Author | Lightnews

Reposted by Alexandra|She on the Spectrum

Angeline J. Dukes, PhD @heydrdukes.bsky.social · Dec 18

My live radio interview on MPR News ✨

www.mprnews.org/episode/2024...

Screenshot of an instagram post by MPR
news that has a photo of Dr. Angeline Dukes smiling with a 30 Under 30 chocolate cake. The headline reads U of M neuroscience assistant professor makes Forbes 30 under 30 list for her work in empowering Black scholars. The post is liked by over 7,000 people.

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Alexandra|She on the Spectrum @sheonthespectrum.bsky.social · Dec 18

Giving the time and space to do a deep dive. ☺️ what about you?

Alexandra|She on the Spectrum @sheonthespectrum.bsky.social · Dec 18

No one believes me when I say I am so it’s more condescending and rude. I’ve contemplated laminating my paperwork as proof and keeping it on hand. 🙃

Alexandra|She on the Spectrum @sheonthespectrum.bsky.social · Dec 18

Tests do not give us the whole picture. Creativity, critical thinking, and REAL-WORLD skills are skills we need to be nurturing. #assessment #education

Alexandra|She on the Spectrum @sheonthespectrum.bsky.social · Dec 18

Things on my mind (education): Parent involvement isn't just about attending conferences. It's about showing up for your kid, however you can. We need to support ALL families, not judge them. #parenting #community

Alexandra|She on the Spectrum @sheonthespectrum.bsky.social · Dec 13

What if lesson planning wasn’t just faster—but truly transformative? 🌟 As a @magicschoolai.bsky.social Pioneer, I’m using this platform to create personalized, inclusive tools for all learners. 🌍 It’s a game-changer for education. The future of learning is here—what’s your vision? Let’s connect! ✨📚

Reposted by Alexandra|She on the Spectrum

Jen @ladyjenpool.bsky.social · Dec 7

I don't know who needs to hear this, but you don't need to justify your reading preferences and choices to anyone. Audiobooks count as reading. Also, you don't have to finish books you don't enjoy. Don't read to impress, read for yourself. Life's too short, love yourself, ok?

Signed, a librarian.

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Alexandra|She on the Spectrum @sheonthespectrum.bsky.social · Dec 7

I think Taylor would appreciate mine and Glitch’s version… maybe. Is it weird? Yes. Is it wonderful? Also yes. 🤣🎭🎶 #TaylorSwift #TolerateIt #hobbies #erastour

Alexandra|She on the Spectrum @sheonthespectrum.bsky.social · Dec 6

So nice to see you here on bluesky! I’ve always enjoyed your content. I was also diagnosed later in life, so your journey really resonates with me. The clarity it brings is life-changing! Thank you for creating a space where people feel seen and supported! 🤍

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Alexandra|She on the Spectrum @sheonthespectrum.bsky.social · Dec 6

Nonfiction That Hits Different

Unmasking Autism—Validate yourself. 🧠
Loud Hands—Essays that’ll hype you up. 📢
NeuroTribes—Autism history, but not boring.

💬 Read any of these? Got more recs? Drop ‘em. 💙

Alexandra|She on the Spectrum @sheonthespectrum.bsky.social · Dec 6

✨ For Adults

On the Edge of Gone—Sci-fi but make it real. 🚀
The Kiss Quotient—an autistic heroine gets the guy (and it’s spicy 👀).
An Unkindness of Ghosts—intense, beautiful, unforgettable.
✨

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Alexandra|She on the Spectrum @sheonthespectrum.bsky.social · Dec 6

✨ For Preteens

A Kind of Spark—Justice, humor, and heart.
Can You See Me? – It’s like reading a bestie’s diary. 🧡
The Goldfish Boy—Mystery + neurodivergent vibes.

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Alexandra|She on the Spectrum @sheonthespectrum.bsky.social · Dec 6

✨ For Kids

My Brother Charlie—Sweet sibling love, no fluff.
All My Stripes—Stripes = strengths. 🦓
I See Things Differently—A Soft Intro to Autism.

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Alexandra|She on the Spectrum @sheonthespectrum.bsky.social · Dec 6

📚 Books Autistic Readers Actually Love 💙

Need a weekend read that hits? These recs come straight from autistic voices—authentic, empowering, and just plain good:

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Alexandra|She on the Spectrum @sheonthespectrum.bsky.social · Dec 5

What’s a hill you’ll die on? Recess is a necessity, not a privilege. Prioritize connection over consequences—help kids thrive, not just comply. #RecessMatters #NeurodiversityInEducation

Reposted by Alexandra|She on the Spectrum

Black In Neuro @blackinneuro.bsky.social · Dec 4

We are now up to 78 accounts on our Black In Neuro starter pack! Be sure to check back and make sure you have everyone added 🤗

Please let us know if we missed you!

#BlackInSTEM #Neuroskyence #Psychology #AcademicSky 🧪

go.bsky.app/F8PpdPe

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Alexandra|She on the Spectrum @sheonthespectrum.bsky.social · Dec 5

This isn’t just about individuals; it’s systemic. Brilliant professionals miss the signs because they’re not taught to look for them.

We need better training, better understanding, and better support.

#AutismInGirls #Masking #Neurodiversity #Parenting

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Alexandra|She on the Spectrum @sheonthespectrum.bsky.social · Dec 5

For me, that three-second rule for eye contact became second nature. But it was never natural. My daughter’s already walking the same tightrope.

We need professionals to see beyond the mask.

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Alexandra|She on the Spectrum @sheonthespectrum.bsky.social · Dec 5

Autism in girls doesn’t look the same. It’s not always meltdowns or hyperactivity, it’s mimicking, masking, and adapting.

And this is the experience of a white, middle-class girl. Black and POC girls face even greater barriers to being seen and understood.

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Alexandra|She on the Spectrum @sheonthespectrum.bsky.social · Dec 5

Masking is why so many autistic girls are overlooked. They work so hard to appear “normal” that people assume they’re fine.

But they’re not fine.

The toll of masking is real—and the patriarchy’s obsession with “polite,” compliant girls only makes it worse

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Alexandra|She on the Spectrum @sheonthespectrum.bsky.social · Dec 5

Here’s what frustrates me: the evaluator is brilliant. She’s younger, educated, and compassionate. But even she isn’t fully up to date on how masking skews how autistic girls are perceived.

We’re still failing girls like my daughter.

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Alexandra|She on the Spectrum @sheonthespectrum.bsky.social · Dec 5

So when I read in my daughter’s evaluation that she had “socially modulated eye contact,” I knew what that meant. She’s already learning to mask, to hide, to blend in, just like I did.

It’s heartbreaking to see her on the same path.

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Alexandra|She on the Spectrum @sheonthespectrum.bsky.social · Dec 5

I used to think my social skills came naturally. They didn’t. I had memorized and practiced them to survive. What I thought was “normal” behavior was actually masking.

Masking is exhausting and it hides so much of who you really are.

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Alexandra|She on the Spectrum @sheonthespectrum.bsky.social · Dec 5

I told her, “Well, I learned a loooong time ago that you’re supposed to hold eye contact for three seconds, then look away for a second before looking back. So in my head, I’m always counting to three.”

Her response? “Yeah... We should look into this further.”

That moment reframed my entire life.

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Alexandra|She on the Spectrum @sheonthespectrum.bsky.social · Dec 5

When I finally brought it up to my doctor, I felt ridiculous. “I don’t think I’m autistic,” I said. “I make great eye contact.”💁🏼‍♀️

She looked at me and asked, “What do you mean by ‘great eye contact?’”

That question changed everything.

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