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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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Autistic Lived Experience: A Song Request at a High School Dance That Backfired
Had I known then what I know now, the DJ calling the shots at this dance would not have heard this request despite how much I loved the song in question. It comes down to the fact that context matters, as do the hidden rules of the social situations in which we find ourselves. These realities often...
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Interdisciplinary Approach to Obtaining a Medical Diagnosis for Individuals With a Complex Behavioral Profile
Individuals with complex behavioral and medical profiles require an interdisciplinary approach due to multiple specialized areas of need. This approach allows interdisciplinary teams to efficiently address multiple presenting needs simultaneously and comprehensively (Boivin et al., 2021). This...
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Supporting Autism Service Providers: Challenges, Solutions, and Collective Action
Alex, an autism service provider and early intervention specialist, begins his workday at the community’s autism support center, where he’s scheduled to work with Mia, an eight-year-old girl on the autism spectrum. Mia, who is non-verbal, has shown a keen interest in participating in activities...
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What I’d Like to See Change in the Disability World Over the Next 50 Years – Part 2: Know and Teach the REAL History
Occurring all across Western culture is a deep reckoning with the historical treatment of people of African descent. And assisting mightily in this process is the concept of unlearning. Without unlearning, we now know that we will continue to sanitize and apologize for our ancestors. Unlearning...
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Tapping Your Strengths for Autism Services Advocacy
When most people think of advocacy, they think of lobbying, lawsuits, or legislation. Legislative advocacy has significantly increased access to autism services over the years. However, if it isn’t something you’re already experienced with, it’s outside of your comfort zone. What you might...
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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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The Critical Role of a Caregiver in Navigating Systems of Care
No one knows your child better than you. When it comes to understanding their unique needs – you are the expert. This is critical for parents and caregivers of children with emotional, behavioral, and cognitive differences. Whether you are navigating systems of care, identifying areas of concern,...
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Autism Gets an Update: A National Autism Strategy for Canadians
Note: While there are many areas of inequity, this article will focus on diagnosis and support services as seen by the Autistic writer living in Ontario, Canada. Autism in Canada One in 66 Canadians is autistic. Collectively, we face numerous challenges to accessing services and supports,...
