In this episode, host Donna Brendel explores the importance of projecting autistic trends and data from both her perspective and personal experience, as well as from experts and other autistic authors going back 115 years!In this segment, Part I of a three-part series, she will delve into personal experiences and broader trends related to autism, neurodivergence, and burnout. She discusses the importance of living with margin, the need for workplace accommodations, and the value of neurodivergent perspectives. Additionally, she addresses challenges in daily living, shifts in perspectives on ABA therapy, and the current state of research in autism.Watch for Part II coming soon, Expert Thought Generators from the 20th Century, with insights and excerpts from important works by Dr. Maria Montessori, Jean Piaget, Dr. Arnold Gesell, and Carl Jung. Rounding out this is series, Part III, Researchers and Autistic Voices from the 21st Century. Donna will share beautiful and poignant progress from brave emergent researchers as well as autistic authors benefiting from new treatment methods. Autism has been around much longer than 115 years, and although progress has been painfully slow, we are finally making progress. Autistic voices are helping to PROJECT awareness, support, new research methods, and improved treatment modalities forward. It's a beautiful thing!Chapters for Part I:00:00 - Part I: Trends & Data on Autism from the Past 115 Years01:57 - Autistic Burnout - An Emerging Term, But Longstanding Trend08:06 - Trends in Reporting Autism in the Workplace14:17 - Challenges with Daily Living Activities18:26 - Exploring Alternative Autism Therapies to ABA21:53 - Autism Research Methods, We're Finally Getting SomewhereReferences shared throughout Parts I, II, and III of this series, in the order the are most thoroughly explored:• Montesorri, M. (1912.) “The Montessori Method.” Frederick A. Stokes Company, New York.• Piaget, J. (1923 French, 1926 English, 1932 Second Edition, 1959 Third Edition.) “The Language and Thought of the Child.” Routledge, New York. • Gesell, A., M.D., Ph.D., Sc.D., (1945.) “The Embryology of Behavior.” Harper & Brothers Publishers, New York and London.• Jung, C. G., Dr., (1957, 1958.) “The Undiscovered Self.” Penguin Books, Ltd., London.• Kedar, I. (2012.) “Ido in Autismland: Climbing Out of Autism’s Silent Prison.” • Clarke, J. (2025.) “Stop the World I Want to Get Off: A guide to understanding and supporting the recovery of autistic burnout in children and young people.” Jessica Kinglsey Publishers, London.• Pavlopoulou, G., et al. (2025.) “Improving Mental Health Therapies for Autistic Children and Young People: Promoting Self-Agency, Curiosity and Collaboration.” Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, London and New York. • Autism and Development Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network (2023.) “Community Report on Autism 2023.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Congratulations to Donna Brendel and "I Should Say That Out Loud," for ranking Number 5 on FeedSpot's "25 Best Adult Autism Podcasts" based on relevancy, authority, social media followers and freshness. Thank you FeedSpot for watching!