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Preparing Autism Service Providers for Natural Disasters and Other Emergencies
When confronted with an emergency, people with autism spectrum disorder are at a greater risk for injury or death than their neurotypical peers. Many autistic children and adults lack safety awareness or the ability to follow basic safety rules. Even if they have these critical skills, each...
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Autism Treatment Should be Guided by Recent Research Reflecting the Expansion of the Diagnoses
When I first began working as a behavioral interventionalist while pursuing my undergrad psychology degree in 1996, we treated children with autism in much the same way many providers do today. Over the past three decades, we’ve learned a great deal about autism. So, why are many still relying on...
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Service Providers Need Enhanced Autism Education from the Autistic Community
When I was finally diagnosed in late 2000, public awareness about the autism spectrum, especially the milder variants such as Asperger Syndrome as it was then known, was at best minimal. In particular, the vast majority of mental health professionals (the service providers most likely to address...
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The Impact of Professional Networking for Autism Service Providers
It is often said “it takes a village” to provide support to families impacted by autism. Parents of autistic children may find that to be true, especially when looking for resources to support their children and for themselves, but it also applies to professionals looking to network or for ways...
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Supporting Autistic Service Providers Through Understanding, Inclusion, and Accommodation
When I opened my autistic-centered psychotherapy private practice in 2022, I never imagined that a significant portion of my clientele would comprise other autistic service providers. It makes sense now, upon reflection, since our field’s challenges are profound, and many of us are drawn to this...
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Facilitating Health Care Visits: How Can We Prepare for a Therapeutic Visit?
Health care visits can be challenging for individuals with autism and the delivering providers. It is critical that we prepare both the individual and the provider to increase the integrity of the visit and ensure a successful outcome. When I took on my role as Senior Director of Healthcare...
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Post-Pandemic Telehealth Tips for Providers Working with Autistic Children
Since the pandemic, many of us have become more comfortable with telehealth. The virtual visit evolution has helped many, including children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families, who can take advantage of the benefits that telehealth affords. For children with ASD, telehealth...
