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Privacy Policy

Welcome to Autistic Elle Blog (“Site,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). Protecting your privacy is overwhelmingly important to us—partly because we’re neurodivergent data-nerds who dislike surprises, and partly because it’s simply the right thing to do. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, why we collect it, and what you can do about it.

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1. Quick-Look Summary
If you’re skimming (no judgment), here’s the nutshell:

  • We collect only the information we genuinely need to run a functional, welcoming website.

  • We never sell your data—full stop.

  • You control the emails you receive, the cookies we set, and the personal information you share.

  • You can ask us to delete your data at any time.

  • For the full, detail-loving version, read on.

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2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Voluntarily Provide

  • Comments & Contact Forms: When you leave a comment or send a message, we collect the name, email address, and any other details you choose to share.

  • Newsletter Sign-Ups: Your email address (and sometimes your first name, if you feel like sharing) is stored so we can send you love notes, updates, and occasional deals.

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2.2 Information We Collect Automatically
Like most websites, we gather certain data automatically via cookies and similar tech:

  • Device & Browser Details (e.g., IP address, operating system, browser type)

  • Usage Data (e.g., pages viewed, time spent, referring/exit pages)

  • We use privacy-respecting analytics tools to keep tabs on site performance while minimizing personal data collection.

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3. Why We Collect Your Information

  • To Provide and Improve the Site – Analytics help us figure out which posts spark joy and which ones need a rewrite.

  • Community Interaction – Your comments make the blog a conversation rather than a monologue.

  • Communication – If you join our mailing list, we’ll send curated content, event announcements, and the occasional pun.

  • Legal & Security – To protect the Site against spam, fraud, or malicious activity.

  • Affiliate Earnings Disclosure – Some links are affiliate links; tracking cookies let merchants know you found them through us, so they can toss a small commission our way (at no extra cost to you).

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4. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Cookies are tiny text files that live in your browser for a set period. We use:

 

Essential Cookies​

Purpose: Keep the Site functioning (e.g., comment login).    

Lifespan: Session / short-term

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Performance Cookies (Analytics)    

Purpose: Understand traffic and performance trends.

Lifespan: 1–24 months

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Affiliate Cookies

Purpose: Attribute a purchase to our Site so we can earn commission.    

Lifespan: Up to 45 days

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You can disable cookies in your browser settings or through our cookie consent banner; just know some features might get cranky without them.

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5. Third-Party Services
We partner with a handful of trusted providers who process data on our behalf:

Email Marketing: MailerLite (EU-based servers)

Analytics: Plausible, a cookieless, GDPR-friendly platform

Payment Processing (if you buy a PDF): Stripe

Comment Spam Protection: Akismet

Each service has its own privacy policy, and we’ve ensured they meet or exceed current data-protection standards.

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6. Email Communications
Opt-In Only: You must actively subscribe.

Frequency: Generally 1–3 emails per month; more only if there’s big news.

Unsubscribe: Every email includes an unsubscribe link that works—promise.

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7. Data Retention
We keep your information only as long as necessary to achieve the purposes stated above or as required by law. If you delete a comment, it vanishes from public view within minutes; backup copies roll off our servers within 30 days.

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8. Your Rights & Choices
EU / UK (GDPR)    Access, correct, erase, restrict processing, data portability, object    Email privacy@autisticelle.com with your request.
California (CCPA)    Know what data we have, request deletion, opt-out of “sale” (we don’t sell)    Same email.
Everywhere Else    The basic right to not be treated like a data vending machine    Ditto.

We respond within 30 days, usually much sooner.

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9. Children’s Privacy
Autistic Elle Blog is aimed at adults. We don’t knowingly collect personal info from anyone under 16. If you’re a parent or guardian and believe your child provided personal data, email us so we can delete it.

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10. Data Security
We use HTTPS encryption, strong passwords, regular security scans, and two-factor authentication where possible. No system is perfect, but we take reasonable steps to safeguard your information.

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11. International Visitors
Our servers are located in the United States. By using the Site, you understand and consent to having your information processed in the U.S. (and wherever our third-party providers operate).

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12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we’ll update the “Last updated” date and, for any significant change, post a notice on the Site or email subscribers.

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13. Contact Us
Questions, concerns, or a sudden urge to chat data ethics? Reach us at hello@autisticelle.com.

Thank you for trusting us with your information and for being part of this vibrant, neurodivergent corner of the internet.

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