Autistics Unmasked

Hi everyone! I’m Ky, the CEO and Co-Founder of Autistics Unmasked. My pronouns are they/them! I am an autistic ADHDer with EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome).

Some of my hobbies include dancing, writing (poetry and journaling), crocheting, meditating and being out in nature.
My special interests are the Autistic Neurotype, wild cats, snails and foraging! I’m the author of “Sweet Nectar: (Hopefully) Everything You Want To Know About Chestfeeding,” a lactation consultant, the operations coordinator for a black, woman owned business and mom to a toddler!

Hello! I am Liz, the Vice President of Autistics Unmasked. I study history as a graduate student with University of Connecticut’s El Instituto through a Critical (Environmental/Disability/Queer/Race) Theory lens, although I am currently on medical leave. In addition to those special interests that I’ve pursued in academia, I also have long term special interests in marine mammals, reading nonfiction (currently reading Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer), and Star Trek. Deep Space Nine is my favorite series, but I love all things Trek.

I am also a practicing witch and I find that learning about spirituality, religion & the occult is another lifelong special interest of mine. I’m grateful to be part of such a spectacularly talented team and I look forward to supporting, advocating, growing, loving & learning with our community!

I received my autism diagnosis in December 2021 just 6 months after my 4 year old son received his autism/ADHD diagnosis. I am a mother to 2 sons and married to an ADHDer. I was previously a veterinarian for 9 years and have recently just left my career due to burnout. I am now pursuing my new passion by joining this team as secretary and going back to school to study social justice and advocacy. 

My interests are nature, hiking, running, rock climbing, hanging with my family, and basically anything to do with autism advocacy and education. I want everyone to accept autistic people more so my son doesn’t have to grow up hiding his traits and can be authentic as I am currently going through the unmasking process myself.

As a member of Autistics Unmasked Leadership, the Head of Research is responsible for aligning the team’s goals with AU’s mission, coordinating the team’s activities, and providing support and guidance.

Heini is a biologist and a computational scientist in the field of human genetics. She advocates on several fronts for socially responsible research, ethical conduct, and against all forms of eugenics.

Hol is a current undergraduate student in Politics and International Studies, hoping to pursue a career in research, with a specific interest in autistic experiences in relation to politics. As well as this, Hol has an active Twitter account where they often tweet about their experiences as an autistic person, as well as identifying as an #ActuallyAutistic advocate.

AJ is a creative with a passion for black autistic advocacy and changing the way people think about the neurotype as well as opinions on ADHD. In addition to the work he does with Autistics Unmasked, he makes and records his own music as well as is active on Twitter in some neurodiverse circles.

My name is Phoenix Hopkins. My pronouns are they/he/she. I’m part of the AU research department and love to learn more about myself and others autistic experiences.

Chris Dabbs, Ph.D. (he/him) is a professor of clinical psychology and identity researcher, with a particular focus on the intersections of spiritual, religious, and secular identity and mental health. Currently, he and his research lab are juggling projects that include an exploration of anti-autistic sentiment in mental health professional training programs.

He views research as a form of advocacy, so his current research role at AU joins nicely with his history of LGBTQ+, religious minority, and graduate student advocacy. Chris lives in western Illinois with his wife, Maggie, and their cat, Hermione. His special interest is The Nightmare Before Christmas and he loves collecting–especially trading cards and physical media.

I’m Opal, a nonbinary creative & Head of Education with Autistics Unmasked. I’m responsible for developing AU’s educational content & messaging. Outside of the organization, I work as a disability counselor by day & a professional tarot reader by night.

My special interests are animation, media production, & the color pink. My mission is to help reduce stigmas & harm within disabled, working class, & black/brown communities.

I am on the Education team at Autistics Unmasked. I am 20 years old and in my 2nd year of college.

My special interests and hobbies include roller skating, Pokémon card and cd collecting, music, video games, educating people on autism and working on intersectionality.

I’m an educator with Autistics Unmasked. I am so excited for the opportunity to fight misinformation about autism on a larger scale.

Special interests: autism, human behavior/psychology, history, human evolution, true crime.