Association for Individual Development’s Post

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

CW: Discussion of suicide Spotlight Sessions is an accessiBe series dedicated to conversations with change-makers and people that have made an impact on the community of people with disabilities. In this episode, Professor Lara Bloom, CNE, President and CEO of The Ehlers-Danlos Society, had the opportunity to speak with Josh Basile. Lara shared thoughts on the following topics: 1. Defining Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and Hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD). 2. The diagnostic challenges of EDS and HSD and debunking myths around disability. 3. How The Ehlers-Danlos Society is working to improve care, access, resources, and education. 4. Why brands should involve people with disabilities in their business plans. Watch this talk on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ef_-8aJC

Today, we're shifting gears from merely existing to truly living. It's about more than just awareness; it's about acceptance, and above all, appreciation. Moving from merely surviving to thriving involves creating a supportive environment where people with autism can flourish and reach their full potential. It's about celebrating neurodiversity and recognizing the unique strengths and perspectives that individuals with autism bring to our communities. Through greater awareness, acceptance, and appreciation, we can create a more inclusive society where everyone feels valued and supported. Let's move from surviving to thriving, together. #AutismAwareness #AutismAcceptance #AutismAppreciation #AutismInclusion #ThrivingWithAutism

Our next FREE webinar with Learning Disability Today is all about exploring attachment theory and practices to provide better emotional support for people with intellectual disabilities affected by trauma. Learn more http://bit.ly/3JMIMma

Agreed! It is time for community providers to stop relying on the well-known intensive outpatient programs that can only see a handful of clients at a time. I often hear the argument that these behaviors are outside one’s scope of practice or the environment that one is working in cannot sustain the treatment required. While these are valid concerns, instead of pointing out the barriers, we need to find ways to overcome them. It is time to broaden scopes of practice and to build and design clinics that CAN support the treatments that are required. And quite frankly, given the number of ABA clinics I drive past on a daily basis and the amount of money private equity has poured into ABA services, it is time to stop hiding behind the scope of practice excuse to just continue profiting off families who only require early intervention and turning away those with more complex needs. We can and must do better. If this is an area that you are looking to expand to and want to collaborate, please feel free to reach out! natashamturley@gmail.com

Throughout April and all of the year, let's come together to celebrate the unique strengths, talents, and perspectives of individuals on the autism spectrum. This month is all about fostering understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for people of all neurodiverse backgrounds. Let's challenge stereotypes and promote a world where differences are not just tolerated, but celebrated. Together, we can create a more compassionate and supportive society where everyone feels valued and accepted for who they are. Join us in spreading awareness, empathy, and love this Autism Acceptance Month! Together, we can make a difference. #AutismAcceptance #Neurodiversity #CelebrateDifferences"

When I ask why something is done a certain way, I'm not challenging you or saying that your way of doing a task is incorrect. I simply just want to understand how you came to the conclusions you did or how you accomplished something. Maybe your way is more efficient than mine, or maybe I just need to understand your method to make clear connections. When they see over-complicated or wordy, I see thorough, clearly-explained goals and tasks. When they hear too many questions, I hear clarification and a set of standards I need to meet to reduce the need for extended deadlines. When they think weird or goofy, I think fun and unique. You are unique... Just the way you are. 🌟 This April and everyday, let's challenge our assumptions of folks with autism and anyone who identifies as neurodivergent or disabled, especially in the workplace. #embracediversity #proudlyaudhd #inclusivitymatters #autismawarenessmonth

Throughout April and all of the year, let's come together to celebrate the unique strengths, talents, and perspectives of individuals on the autism spectrum. This month is all about fostering understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for people of all neurodiverse backgrounds. Let's challenge stereotypes and promote a world where differences are not just tolerated, but celebrated. Together, we can create a more compassionate and supportive society where everyone feels valued and accepted for who they are. Join us in spreading awareness, empathy, and love this Autism Acceptance Month! Together, we can make a difference. #AutismAcceptance #Neurodiversity #CelebrateDifferences"

We don’t need just awareness, we need acceptance! 🌈 April is Autism Acceptance Month, not Awareness Month. Awareness acknowledges the existence of autism, but that’s not enough. Acceptance fosters understanding and inclusion. Let's move beyond awareness and create a welcoming environment that celebrates neurodiversity, rather than just tolerating it! Acceptance is key to addressing the challenges faced by the autistic community and break stereotypes! There is no inclusive society without it! By truly listening to the autistic community and shifting our focus to acceptance, we can create a world where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. Let’s educate ourselves, listen to autistic voices and celebrate each other’s strengths and differences! Let's celebrate neurodiversity together! #AutismAcceptance #Neurodiversity #InclusionMatters

March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month, and despite long-held beliefs that people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) may not benefit from mental health treatment, we know that people with I/DD can successfully utilize integrated medical, mental, and behavioral healthcare. View the NASDDDS Adaptive Strategies video series, which features specific interventions and treatments highlighting modifications and adaptations for people with I/DD here: https://ow.ly/jj8m50QMEc0.