Uncail Brad Athair
@uncailathair.bsky.social
He/him
Foster dad [2 and 9 year olds]
Spouse
Math teacher in Western North Carolina 8th grade
Grieving & rebuilding from Helene
Autistic, ADHD, trauma, anxiety, & chronic pain
Masters thesis on AI bias
Foster dad [2 and 9 year olds]
Spouse
Math teacher in Western North Carolina 8th grade
Grieving & rebuilding from Helene
Autistic, ADHD, trauma, anxiety, & chronic pain
Masters thesis on AI bias
@838carlisle.bsky.social Are you watching USLW playoffs? Asheville City player sent off in 24th minute with iffy straight red. Sheehan for ACSC still scores 1st with a banger from the top of the 18, off the crossbar down and in. Playing NC Courage U23. 1st time ACSC in semifinals.
July 13, 2025 at 12:12 AM
@838carlisle.bsky.social Are you watching USLW playoffs? Asheville City player sent off in 24th minute with iffy straight red. Sheehan for ACSC still scores 1st with a banger from the top of the 18, off the crossbar down and in. Playing NC Courage U23. 1st time ACSC in semifinals.
It seems that most interviewing advice could be summed up with "Don't be your Autistic self."
Look interviewer in the eye
Don't fidget
Don't over share
Use body language that projects confidence
Look interviewer in the eye
Don't fidget
Don't over share
Use body language that projects confidence
June 14, 2025 at 1:49 PM
It seems that most interviewing advice could be summed up with "Don't be your Autistic self."
Look interviewer in the eye
Don't fidget
Don't over share
Use body language that projects confidence
Look interviewer in the eye
Don't fidget
Don't over share
Use body language that projects confidence
Reposted by Uncail Brad Athair
Most autistic communication issues aren’t about expression.
They’re about fear.
Fear of being misread.
Of being too much.
Of not being safe enough to tell the truth.
We don’t need communication training.
We need spaces where we’re allowed to be honest.
They’re about fear.
Fear of being misread.
Of being too much.
Of not being safe enough to tell the truth.
We don’t need communication training.
We need spaces where we’re allowed to be honest.
June 8, 2025 at 7:20 AM
Most autistic communication issues aren’t about expression.
They’re about fear.
Fear of being misread.
Of being too much.
Of not being safe enough to tell the truth.
We don’t need communication training.
We need spaces where we’re allowed to be honest.
They’re about fear.
Fear of being misread.
Of being too much.
Of not being safe enough to tell the truth.
We don’t need communication training.
We need spaces where we’re allowed to be honest.
Something happened with the NC Test servers that all public schools have to use for end of year testing. Teachers can't have any devices. Was told students couldn't talk b/c they had started testing & saw questions.
I was to keep students silent for 🤷♂️ time w/ no updates. It was a about 40 min.
I was to keep students silent for 🤷♂️ time w/ no updates. It was a about 40 min.
May 28, 2025 at 11:57 PM
Something happened with the NC Test servers that all public schools have to use for end of year testing. Teachers can't have any devices. Was told students couldn't talk b/c they had started testing & saw questions.
I was to keep students silent for 🤷♂️ time w/ no updates. It was a about 40 min.
I was to keep students silent for 🤷♂️ time w/ no updates. It was a about 40 min.
How long until Autistic folks have forced sterilization?
May 28, 2025 at 1:50 AM
How long until Autistic folks have forced sterilization?
Reposted by Uncail Brad Athair
I wrote a bit about The Wheel of Time's cancellation, which is a genuine gut-punch to those of us who've been waiting forever for female-focused stories in the fantasy space.
What 'The Wheel of Time's' Unfortunate Cancelation Means for the State of Female-Focused Fantasy
Another popular genre series has met an untimely early end, but what makes The Wheel of Time's cancelation so unfortunate is what it means for female characters in the fantasy space.
tellyvisions.org
May 27, 2025 at 3:45 PM
I wrote a bit about The Wheel of Time's cancellation, which is a genuine gut-punch to those of us who've been waiting forever for female-focused stories in the fantasy space.
For me, there is also a layer recently added for starting to unmask and be honest with employer & it used against me. I was told to use my black & white thinking autistic super power. Then I was told I would not be back because I am inflexible.
As OP says next, there is always more to it...
As OP says next, there is always more to it...
The onion diagram of autistic experiences: at the core of my perspective is the autistic experience I was born with: the sensory profile, instincts and habits I exhibited when I was small. Layered on top of that is trauma from the negative responses I received when I was just being an autistic kid.
May 26, 2025 at 3:35 PM
For me, there is also a layer recently added for starting to unmask and be honest with employer & it used against me. I was told to use my black & white thinking autistic super power. Then I was told I would not be back because I am inflexible.
As OP says next, there is always more to it...
As OP says next, there is always more to it...
Best faculty meeting ever
A mama bear and 3 cubs came. The cubs climbed a tree and fence. I need an I can focus on bears accomodation.
#ITeachMath #BearsTeachMe #Appalachia #ActuallyAutisic #Bears
A mama bear and 3 cubs came. The cubs climbed a tree and fence. I need an I can focus on bears accomodation.
#ITeachMath #BearsTeachMe #Appalachia #ActuallyAutisic #Bears
May 24, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Best faculty meeting ever
A mama bear and 3 cubs came. The cubs climbed a tree and fence. I need an I can focus on bears accomodation.
#ITeachMath #BearsTeachMe #Appalachia #ActuallyAutisic #Bears
A mama bear and 3 cubs came. The cubs climbed a tree and fence. I need an I can focus on bears accomodation.
#ITeachMath #BearsTeachMe #Appalachia #ActuallyAutisic #Bears
Today, email comes night of a change in plans. 11:00, maybe but who knows the time, seniors from high school will come and walk through halls. We stop class, take them to hallway, and cheer loudly.
Yay for time anxiety and sensory overload. School is not designed for auDHD teachers or students.
Yay for time anxiety and sensory overload. School is not designed for auDHD teachers or students.
May 22, 2025 at 11:39 PM
Today, email comes night of a change in plans. 11:00, maybe but who knows the time, seniors from high school will come and walk through halls. We stop class, take them to hallway, and cheer loudly.
Yay for time anxiety and sensory overload. School is not designed for auDHD teachers or students.
Yay for time anxiety and sensory overload. School is not designed for auDHD teachers or students.
I would rather eat $250/month than spend it for a polluting, plagiarizing, stochastic parrot.
There are literally one million things I would rather do with $250/month.
Google launches $250 per month 'VIP' AI subscription service
The newest tier, which is more expensive than ChatGPT's premium service, comes as Google seeks to further monetize its AI products.
www.cnbc.com
May 21, 2025 at 1:22 AM
I would rather eat $250/month than spend it for a polluting, plagiarizing, stochastic parrot.
I am starting a thread of reactions to and reflections in reading "The AI Con" by Alex Hanna and Emily Bender.
Do not expect any consistency with adding to the thread.
Do not expect any consistency with adding to the thread.
May 15, 2025 at 12:32 AM
I am starting a thread of reactions to and reflections in reading "The AI Con" by Alex Hanna and Emily Bender.
Do not expect any consistency with adding to the thread.
Do not expect any consistency with adding to the thread.
Today I have to have my 2nd restorative circle with a student who started a fire in class. We had a circle after his 1st attempt and all he did was ask why was he there. I wept as I described the trauma and gaslighting I experienced teaching this year. He mocked.
Will today be the same?
Will today be the same?
May 14, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Today I have to have my 2nd restorative circle with a student who started a fire in class. We had a circle after his 1st attempt and all he did was ask why was he there. I wept as I described the trauma and gaslighting I experienced teaching this year. He mocked.
Will today be the same?
Will today be the same?
At test administration training, we were told that all administrators and proctors must stand the entire 3 hour test.
Surely I can't be the only disabled teacher in all of North Carolina.
Surely I can't be the only disabled teacher in all of North Carolina.
May 13, 2025 at 10:54 PM
At test administration training, we were told that all administrators and proctors must stand the entire 3 hour test.
Surely I can't be the only disabled teacher in all of North Carolina.
Surely I can't be the only disabled teacher in all of North Carolina.
Happy book release and thank you @emilymbender.bsky.social and @alexhanna.bsky.social
Let's see how many colleagues I can get to buy a copy before the end of the school year.
Let's see how many colleagues I can get to buy a copy before the end of the school year.
May 13, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Happy book release and thank you @emilymbender.bsky.social and @alexhanna.bsky.social
Let's see how many colleagues I can get to buy a copy before the end of the school year.
Let's see how many colleagues I can get to buy a copy before the end of the school year.
www.404media.co/republicans-...
No state regulation or AI for 10 years?!?
Maybe they thought this was the last chance because the public outcry will be too great with "The AI Con" by is released. My copy is supposed to arrive tomorrow.
No state regulation or AI for 10 years?!?
Maybe they thought this was the last chance because the public outcry will be too great with "The AI Con" by is released. My copy is supposed to arrive tomorrow.
Republicans Try to Cram Ban on AI Regulation Into Budget Reconciliation Bill
Republicans try to use the Budget Reconciliation bill to stop states from regulating AI entirely for 10 years.
www.404media.co
May 12, 2025 at 9:55 PM
www.404media.co/republicans-...
No state regulation or AI for 10 years?!?
Maybe they thought this was the last chance because the public outcry will be too great with "The AI Con" by is released. My copy is supposed to arrive tomorrow.
No state regulation or AI for 10 years?!?
Maybe they thought this was the last chance because the public outcry will be too great with "The AI Con" by is released. My copy is supposed to arrive tomorrow.
I was recently told by an administrator that the key to me improving as a teacher is to build up emotional walls.
Masking isn't enough. I have to actually not care.
And some folks want to say that Autistic people don't have empathy. Seems like Autistic empathy is showing their systems stink.
Masking isn't enough. I have to actually not care.
And some folks want to say that Autistic people don't have empathy. Seems like Autistic empathy is showing their systems stink.
Reconnecting with our bodyminds isn’t easy.
It's one of the hardest things - because we've been very actively conditioned not to do it in order to stay safe.
It’s slow, disorienting, sacred work.
Not every feeling needs to be fixed.
But every feeling deserves to be felt.
It's one of the hardest things - because we've been very actively conditioned not to do it in order to stay safe.
It’s slow, disorienting, sacred work.
Not every feeling needs to be fixed.
But every feeling deserves to be felt.
May 12, 2025 at 10:55 AM
I was recently told by an administrator that the key to me improving as a teacher is to build up emotional walls.
Masking isn't enough. I have to actually not care.
And some folks want to say that Autistic people don't have empathy. Seems like Autistic empathy is showing their systems stink.
Masking isn't enough. I have to actually not care.
And some folks want to say that Autistic people don't have empathy. Seems like Autistic empathy is showing their systems stink.
Is it PTSD to see possible flooding and start to look at tons of weather maps but feel frozen on actually preparing?
The downtown Marshall just opened after Helene about a week ago.
Asking for all of Western North Carolina.
The downtown Marshall just opened after Helene about a week ago.
Asking for all of Western North Carolina.
May 12, 2025 at 12:06 AM
Is it PTSD to see possible flooding and start to look at tons of weather maps but feel frozen on actually preparing?
The downtown Marshall just opened after Helene about a week ago.
Asking for all of Western North Carolina.
The downtown Marshall just opened after Helene about a week ago.
Asking for all of Western North Carolina.
Today is my 22nd mother's day without Mom. I got 25 with her.
May 11, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Today is my 22nd mother's day without Mom. I got 25 with her.
I took 3 yr old to minor league baseball game for Doggies at the Diamond night. He pet every dog he could and mostly asked permission first. He got a baseball and asked to play catch with in the aisle. He talked with some players and asked to please go on the field with them.
It’s Saturday, so:
Tell me something that brought you joy this week.
Any old thing will do. Small joys are as good as big ones—sometimes even better.
Tell me something that brought you joy this week.
Any old thing will do. Small joys are as good as big ones—sometimes even better.
May 11, 2025 at 8:02 AM
I took 3 yr old to minor league baseball game for Doggies at the Diamond night. He pet every dog he could and mostly asked permission first. He got a baseball and asked to play catch with in the aisle. He talked with some players and asked to please go on the field with them.
Reposted by Uncail Brad Athair
Society: "autistic people do not understand hierarchies"
Me: *knows that hierarchies exist and understands how they operate, but doesn't value them and doesn't believe any human is: a) more important than another; or b) should mistreat/exploit those "lower down" the hierarchy*.
Me: *knows that hierarchies exist and understands how they operate, but doesn't value them and doesn't believe any human is: a) more important than another; or b) should mistreat/exploit those "lower down" the hierarchy*.
May 8, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Society: "autistic people do not understand hierarchies"
Me: *knows that hierarchies exist and understands how they operate, but doesn't value them and doesn't believe any human is: a) more important than another; or b) should mistreat/exploit those "lower down" the hierarchy*.
Me: *knows that hierarchies exist and understands how they operate, but doesn't value them and doesn't believe any human is: a) more important than another; or b) should mistreat/exploit those "lower down" the hierarchy*.
A student stood up for me in another class telling students they were they ones who needed to do better and that Ibam a great teacher. They would see it if they would ever stop arguing and listen.
He is Autistic. Don't tell me Autistic kids aren't empathetic.
He is Autistic. Don't tell me Autistic kids aren't empathetic.
May 1, 2025 at 12:41 AM
A student stood up for me in another class telling students they were they ones who needed to do better and that Ibam a great teacher. They would see it if they would ever stop arguing and listen.
He is Autistic. Don't tell me Autistic kids aren't empathetic.
He is Autistic. Don't tell me Autistic kids aren't empathetic.
Posting to spread the news and to remind my to tune in during planning period.
This should seriously count as professional development.
This should seriously count as professional development.
The AI Con release date is right around the corner! We have TWO online events coming up:
#1 the virtual launch, with @dairinstitute.bsky.social -- @vauhinivara.bsky.social will join me and @alexhanna.bsky.social for a discussion of AI hype, the AI con, and THE AI CON.
Thursday May 8, 2pm PT.
#1 the virtual launch, with @dairinstitute.bsky.social -- @vauhinivara.bsky.social will join me and @alexhanna.bsky.social for a discussion of AI hype, the AI con, and THE AI CON.
Thursday May 8, 2pm PT.
THE AI CON Virtual Book Launch
We kick off our book tour with a virtual launch on the DAIR Twitch stream! We’ll be joined in conversation by Vauhini Vara.
www.eventbrite.com
May 1, 2025 at 12:03 AM
Posting to spread the news and to remind my to tune in during planning period.
This should seriously count as professional development.
This should seriously count as professional development.
A colleague brought me this carton of chocolate milk. It had Mandolorian and Grogu on it
They said student didn't want milk and thought I would because of Star Wars. I replied, "I've got a bad feeling about this."
She thought that I thought it was a prank. The Force is weak here. #AutisticTeacher
They said student didn't want milk and thought I would because of Star Wars. I replied, "I've got a bad feeling about this."
She thought that I thought it was a prank. The Force is weak here. #AutisticTeacher
April 27, 2025 at 11:32 PM
A colleague brought me this carton of chocolate milk. It had Mandolorian and Grogu on it
They said student didn't want milk and thought I would because of Star Wars. I replied, "I've got a bad feeling about this."
She thought that I thought it was a prank. The Force is weak here. #AutisticTeacher
They said student didn't want milk and thought I would because of Star Wars. I replied, "I've got a bad feeling about this."
She thought that I thought it was a prank. The Force is weak here. #AutisticTeacher
Movie you’ve watched more than six times using GIFs.
(“Hard mode”: no Star Wars, Star Trek, LOTR or Disney)
(“Hard mode”: no Star Wars, Star Trek, LOTR or Disney)
April 27, 2025 at 1:01 AM
Movie you’ve watched more than six times using GIFs.
(“Hard mode”: no Star Wars, Star Trek, LOTR or Disney)
(“Hard mode”: no Star Wars, Star Trek, LOTR or Disney)
Reposted by Uncail Brad Athair
Always read @melodyschreiber.com
Autistic people and experts voice alarm at RFK’s ‘terrible’ approach to condition
Health secretary is planning wide-ranging monitoring of autistic people’s health record and cuts to disability services
www.theguardian.com
April 24, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Always read @melodyschreiber.com