I took so many notes during this #AutisticAuthors panel! Way too many to tweet out, but here are some highlights!

@Mike_Jung did a great job moderating what could be the first all- #autistic author panel! Gave a shout-out to @corinneduyvis for coining #OwnVoices!

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Panelists were asked why it's important for teachers & librarians to teach #OwnVoices authors.

@JenMaliaBooks wanted her kids to see themselves in a book, and notes that she wrote the book she wished she had growing up. Positive #autism rep. Good for parents, too!

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During a school visit, @NicWritesBooks was asked: “How do you talk to your friends and tell them you’re #autistic?” She notes that a neurotypical author may not be able to answer this question the way an #AutisticAuthor could.

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If we could choose what rep an #autistic kid saw - between a stereotypical autistic character on TV or a book by an #AutisticAuthor - @Mike_Jung says the TV character potentially has a destructive element, but an autistic author can be very positive and healing.

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For @SarakKapit, even the most well-intentioned neurotypical authors don’t always have the perceptions that #autistic authors have. Also important to promote acceptance.

@SallyJPla recommends her website @novelmindkidlit, with a database of neurodiverse books!

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"I used to say all children deserve the validation of seeing themselves accurately and respectfully represented in a book. But that’s wrong. Not just a book."

"Kids deserve to see themselves in many books." Cause there are so many different autistic kids! @SallyJPla

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We need lots of books to represent them all. To help #autistic kids feel like they’re not alone.

But these books are not just for autistic kids!
All kids can see that they’re not alone.

“Autistic behavior is human behavior, and we all can relate.” - @SallyJPla

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Then, @Mike_Jung asks how their stories are disrupting & broadening the #autistic narrative.

@NicWritesBooks wants to show that autistic kids are loving & imaginative.

@SarahKapit wants to show that autistic kids are interested in more than just science & tech!

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And @JenMaliaBooks wants to say that it's "not a compliment to tell someone that they look or don’t look #autistic." Stereotypical views of #autism make it hard for women & girls to get diagnosed!

Her book is not about autism, but is about a girl who is autistic!

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And @SallyJPla agrees! Her books are adventures! Adventures that have #autistic main characters.

She notes that "We need so many, many stories!"

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