar of rice, and an overturned jar from which pasta is spilling out towards the camera.

Understanding Autism Safe Foods

Sensory issues, preferences, and more make certain favorites "safe foods". Learn more!

Understanding Autism Safe Foods

Sensory issues, preferences, and more make certain favorites "safe foods". Learn more!

A person in a white shirt hugs a cute white kitten close to their chest with an arm

Cute Aggression and the Hamster I Loved Too Much

Long before the labels, I knew there was something different in the way I felt things. Something bigger, louder, harder to control.

Cute Aggression and the Hamster I Loved Too Much

Long before the labels, I knew there was something different in the way I felt things. Something bigger, louder, harder to control.

A woman in a blue hoodie looks at her phone.

Autism Comorbidities: What You Need to Know

Autistic people face higher likelihood of certain physical health challenges like GI conditions, autoimmune issues, and more. Learn how to self-advocate.

Autism Comorbidities: What You Need to Know

Autistic people face higher likelihood of certain physical health challenges like GI conditions, autoimmune issues, and more. Learn how to self-advocate.

A young woman in a pair of white pajamas looks confused while sitting on a white couch holding her knees to her chest

Why People Don't Say "Asperger's" Anymore (And ...

One Autistic woman summarizes the history of the term “Asperger’s Syndrome”, why it fell out of use, and why it matters.

Why People Don't Say "Asperger's" Anymore (And ...

One Autistic woman summarizes the history of the term “Asperger’s Syndrome”, why it fell out of use, and why it matters.