The Arc of Illinois’ Post

It's truly heartening to watch a movie like "Chithha" addressing such sensitive topics with mindfulness and consideration. The film sheds light on critical issues like child abuse, sexual harassment, and eve teasing, which are unfortunately prevalent in society but often brushed under the rug. Promoting open communication about these topics is essential for breaking the silence and stigma surrounding them. Parents need to be proactive in educating their children about personal safety which is a crucial step towards creating a safer environment educating children and guiding them with empathy is commendable. It's vital here to emphasize that blaming the victim is not the solution, but rather being a pillar of support and strength for them. Parents need to be vigilant and not leave their children with strangers or even family members without due consideration, provides a significant reminder of need for caution. Spending quality time with children, rather than relying on electronic devices as a quick fix, fosters a healthier parent-child relationship and contributes to a child's overall development. Acknowledging the wounds of the past and actively working towards providing a nurturing and supportive environment for the next generation is a responsibility that we all share. By raising our children with love, understanding, and respect, we can contribute to a better future. #childcounseling #talkaboutit #mentalhealth #generationalhealing

👉 This month, our recommended reading is, "Invisible Target: Breaking the Cycle of Educator Sexual Abuse. Author: Andrea Clemens. Invisible Target is a true, detailed account of one girl’s experience of educator sexual abuse at the hands of her middle school teacher. It follows her journey, beginning with her tumultuous childhood, meeting the teacher, and the grooming process he created to lure her into a false sense of trust and ultimate betrayal. After years of abuse and manipulation, she finally found the courage to bravely break away from her abuser. With excerpts from newspaper articles and an actual court impact statement, this book gives you a clear picture of how the epidemic of educator sexual abuse begins, progresses, and affects so many innocent lives. Invisible Target is more than a memoir. With thought-provoking questions at the close of each chapter, this book serves as a strong educational tool for students, parents, teachers, and administrators by shedding light on the dynamics of educator sexual abuse so that school can be a safe haven for every child. “I highly recommend that Invisible Target be read and discussed in every school community in the country.” —John M. Seryak, M.Ed. “This book can help students identify predators, parents to support their children, and educators to prevent abuse.” —Charol Shakeshaft, Ph.D. “Although the topic is obviously very disturbing and disheartening, Andrea’s story is one of hope.” —Robert J. Shoop, Ph.D. Available at our online store 🛒 https://ow.ly/3mab50R66kQ . . . #HR #HumanResources #PlanToProtect #Safety #Protect #Protection #ChildAbuse #ChildProtection #AbusePrevention #Vulnerable #VulnerableAdult #VulnerableAdultProtection #AbuseAwareness #SundaySchool #Children #Child #SafetyFirst #RiskManagement #ReduceTheRisk #Disability #DisabilityProtection #StrangerDanger #SchoolSafety #HumanRights #ProtectTheVulnerable #TrainingResources #PreventionProgram #SexualOffenders #EducatorSexualAbuse #RecommendedReading

Check out this article from Spark for Autism about how Black community leaders are playing a critical role in supporting families and helping to dismantle the stigma surrounding disability, Autism, and mental illness. https://bit.ly/48TfBYY

Spotlighting my friend Suzy Rowland @happyinschool who has written this great article. She is an author whose #happyinschool project, training and consultancy specialises in individual, parent and system support around autism and ADHD, rooted in lived-experience. Here she reflects on her son’s experience as a Black autistic young person, and shares her tips for supporting your child with their own unique identity. A little snippet from article: Autistic people face discrimination in a non-autistic world. Black autistic people face this and racial discrimination too. That’s the crux of intersectionality; how do you define the origin of the discrimination your child may be experiencing when it is likely due to the combined effects of these? https://lnkd.in/eP-Pn7WC

! 🚫 Exclusion Hurts! "Just Ignore Them" Isn't Enough 🚫 Exclusion can be devastating for a child. Telling a child to 'just ignore them' can create more pain for the bullying target. At the Bullying Recovery Resource Center (BRRC), we understand the profound impact of exclusion on a child's well-being. Being left out or ostracized can inflict deep emotional wounds, leading to feelings of loneliness, rejection, and inadequacy. As adults, it's crucial to recognize that simply telling a child to ignore bullying behavior is not enough. Instead, we must actively listen, validate their feelings, and provide the support they need to navigate through these challenging situations. Let's work together to foster a culture of inclusivity, empathy, and kindness. By standing up against exclusion and offering a helping hand to those in need, we can create a world where every child feels valued, accepted, and supported. Join us in our mission to stop bullying and rebuild lives. Together, we can make a difference. 💙  #StopBullying #InclusionMatters #BRRCCommunity

Recognizing early signs of autism can open doors to meaningful support and positive outcomes for Black autistic children. Early signs such as unique eye contact, delayed speech, or different play habits can be indicators that early intervention services may be beneficial. Early diagnosis isn't about labeling; it's about understanding and empowering our children with the support they deserve. Let’s ensure our community has access to the resources needed for early recognition and intervention. Visit our website to learn more and to access vital resources that support early interventions in our Black community. 🖤 https://lnkd.in/exeTbxpy #AutismAwareness #EarlyIntervention #AutismInBlack

Autism encompasses a spectrum of traits, with each individual exhibiting a distinct combination that shapes their true selves. Embracing authenticity is a profound gift we offer to society as a whole. During this Autism Acceptance Month, let's step up as friends and allies. Let's support the community in championing equitable treatment for all. And let's keep in mind that prioritizing inclusivity over ABA is essential. #educationalleadership #AutismAcceptanceMonth #neurodiversityaffirming #transformationalleadership

🔍 **Understanding Desensitization to Violence: A Parent's Role** 🔍 As the prevalence of violence in media and society increases, it's crucial for parents to recognize the potential impact on their children and take proactive steps to mitigate it. Penn State Thrive's insightful blog post sheds light on this important issue and offers practical advice for parents. In this article, you'll learn about: ✅ The psychological effects of exposure to violence ✅ How desensitization can affect children and adolescents ✅ Strategies for parents to address and counteract these influences Read the full article to discover how you can make a positive difference in your child's life by fostering a healthy and safe environment. Let's work together to ensure our children grow up with empathy, understanding, and resilience. 👉https://lnkd.in/ejekhRRi #Parenting #ChildDevelopment #MentalHealth #ViolencePrevention #PennState

I put together and facilitated a panel of autistic adults yesterday for Western Carolina University’s interprofessional graduate program Project INTERACT. I serve on the program's advisory board. The panelists were: ~Courtney Johnson, 26, she/they, Johnson City, TN ~Rebecca-Eli Long, 28, they/them, Lafayette, IN ~Jade McWilliams, 42, they/them, Asheville-Weaverville, NC ~Gerald Parrish, 37, he/him, Raleigh, NC All the panelists were brilliant, funny, revealing, and deeply moving. I’ll be sharing selected transcript excerpts and possibly even some short video excerpts. Here’s Courtney Johnson in response to a question about professional and therapeutic approaches that cause harm: “For me the most negative perspective is when people focus on the narrative of autism as a tragedy—things that see us as broken, needing to comply, the assumption that we don’t understand or care. This is incredibly harmful. “A focus on compliance sets us up for danger, especially when we are taught that we cannot say no. I know this from personal experiences, especially trauma in all forms. “The emphasis on negativity is harmful for us in so many ways, from the impact on our mental health to how society sees and treats us. For example, when my autistic little brother passed away, people didn’t see it as a tragedy, but that it was a good thing, because they saw him as a burden.” #autism #disability #disabilityjustice #ASD #community #wisdom #inclusion #love