Helping Autistic Individuals Navigate Barriers to Adulthood

• By: Kenneth Mann, PsyD Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS)
• October 2nd, 2023
• adults, autonomy, Fall 2023 Issue, housing, identity, independence, independent living, psychological interventions, transition to adulthood, young adults
• 1048    0

An adult on the spectrum can accomplish or achieve everything his/her/their cohort who is not on the spectrum has accomplished or achieved, and yet not be rewarded with that same level of independence and autonomy for his/her/their efforts (Cheak-Zamora, Tait & Coleman, 2022). Although young...

Rethinking Guardianship: Empowering Autistic Individuals and Preserving Rights

• By: Haley Moss, Esq. Attorney, Author, and Advocate
• July 5th, 2023
• autonomy, civil rights, compassion, financial planning, guardianship, inclusion, interdependence, legal decision-making, self-determination, Summer 2023 Issue, supported decision-making
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Often when I encounter families with young autistic kids, they are admittedly very anxious about their child’s future. Who will take care of my child when I die? How can I make sure I am an active decision-maker in their lives when they reach adulthood, especially if they are non-speaking or have...

Enabling Smart Technologies to Improve Individuals’ Lives

• By: Matthew Cerasaro Greystone Programs, Inc.
• April 1st, 2022
• autonomy, communication, health and wellness, independence, routines, smart technology, Spring 2022 Issue, technology, technology inclusion, workforce
• 2880    0

The COVID-19 pandemic moved us into a digital space and opened up the world of smart technologies. It challenged us to ask ourselves, “How can we integrate advances in technology into the lives of our individuals to promote independence, lessen the dependency on staff, and move away from a prompt...