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Vote the Spectrum: An Unprecedented Opportunity for All Voices to be Heard
The U.S. Surgeon General, considered “the nation’s doctor,” is charged with the overall health of the nation by providing Americans with the best scientific information available on how to reduce the risk of illness and injury. Historically, this has included issuing warnings on the dangers...
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A Collaborative Approach: Addressing Food Insecurity and Empowering Adults with Disabilities
New York City is experiencing unprecedented levels of food insecurity, with hunger impacting over 1.2 million New Yorkers in 2022.1 Visits to New York City food pantries and soup kitchens were up 75% in 2022 compared to pre-pandemic levels.2 Inflation costs soared along with the COVID-19 pandemic,...
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Zoning for Neuro-Inclusive Communities: Challenges, Foundations, and Lessons Learned
Across the United States, there’s a growing focus on making communities more inclusive for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. This shift reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that all residents, regardless of their needs, can find supportive and accessible living...
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Cultural Autism Studies at Yale: A Revolution
I have always been sensitive to cultures around me, especially those that remain largely silent or unseen. As a child, I would spend hours watching how crawdads moved together, what dances turtles did when they communicated, and what joy interactive playing brought to jumping spiders - every facet...
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Empowering Autistic Communities: The Role of Co-Creation in Research Partnerships
Participatory research is an approach that can empower autistic community members through the co-creation of knowledge, addressing power imbalances, and fostering meaningful collaboration between autistic community members and academic researchers (Stack & McDonald, 2018). By actively involving...
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75 Years: AHRC New York City to Celebrate Milestone Anniversary on May 13th, 2024
It is with pride in an unsurpassed history and great hope for the future that AHRC New York City kicks off its 75th year with a Gala on May 13th. The organization began in 1948 with a $3 ad in the New York Post placed by Ann Greenberg, a Bronx housewife whose young son with developmental...
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All Are Welcome: Creating an Inclusive Festival
Almost 11 years ago, I founded an organization, Autism Personal Coach, that provides coaching to autistic adults and teens to improve the quality of our lives. Within the first year of our existence, I realized that the lack of community was a glaring and alarming need for many of our clients. That...
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Supporting Latine Caregivers of Autistic Children: Community Needs and Perspectives
Latine* caregivers of recently diagnosed children on the autism spectrum have unique needs and face unique challenges in supporting their children (Blacher et al., 2019). Latine families report feeling overwhelmed, confused, and concerned with information about the incidence of autism, the...
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Teaching Community Skills to Prepare for Independent Living
Independent living may be conceptualized as a philosophy of individual control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and individual and system advocacy, in order to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of individuals with disabilities, and the...
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A Scaffolded Approach to Supporting Individuals with Autism in the Community
The outcomes for young adults with ASDs are well-known and well-documented. Without intervention young adults with ASD fail to reach basic young adult milestones in terms of independent living, employment, and social and romantic relationships. “Research suggests 70% of individuals with ASD will...
