Episode 20: Autism with Sarah/Rowan (lost episode edition)

(CW: Brief mention of suicide, offensive language used to quote bullies) Sarah and Jessica talk to autism activist/filmmaker @brain_vessel for the second time because the recording of the first time has disappeared into the ether. Sarah Duncan (aka Rowan Duncan) discusses how they weren't diagnosed until recently due to most autism research being done on little white boys. A surprise film review has been expertly inserted into the episode (it's not an awkward transition at all). To learn more about Sarah/Rowan's work, check out this panel she did for Reel Abilities Toronto.

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Watch Sarah's film here: https://www.sfuwlsc2020.com/rowan-duncan

CW: Due to the nature of our subject matter, topics like suicide, mental illness symptoms, self-harm, and trauma may come up. For privacy and triggering reasons, we do not talk about these topics in graphic detail.

If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or urges to self-harm, please call your local crisis line. Follow this link to find a crisis line in your area: https://unwantedlife.me/global-crisis-lines

**Disclaimer** We are not doctors, licensed therapists, or social workers. We are not professionals in the field of mental illness/health. Everything said on this podcast is our own opinions formed from personal experience.  Please ask your family doctor or a licensed therapist if something we say resonates with you and you would like to learn more about it. We are not here to give medical or clinical advice. We are simply here to share experiences and create a safe space for open conversation to end the stigma behind mental illness.

If you don't have access to a therapist, you can ask a volunteer working for the crisis line (provided above)  to give you more resources about what is available to you in your area.