About Cherry Blossom Tree

Kate

The Face Behind Cherry Blossom Tree

Hi, my name is Kate.

When I started this blog in August 2015, I embarked on a journey to establish if my whole life experience had, unknowingly, been lived through the lens of autism. This blog was (and still is) intended to act as a safe place for me to decant my thoughts for further reflection, as well as sharing insights with the online neurodiversity community.

I started blogging anonymously because my goal is not to personally gain any recognition, but rather to be another voice in the growing autistic women’s web presence. I have put my face & name on my blog (as of April 2017) because of my inclusion as a contributor to Spectrum Women Magazine & published book Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism! However, I will still use pseudonyms when I refer to anyone else by name, with the exception of other autistic writers, citing their pages accordingly.

I have been inspired by the written works of other women who have received professional validation (my preferred terminology for a “diagnosis”) in adulthood and feel that if I add my voice to the emerging collective of women on the spectrum, then my experience of life as a neurodivergent woman will hopefully help those in the future.

SW Cover Mask Red Purple FINAL 17022018

Cover Artwork for Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism

Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism – published 21st August 2018! Available to buy at:

This is an edited collection that tackles a range of issues that affect autistic women, including chapters on growing up, identity, diversity, parenting, independence and self-care. Well-known writers provide advice, support and empowerment to fellow autistic women, and expert Dr Michelle Garnett provides professional commentary for each chapter.

Contributing Authors: Artemisia, Maura Campbell, Barb Cook, Samantha Craft, Jen Elcheson, Dena Gassner, Liane Holliday Willey, Christine Jenkins, Renata Jurkevythz, Anita Lesko, Becca Lory, Kate Ross, Terri Mayne, Jeanette Purkis, Catriona Stewart

I am certified by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) as a Certified Autism Specialist (CAS), defined as a professional who is responsible for the support and/or services provided to an individual on the autism spectrum that directly relates to the professionals’ specific scope of practice.

CAS-Badge

A few fun things about me. 🙂

I’m a big Beatles fan and have an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of their discography and band history. My favourite modern bands are Manic Street Preachers and The All-American Rejects (since 2003! even though they’ve not released anything new in a few years); my husband introduced me to the Manics’ music after we started dating and I’m the one who keeps a keen eye out for concert dates! I also love cats and have a long-haired tortoiseshell kitten-cat; she’s 12 years old, very petite, very chatty (meows a lot!) and very cuddly. I am also a feminist, an atheist (in the literal meaning of the word, “lacking a theology”), an environmentalist, and member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Why do you call yourself Cherry Blossom Tree, and why is the blog called “I Am My Own Experience”?

A good question – both are a reference to songs on my favourite Manic Street Preacher’s album, This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours: Nobody Loved You and I’m Not Working.

Feedback About …i am my own experience…

“Great that you’ve been able to chronicle your autism journey like this! I love that it takes you throughout your path to diagnosis with lots of interesting insights along the way.”
– Chris Bonello, Autistic Not Weird

Thank you for embarking on this journey with me and please feel free to connect if you wish to do so. I will not respond to “trolls” or mean/insulting/disparaging comments. This is intended to be a safe space and I will keep it that way.

My certification on IBCCES.
My bio on Spectrum Women Magazine.
Support me on Ko-fi!

4 thoughts on “About Cherry Blossom Tree”

  2. Kate, your blog is currently included on our Actually Autistic Blogs List (anautismobserver.wordpress.com). Please click on the “How do you want your blog listed?” link at the top of that site to personalize your blog’s description.
    Thank you.
    Judy (An Autism Observer)

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  3. Pingback: Gender Socialization & Women with Autism, with Kate Ross | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 50
  4. Megan Clar says:

    Hi Kate!

    I have learned about you by just finishing the book, Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism. I live in Rochester, NY and I was a teacher for children on the spectrum. While working on my masters degree in special education, I worked during the day as a (traveling) autism behavioral therapist within local schools. I felt a connection with and loved the students that I worked with, but I became very upset with how our government and NYS treats people with disabilities and autism.

    I have not been diagnosed but I identify as aspergers, I am still on the fence with receiving a diagnosis. I have been through a ton of diagnosis (as most of us have) and I am not sure of the benefit for me right now. It is very difficult to find a psychologist / psychiatrist in the area who has experience with the adult women on the spectrum, and I have been looking to just get help with the day to day for over a year.

    I was so happy to read about you as well as what you wrote in the book. I was able to connect with you and others in the book. I want to thank you for your advocacy and for what you do. If you need anything from Buffalo let me know, I am often there for work 🙂 Thank you

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