Karla Pretorius’ Post

Neurodivergent people deserve to feel safe. 📣 It’s our most basic psychological need. 🧠 The reason I developed the SAFE self-advocacy method was to help neurodivergent individuals have clear practical process to follow that helps them get their needs met. 🚀 It’s not about being the perfect self-advocate, because let’s face it, most of the advocacy advice out there is entrenched in neuronormativity. 🤦🏻♀️ It’s about finding the tools to ensure your voice is heard and your access needs are validated and properly met. It’s about equity. It’s about our rights! ✊ You can learn more about the SAFE Method in the NeuroAccess Network at https://lnkd.in/g42cHqZv ✨ Doors close in two days! 🤯🤯 Become a founding member today and join our growing community of neurokin who have your back and can help you smash the barriers we face everyday. 💪 Because no one should have to fight injustice and ableism alone. ⚡️🌎 #NeurodiversityAtWork #NeuroAccessNetwork #NeurodivergentAdults #SelfAdvocacy #DisabilityRights #AutisticAdults #ADHDAdults #DyslexicAdults #Unmasking #DismantleAbleism #AccessNeeds #AuDHD #DEI #DEIB

Such an alarming trend in research. How are we going to care for a vulnerable population with high needs when they are being marginalized by the society in charge of caring for them.

Between 1990 to 2013, studies that include people with profound autism have plummeted from 95% to 35%. This must change, and it can. We’re investing in inclusive research and working with scientists to ensure that people with profound autism are included in clinical research. Only then can targeted advocacy increase access to critically needed supports and services for this marginalized population. Join us in our mission to drive this essential change. https://ow.ly/m6aY50SlBfA

Often we think of an “advocate” as a professional title or a person who creates content and speaks publically for a cause. This can be true. AND, advocates can also be ordinary people like you and me (in any profession and culture) who understand neurodivergent needs and take action in ordinary moments. An advocate is someone who is willing to: “Listen Acknowledge Accommodate Educate and don't be afraid to ask” Also: Modify Assume the best Offer compassion Deletgate work based on strengths Work as a team Build a true relationship It’s harder than it looks. It’s worth each uncomfortable moment. Do it. #autism #neurodivergent #audhd #adhd #dyslexia #dysgraphia #dypraxic #dyscalculia

Here's a breakdown of each one: 1. Acknowledge historical challenges faced by Black women. 2. Understand systemic barriers and their impact. 3. Create a safe space for open discussions. 4. Use culturally competent therapy techniques. 5. Foster community support and resilience. Black Women's Mental Health matters 🌸💪🏾 Share your story and rewrite the narrative of your life. #HealingJourney #BlackWomenThrive #MentalHealthMatters #blackwomanwillbloom #advocacy #blackwomen

Here's a breakdown of each one: 1. Acknowledge historical challenges faced by Black women. 2. Understand systemic barriers and their impact. 3. Create a safe space for open discussions. 4. Use culturally competent therapy techniques. 5. Foster community support and resilience. Black Women's Mental Health matters 🌸💪🏾 Share your story and rewrite the narrative of your life. #HealingJourney #BlackWomenThrive #MentalHealthMatters #blackwomanwillbloom #advocacy #blackwomen

For this month's first CACTI Blog, check out Kiley McNeil's journey! "With Dr. Tomasa's most recent project on sexual violence in the disability community, I was able to see the behind-the-scenes progress on her research manuscript. As I continue working with Dr. Tomasa to explore ways to help develop the trauma-informed care curriculum, I am committed to embracing the uncomfortable conversations." Read Kiley's full blog here: https://bit.ly/kileycacti

𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲. Why do we apologize for not being somewhere? Why do we apologize for our other identities? How might we empower ourselves & others to celebrate the many roles & responsibilities that we each hold? All of us have a choice to decide when and where we spend our time & energy. Sometimes we have to choose motherhood, this committee, that project, this team, that group, or ourselves. I challenge us all to take inventory and make sure that your color-coded calendar is balanced in cadence and amount: Making sure that we check in and serve our roles as: Parent Clinician Co-Chair/ Manager/ Chair/ Leader/ Director Volunteer Friend Sibling/ Auntie/ Uncle Mentor Sponsor Coach With whom and how will you check in with your team/ friends/ mentees/ family today? Comment below! #coachinghealthcare #PathLessTraveledMD #findingyourbothand

Advocacy is the backbone of allyship—a commitment to actively protect, support, and dismantle oppressive systems against marginalized communities. To truly advocate, it requires more than just understanding the challenges faced by #BIPOC individuals; it demands proactive engagement to reshape their experiences. Allyship isn’t a label; it’s a call to action. It necessitates ongoing efforts to amplify voices, challenge biases, and drive meaningful change. As allies, we must embrace discomfort, educate ourselves, and leverage our privilege to advocate for equity and justice. To champion allyship and empower BIPOC individuals to thrive; there are actions that you have to take to be considered an advocate. It requires ➡️ Dialogue ➡️ Action ➡️ Serving Can I count on YOU? Stay FAB #IamAlnoor ALNOOR Relentless Architect Of Possibility