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Addressing Mental Health Challenges for Neurodivergent Youth
Youth mental health is a critically important topic that seems to be having a much-needed moment in the spotlight - like here in New York, where Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a $1 billion investment in a plan that may well transform the future of mental health in this state. Even Hollywood is...
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Awareness and Acceptance: 10 Things I Wish Everyone Understood About Autism
Twenty years ago, my daughter, Annie, was diagnosed with autism. Throughout our journey, I have learned that not everyone is aware of or fully understands her disorder, and when they see or interact with us, they may not know what to do or say. Annie is now a thriving 22-year-old, and as I...
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Partnership Solutions Acquires Medicare Accountable Care Organization Serving New Yorkers with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
NEW YORK – Partnership Solutions, which supports and facilitates comprehensive health care and habilitative services for New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), announced today that it has acquired the Alliance for Integrated Care of New York (AICNY), which works to...
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Paying It Forward: How a Simple Act of Kindness Can Go a Long Way
When my husband, Matt, and I set out on a quick trip to Florida with my 21-year-old daughter, Annie, who has autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities, among other differences, I had no idea how simple acts of kindness in the days to come would leave a lasting impact. We had...
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NY State Governor Hochul’s Proposed Budget Prioritizes Independence for People With Developmental Disabilities
Governor Hochul has released her Fiscal Year 2025 Budget proposal which is the first step in the New York State Budget process. The Governor and the Legislature will begin negotiations and reach an agreement on a final enacted New York State Budget. The final Budget deadline outlined in the New...
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Don’t Divide the Autism Spectrum: Unite the Whole Community
Despite clear alternatives, some prominent voices in the autism world, whom I wrote about in November, are continuing to push for a new category which they are calling “Profound Autism.” They are completely ignoring Autistic voices. The Autism Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), “has continually...
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New York Vulnerable: A Look at the Governor’s New Mental Health Plan
Gov. Hochul’s new mental health initiative proves that there’s strength in acknowledging vulnerability - but one area of oversight is cause for concern. New York’s last governor may have adopted the motto “New York tough,” but current Governor Kathy Hochul’s new mental health...
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Opportunities Abound for “Students of Autism’
Countless ‘students of autism’ work tirelessly every day, all over the world, to learn everything possible about the neurological disorder. They read voraciously, observe closely, and listen deeply. In many cases, their thirst for knowledge is so insatiable and their passion for the cause so...
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Creating a Summer Routine: Enriching (And Fun!) Activities for Children With Disabilities
Summer is a time of fun in the sun and making new memories. Although my children are now grown, I distinctly remember the days when they could not wait for their summer break to begin. As a parent, this time of year brought both feelings of excitement and apprehension. I wondered how I would...
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Getting Ready for Summer Camp: Tips for Parents
While kids prepare and look forward to the fun of summer break, as a parent you may be feeling stressed about months of hectic schedules, impromptu events, and later bedtimes. Let’s face it, for parents, summer’s promise of fun can quickly become a difficult and stressful time. For...
