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The Impact of Autism and Co-Occurring Gastrointestinal Issues on Child Flourishing
Author’s note: Recent trends in language use within the autism community show a divide between professionals who often prefer person-first language (e.g., “person with autism”) and autistic advocates who often favor identity-first language (e.g., “autistic person”), for reasons of...
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Trauma-Informed Care in the Criminal Justice System: Supporting the Emotional and Physical Wellness of Autistic Individuals
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face unique and complex challenges within the criminal justice system, largely due to environments and interactions that are often not suited to their sensory, communication, and emotional needs. A critical yet underexplored issue is the intersection...
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Preventing the Hidden Burnout Crisis in Autistic Women and Girls
One of the most heart-wrenching things I realized as a late-identified Autistic woman was just how disconnected I was from my true self. Decades of masking, of becoming a professional-level chameleon, left me feeling like I didn't even know who "me" was anymore. It was this constant, buzzing,...
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The InsideOut Program: Promoting Fitness and Friendship in College Students
Students Tackling Autism-Related Syndromes (STARS) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) that was founded by Kim Jameson, the parent of an autistic son, in 2015, at Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN, to support students socially, academically, and pre-professionally. STARS is open to all students at...
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Why Don’t Autistic Women Get Diagnosed, and Why Is It So Important?
I’ve diagnosed unrecognized autistic women for ten years and worked with them in therapy. These women are often successfully employed and married or with partners. They might have children and be involved in working with schools on their children’s behalf. Some might have struggled in jobs or...
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SMART Homes, Meaningful Lives: Incorporating Wellbeing Practices into Independent Living Supports
James moved into his own apartment in January of 2024. He liked his independence but didn't have much to say when his support staff spoke with him during their daily video check-in. He was “fine.” His day went “okay.” And, he had nothing to report for wants and needs. James was languishing...
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Mindfulness and Meditation Practices for Stress Reduction
Founded in 1978, Services for the UnderServed (S:US) works with over 37,000 individuals and families throughout New York City to create pathways to rich and productive lives by offering housing, employment, skills-building, treatment, and recovery services.1 S:US provides support in the areas of...
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Finding Independence and Advocacy: A Journey Through Autism and Self-Direction (2021-2025)
As a young, happy baby about to become a toddler, my family noticed I was not progressing as a normal toddler would, so they took me for a psychological evaluation at 20 months. At that evaluation, I was officially diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Ever since then, life has been an...
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The Profound Impact of Holistic Wellness on Individuals with Autism and Developmental Disabilities
Individuals with autism and developmental disabilities face unique challenges in maintaining their physical and emotional well-being. Sensory sensitivities, communication barriers, and co-occurring conditions often contribute to heightened stress, anxiety, and sedentary lifestyles. These challenges...
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The Role of Virtual Reality in Autism Therapy: Recent Advancements
Over the years, technology has improved to create a more immersive environment for users. One more popular trend in technology is the use of virtual reality (VR). Although typically used for gaming purposes, professionals have also found ways to utilize VR for therapeutic purposes. Initially, VR...
