Tsara's Column: Autism, Inclusion and More
Author: Disabled World (DW)
Updated/Revised Date: 27 Jul 2026
Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - About This Section - FAQs - Publications - Subtopics
Synopsis
Tsara Shelton shares growing up with four adopted autistic brothers and raising her own sons, advocating for inclusion, acceptance, and comfort with difference.
At a Glance
- 1 - Tsara's mother, Dr. Lynette Louise, has been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.
- 2 - By age twelve, Tsara's mom had adopted four boys, all with autism and other cognitive challenges.
- 3 - Raising four sons of her own gave Tsara the final push to contribute her voice to disability advocacy. She writes to invite others to share their own experiences and ideas.
Topic Definition
- Tsara's Column
Tsara's Column is a personal writing series by Tsara Shelton, the oldest daughter of autism and behavior expert Dr. Lynette Louise, in which she reflects on growing up in a large, Neurodiverse household and raising a family of her own. Having spent her childhood alongside four adopted brothers with autism, Tsara uses her column to explore themes of inclusion, acceptance, and the personal work of becoming comfortable with difference. Rather than lecturing, she tends to write by examining her own reactions and experiences, offering suggestions for change while inviting readers to share their own perspectives. The column also keeps followers updated on her mother's projects and books, blending honest personal storytelling with disability advocacy and a warm, conversational tone.
About This Section
By the time I was twelve, my mom had adopted four boys, all with autism and various other diagnosis and cognitive challenges. My younger sister and I had different reactions to our growing family. She was thrilled to have such unique brothers to play with. I was nervous about how our lives would change, uncertain about how to behave around this new brood, and aware that I should feel otherwise.
Thus began my lifelong quest to connect with my brothers, understand my reactions, and advocate for inclusion. Well, that and a mom who insisted I do so. And I mean insisted.
My name is Tsara, and I'm the oldest daughter of international brain change and behavior expert Dr. Lynette Louise ("The Brain Broad"). I've been working as her part-time personal assistant for over ten years and hope to continue doing so until we have nothing to advocate for. (So, probably at least another year. It might take that long for the world to be peaceful, inclusive, and fully understanding of difference. Right? ;D)
Long before my mom became a renowned mental health expert specializing in autism, she was the single mom of eight kids - six adopted (she adopted two teenage girls as well as my four brothers) and all entirely unique. Mom herself has been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, so it's no surprise she's always been drawn to loving and living with outliers.
However, I have always been somewhat the opposite. I was not comfortable being uncomfortable, and liked things to be "normal" so we wouldn't stand out or be cornered so often into awkward confrontations.
This is one of the reasons my brothers were the greatest gift in my life. They encouraged me to look at the world differently, they inspired me to become comfortable being uncomfortable, and they moved me frequently to change my mind.
Eventually, I had four sons of my own. This was the final push I needed to willingly (if not nervously) contribute my voice and ideas to the ongoing discourse in disability advocacy and culture. I wanted the world they were growing up in to be as diverse and inclusive as the home I grew up in.
I find the most honest way I can encourage shifts in thinking is by shifting my thinking and exploring my experiences in writing. And so, most of my contributions are of that nature; suggestions for change with an invitation that others add their input as well.
I also write about things my mom is doing, keeping people updated regarding any upcoming projects or books she has in the works. These are wholly informational posts and not at all me adding my opinion of how awesome my mom is. (Okay, maybe a little opinion. I mean, it's also good information when I say my mom is remarkable, so what can I do? I have got to include it.)
You can find my latest articles and posts by following @TsaraShelton on X.
Feel free to contact me if you have questions or comments about anything I write. As I said, I write to invite experience and idea sharing. I hope you'll join me.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is Tsara's Column updated with new writing?
New entries are published as Tsara reflects on fresh experiences, so the column grows over time rather than on a fixed schedule. Following her latest work is the best way to catch each new piece as it appears.
Where can I read Tsara Shelton's most recent posts?
You can follow her latest articles and updates on X at the handle she shares in the column. That feed is where she points readers who want to keep up between published entries.
Can I respond to or share my own experience after reading a column entry?
Yes. Tsara writes specifically to invite others to add their input, so sharing your own perspective is welcome. She encourages readers to contact her with questions, comments, or ideas about anything she writes.
Do I need to know a lot about autism to enjoy this column?
No. The writing is conversational and personal rather than technical, so no background knowledge is required. It focuses on lived experience, inclusion, and becoming comfortable with difference in ways that any reader can relate to.
Who is Dr. Lynette Louise and why does she appear so often in the column?
She is Tsara's mother, an international brain change and behavior expert who specializes in autism. She appears frequently because Tsara helps keep readers informed about her upcoming projects and books, alongside her own reflections.
Is the column meant to give advice or tell readers what to do?
Not directly. Rather than lecturing, Tsara explores her own reactions and thinking, offering suggestions for change instead of instructions. The goal is to spark honest discussion, not to prescribe a single right way forward.
What does becoming comfortable being uncomfortable mean in this column?
It describes Tsara's ongoing effort to accept difference rather than seeking to appear normal or avoid standing out. Growing up with her brothers pushed her to see the world differently and to welcome situations that once felt awkward.
Curated and edited by Ian C. Langtree, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Disabled World. This section is maintained by the Disabled World editorial team.
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