Karla Fisher - Karla's ASD / Autism Spectrum Disorder Page

Karen with Autism Empowerment Radio goes on location at Intel to interview Karla Fisher, an adult autistic who educates and supports autistics, parents and those who seek to learn more about autism spectrum disorder through her Facebook community, Karla's ASD page.

Karla's ASD page is a perspective page from an adult autistic who in her words is "Not Fighting Autism, working with it." As a Senior Program Manager / Engineering Manager at Intel, Karla has worked in the high tech field for over 20 years and is very passionate about her job.

This is the 1st of a series of 2 interviews initially recorded on April 6th, 2013. Although this particular broadcast was recorded second, we are playing it first as it gives a strong introduction of Karla and her back story.

Karla covers a variety of topics including a bit about what it was like for Karla growing up and how things changed for her after her father passed away and she received an autism diagnosis. She discusses her conceding phase where she tried to "fix" her autism.

Other topics include being accepted in the high tech industry and being accepted online. We talk about the importance of autistics supporting other autistics and how that isn't always the case in some Facebook parent support groups. 

In our 2nd interview we discuss Token Theory and Autistic Burnout, two topics which Karla talks about regularly and extensively at Karla's ASD page. 

Karla Fisher has a very impressive bio. She is a 2012 GRASP Distinguished Spectrumite Medal honoree. Important parts of her life story are published as chapter 4 in Temple Grandin's book, "Different, Not Less". Karla founded Portland's first ASD Adult/Teen Mentor program and regularly teaches doctors, teachers, professionals and parents about ASD.