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Safety Without Surveillance
One night, I woke up for no obvious reason and found my young daughter near the door. She was getting ready to leave our apartment. My daughter is autistic and does not rely on speech to communicate. At that moment, the danger was not theoretical. If she had reached the street, she might not...
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Designing for the Gap, Not the Child: What Changes When Assistive Technology Asks the Adult to Learn
My younger cousin was six when I understood the problem I would spend the next two years working on. He was upset about something that had happened in the next room, and the adults who loved him most — his parents and me — stood around him running a checklist. Was he hungry. Was he tired. Was...
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Empowering Adults with IDD Through Outdoor Activities: A Path to Connection, Confidence, and Wellness
Spending time outside offers more than just fresh air — it opens doors to physical wellness, emotional growth, and social inclusion, especially for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). With thoughtful support from caregivers, family members, and direct support...
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Recognizing and Addressing Loneliness in Autistic Seniors
Loneliness is a challenge many seniors face, but for autistic seniors, it can manifest differently and have unique consequences. Understanding these nuances is key to providing effective support and improving quality of life. Loneliness in Autistic Seniors Autistic individuals often...
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Supporting Neurodivergent Children in the Transition from Pediatric to Adult Healthcare
Families of neurodivergent children, such as those with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and learning differences, often find themselves having to fiercely advocate for every service they need across medical, behavioral health and...
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When Dementia Looks Different: Transitions for Older Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are living longer lives then they have ever before (Bishop et al., 2015). Increased longevity means an increase in age-related changes and disorders such as dementia. Strydom et al. (2009) found that individuals with IDD are two to...
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The Vital Need for Support and “Me Time” for Parents of a Child with Autism
Raising a child diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder is a journey. It requires a lot of support. There will be challenges but many wonderful rewards. It can be a difficult process but when you have the right people around you, it is a road well-travelled. As I write this article, I...
