Acorn Health’s Post

When it comes to running a successful Action Team, planning ahead is key. If you want to participate in a fundraiser or pull a team together next month, we want to help. That's why we're highlighting some national events that working hard to raise awareness in April: - #ParkinsonAwarenessMonth -World Autism Awareness Day (Apr 2) in support of #AutismSpeaksCanada - #WorldHealthDay (Apr 7) -Advance Care Planning Day (Apr 16) in support of #AdvanceCarePlanningCanada - #NationalDayOfMourning (Apr 28) If you or someone you love have been impacted by any of the above, consider applying for our Action Team Benefit (value: $250)! Serenia Life members can apply for seed funding right here: https://hubs.ly/Q02nWmyx0 #ActionTeams #TakeAction #MemberBenefits #SereniaLife #HumanKind

Join us at Southernsbroadstock in supporting Autism Acceptance Week! This week is all about spreading awareness, sharing knowledge, and showing support for individuals with autism. Let's come together to create a more inclusive and understanding community. 🧩💙 You can help support the campaign, and ensure the National Autistic Society is always there to support autistic people and their families by sharing awareness or by making a donation - https://hubs.li/Q02rsDb70 “An understanding of Autism and an awareness of the challenges that individuals with Autism may face is incredibly important to everyone who can influence the built environment. When developing a scheme, we must ensure the space is inclusive and accessible to all. By understanding the disadvantages (and advantages) that a Neurodiverse condition, such as Autism, may bring, we can build a series of design principles that ensure everyone is welcome, supported by their surroundings, and is given the ability to succeed.” - Lee Hansford, Head of Creative Design. #AutismAcceptanceWeek #SupportAutismAwareness #InclusionMatters #Southernsbroadstock

It’s World Autism Awareness Day! A time to celebrate the unique strengths and talents of those on the spectrum and recognize the importance of fostering inclusion and supporting neurodiversity. Here are three ways we can all help to create a more inclusive world: 🚩Education: Take the time to learn about autism spectrum disorder – increasing knowledge helps us all to become better allies and advocates. 🚩Foster Acceptance: Create a culture of acceptance and understanding in your workplace and community by encouraging judgement free open dialogue and challenging stereotypes and the stigmas associated with them. 🚩Support Organizations: Consider supporting organizations that provide resources, advocacy, and support for individuals with autism and their families. Whether through donations, volunteer work, or raising awareness, every contribution makes a difference. #AutismAwarenessDay #InclusionMatters

Making a Difference Together: Supporting Children and adolescents with Autism As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and founder of Shades of Life Foundation, I'm deeply passionate about empowering children and adolescents with autism to reach their full potential. At Shades of Life Foundation, our mission is to be a voice and advocate for children and adolescents with autism, intellectual disabilities and related developmental disabilities. Every day, I witness the incredible progress our amazing team helps the children and adolescents achieve – from improved communication skills to greater independence. However, we can't do it alone. The need for support for autism and related disabilities continues to grow, and we rely on the generosity of our donors to keep our vital programs running. How You Can Help: Donate: Your contribution, big or small, will directly impact the lives of autistic individuals. Volunteer: Share your skills and time to support our mission. Spread Awareness: Like and share this post to help us reach a wider audience. Together, we can create a more inclusive world where all individuals with autism, intellectual disability or related conditions have the opportunity to thrive. #AutismAwareness #BCBA #MakingADifference #SupportAutism #UnitedNations #Foundation #ChildDevelopment #IntellectualDisability

It's #AutismAwarenessMonth, and as you are aware, there are autistic people in the world. If you've done nothing but not "hmmm, yes, there are these people hiding around", here's your chance to make a difference. So, I don't know how this happened. But I'll be doing a walk to raise needed funds for Autism Community Network I'll be walking with Jo Abi up Mt Kosciuszko! It's very Lord of the Rings, and I'll be Samwise to her Frodo. Yes, there will be a wonderful day of me quoting LoTR and Cliffhanger. Any donation is welcomed because it will benefit the community's most needy members. As a reminder: 😳 Life expectancy for individuals with autism is 20 years less than the population. 🛠 Accommodations are a business tool for someone on the spectrum, not a special privilege. 🔊 Understanding the sensory challenges of autism is crucial for understanding the social barriers autistic individuals face daily. 💡 Neurodivergent conditions are the cheapest to accommodate. These include written instructions for job expectations, headphones and changing out a light bulb. 🏭 Unemployment is rife. Stats range from 35%-85% of autistic people who are unemployed. I would argue that 1 in 5 are employed from speaking with many of the spectrum (yes, my mailbox is full of amazing candidates looking for work). https://lnkd.in/gmGQVztu #Autism #AutismAwareness #AutismAcceptance #Disability #Advocacy #DEI #NDIS #NationalAutismStrategy

Big hand of support to Greg Wallace and the Little Sid Rose appeal with Ambitious about Autism. These words truly resonate, both personally on many levels and also professionally. Autism is part of someone’s identity and should be celebrated with those super-powered skills harnessed and developed. Instead, without significant “fight and resource” directed towards the local education authorities, parents/care providers face a two tier system whereby those with the means (whether mental strength, financial or otherwise) can smash down the (deliberate) barriers and hold the education authorities to account in order to provide what they are legally obliged in contrast to most who are left with children in unacceptable provisions, compounding the additional challenges faced by ND children and leaving them to spiral with a lack of coherent, proper support – cast aside “for another day”.  Welcome to 21st Century Britain. The barriers run much deeper as ND Children become younger adults and seek to stand on their own two feet and establish their own identities and way in the world - only this time with diminished support. Only 20% of those diagnosed as neuro-diverse successfully hold full time employment. This is an astonishing statistic in spite of the ferocious attention to detail, inspiring creativity and analytical minds yielding some of the worlds most successful designers, engineers and even one of the Royal Navy’s most senior Officers all being openly Neuro-Diverse. Oh - and me! Employers and professional bodies (including the RICS) can do so much positive and inclusive work in order to actively promote and raise awareness, making physical change to environments and positively seeking inclusivity – the net benefits to UK Plc would be staggering. Afterall, if we can leave the hands of the Royal Navy (and as such, the security of our County) in the trust of a (proudly) neuro-diverse Officer, I am sure that we can all do so much more. https://lnkd.in/e5qee4R7

This week is World Autism Acceptance Week, something very close to my heart. In the UK there is a lot of talk about discrimination in the work place. 70% of autistic people in the UK are unemployed. 70%….. Many of the amazing people who live with autism are super talented, disciplined and focused. They struggle to portray this at interview due to their challenges with pressurised social situations. Autistic people thrive off routine. Meeting someone new for the first time is the polar opposite of routine. Too often employers base decisions on who to employ on personality and who they gel best with. Too often autistic people miss out on a job they would be great at because of this element of discrimination which is far too unspoken. When they do find work their reluctance to engage in social bravado will often stunt their progress. At University I got told a firm handshake, eye contact and a smile were sure fire ways to land that dream job. These are relatively straightforward easy wins for most people, but can be incredibly difficult for those with neurodiverse conditions. Employers must base decisions on ability and remember that it isn’t always the confident, gregarious, outgoing candidates that you need. Autistic people should be proud of their talent and be open about their condition and employers should utilise strategies to help autistic people thrive at interview. Far greater acceptance, understanding and awareness is required across all sectors. #nationalautisticsociety #autismacceptanceweek #neurodivergence

Advocating for Autistic Rights Together 🤝 Today, I reflect on the pressing issue of rights for autistic individuals. 'Ambitious about Autism' stands as a vanguard, offering essential support and creating tailored educational opportunities to help autistic children and youth thrive. Their commitment extends beyond classrooms and into the 'Ambitious Youth Network,' fostering community and connections online. Allyship is key, whether you're supporting as staff, finding a community, or contributing through donations and volunteering. Highlighting the 'Me, My Autism and I' campaign, they also elevate stories of autistic women and girls. 'Ambitious about Autism' is more than a charity; it's a dedicated force for advocating rights and enabling brighter futures. #AutismAwareness #AutismAdvocacy #InclusiveEducation

Understanding autism starts with knowledge.  Swipe through to see some facts, which of them are you familiar with? You can donate to empower children and adolescents with autism. https://lnkd.in/dRxh8WXK #BeAChildsHope #ShadesofLife

🌟 School Spotlight: New Way Academy 🏫💙 This month, we shine a light on New Way Academy—a beacon of support and empowerment for students on the autism spectrum. As April marks Autism Awareness Month, we celebrate New Way's dedication to providing specialized education and resources tailored to meet the unique needs of autistic students. At New Way Academy, every student is embraced for who they are, and every challenge is seen as an opportunity for growth. With a curriculum designed to foster academic success, social development, and independence, New Way Academy empowers students to thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment. With innovative programs, experienced educators, and a commitment to excellence, New Way Academy is not just a school—it's a community where students discover their strengths, build confidence, and unlock their full potential. Together, let's continue to raise awareness, celebrate diversity, and advocate for inclusivity in education. Consider recommending that your tax dollars go to New Way Academy when you donate at AOA360.org #AOA360 #Autism #AutismAwarenessMonth #InclusionMatters #NewWay #EducateAZ