Autisticana is a vibrant, neurodivergent-led nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals to break down barriers and find their voices through self-advocacy. Founded by Dr. Christine Grimaldi—who was inspired by the legendary journalist Barbara Walters—our organization fosters a supportive community where neurodivergent individuals can express themselves and contribute meaningfully to society. As Read more…
The Peter Pan Diner (sometimes playfully associated with Tinker Bell through its Peter Pan theme) is a longtime classic diner located at 999 Sunrise Highway in Bay Shore, New York. It has served as a South Shore Long Island community staple for roughly seven decades. Our group decided to go Read more…
The award-winning neurodivergent news team celebrates a milestone with a dedicated newsroom, media lab, and podcast studio. For years, Autisticana has been a beacon for neurodivergent voices—telling stories with clarity, depth, and heart. Today, we’re thrilled to announce a major step forward: Autisticana is moving to Patchogue, Long Island, where Read more…
We’ve all seen them: the gorgeously curated vision boards, brimming with inspiring imagery, aspirational quotes, and perhaps a carefully chosen photo of a tropical paradise. But are they just a feel-good exercise, or is there some serious science behind their power? Spoiler alert: It’s the latter. Visual boards, when done Read more…
From “Ho-Hum” to “Ho-Ho-WOW!”: Our Team’s Unforgettable Adventure at Hicksville’s Christmas Village! Guess what, holiday fanatics?! Our amazing team at Autisticana had the most unbelievably joyous, grin-inducing, memory-making adventure, and we simply have to tell you all about it! We took a trip to the Christmas Village at Broadway Commons Read more…
A Timeless Christmas Heart: My Milleridge Inn, Then and Now – A Village of Yuletide Delights The scent of pine needles and warm spices, the gentle hum of conversation, the twinkle of a thousand lights reflected in frost-kissed windows – these aren’t just elements of a Christmas memory, they’re the Read more…
The Enchantment of the Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns: A Delightful Journey I am excited to share my whimsical adventures at one of my favorite fall events—the “Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns!” This delightful festival has quickly become a staple of the season, drawing in crowds with its dazzling displays Read more…
“People are dying , and getting thrown in jail and life -long Ptsd is happening every day because reporting crimes and neglect to the Police departments are being dismissed as a waste of time ….. Our system is beyond flawed and I thought this report would find to be interesting Read more…
Illustrated by Angelica Tao I expect the barista to ask if I have autism. She never does, even if I act awkwardly. But if I never fumble at all… She might think I rehearsed my responses. My therapist likes to ask how I feel. About my autism. I got a Read more…
Illustrated by Angelica Tao On the way home, we were already grieving. After the news we were reviving. It was like being in a kaleidoscope. How would I ever cope? I never meant my parents any grief. The diagnosis itself was brief. But the journey ahead? I’d rather aliens hover Read more…