Megan Pietrzykowski, PMP’s Post

April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to promote understanding and acceptance for individuals on the autism spectrum, while also embracing and celebrating their unique differences. Every autistic person experiences autism differently, but there are some things many autistic people have in common.    According to the CDC, Autism touches 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the United States alone, making it a prevalent condition that impacts many lives, families, and workplaces. Awareness of autism and neurodivergence in general has certainly increased in recent years, but there is still work to be done to address stigma, improve access to services, and ensure equal opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum.   Here are some ways you can celebrate and support Autism Awareness Month:   Educate Yourself and Others: Learn more about autism from reputable sources and share this knowledge.   Advocate for Inclusive Practices: In the workplace and community, advocate for policies and practices that support diversity and inclusion.   Support Autism Organizations: Consider donating or volunteering for organizations that work tirelessly to support individuals with autism and their families.   As we observe Autism Awareness Month, let's all take a step forward in our journey towards a more inclusive society. By expanding our understanding and embracing diversity, we can make a positive impact in the lives of those on the spectrum and enrich our communities.   You can read more about it here: https://lnkd.in/g55uuBq

Happy Autism Acceptance Day! Per ASAN (Autistic Self Advocacy Network): "Autism is a developmental disability that affects how we experience the world around us. Autistic people are an important part of the world. Autism is a normal part of life, and makes us who we are. " Learn more here:https://lnkd.in/ge9ZzSMM

There's one keyword unrelated to engineering where I have to warn people to avoid Google for information. In this case, it often gives damaging information. Information that sets the tone for how a lot of people approach the topic and causes incredible harm. It promotes scammers that cause harm to desperate families and their children and the information causes hate crimes. It's world autism awareness day and I cannot tell you the number of times I've had to tell people not to google autism or adhd. While reputed medical institutions say that this isn't something to cure, that it's a normal part of humanity with strengths and weakness like everyone else. Google promotes scammers who claim to cure it. It accepts payment to advertise fake cures and preys on misled and desperate parents. I hope some day all the reports I've made about scams are taken seriously and Google does a small part to protect vulnerable families who are often given misinformation about it from their very doctors in contradiction of the best medical research. If you're looking for information about it, great sources to check are those written by autistic and adhd people. Such as https://lnkd.in/dhiwB4Fv and https://lnkd.in/dqf_nhZg You can't Google this. I am also autistic. One of millions of late diagnosed autistics. In the UK alone 1 in 34 children had an autism diagnosis compared to only 1 in 6,000 older adults. Autism isn't more common today than it used to be. It's exactly as common as it always was. We just have more awareness of it than in previous generations. What does that mean though? I'm glad that most people simply don't know. It's far better than what the stereotypes would have you believe. You'll have to read about autistic people's accounts of it. Lastly I'll recommend the best book I've ever seen about it. Kay Kerr's book Love & Autism is accurate as only something written by an autistic person can be. https://lnkd.in/dGnyujNS Nothing about us, without us. #AutismAwarenessMonth #AutismAcceptanceMonth

April is also Autism Awareness Month! Across the CDC surveillance sites, an average of 1 in every 36 (2.8%) 8-year-old children were estimated to have ASD in 2020. Why is awareness important? Increased awareness contributes to advocacy efforts aimed at improving policies, services, and funding for individuals with autism and their families. Advocates can work towards greater inclusion, accessibility, and support across various sectors, including healthcare, education, employment, and community services. #autismawarenessmonth #autismawareness #autismeducation #northtexas #dfwnonprofit

Autism rates among Black children have risen by 44%, now surpassing white children in many states. This increase highlights the urgent need for advocacy, early diagnosis, and support for Black families navigating autism. Watch our full 'Unbreakable Bonds' episode to hear stories of resilience and strength from families facing these challenges. #AutismAwareness #AutismSupport #BlackHealthMatters #UnbreakableBonds #AutismAdvocacy"

The journey toward inclusion for individuals on the autism spectrum in sub-Saharan Africa has been slow but steady. However, I believe our country has made commendable progress compared to many others on the continent, with the exception of South Africa. We remain optimistic about advancing further, particularly by establishing the Autism and Related Disabilities Fund. We look forward to enacting inclusive laws, which are still awaiting assent.

Today, we honor World Autism Awareness Day by spreading understanding, acceptance, and support. With my advocacy services, I strive to navigate the healthcare system for individuals with autism, ensuring their needs are met with compassion and fairness. Together, let's build a more inclusive world. #AutismAwarenessDay #InclusionMatters #SupportServices #Acceptance #Neurodiversity #AdvocacyInAction #PatientAdvocacy #MedicalBilling

ASAT’s next webinar is scheduled for October 30th. This webinar will highlight the role that behavior analysts can play in helping parents, caregivers, and other consumers become effective and articulate advocates for their children but it is open to all including family members and providers from other disciplines. Considerations, strategies, and practical examples will be highlighted throughout the presentation to broaden the repertoires of attendees. Ethics CEs for BCBAs will be available for those interested. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/gb8qs9av #Autism #AutismAwareness #AutismSupport #EthicsinABA #FamilySupport #ParentalAdvocacy #Webinar

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐔𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧 Take the next step with us as we transition from mere awareness to full-fledged acceptance. Join our Autism Walkathon and be part of the movement towards a more inclusive society. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐔𝐬? ✅Bridging the Gap: Your participation fosters understanding and dismantles misconceptions, paving the way for greater acceptance. ✅Walk for Change: Every stride raises vital funds, directly impacting the lives of individuals on the spectrum through Third Eye's programs. ✅Embracing Every Mind: Walk alongside families and individuals on the spectrum, showcasing the beautiful mosaic that makes our community strong.   Your participation in the Walkathon is not just a step; it is a statement of solidarity and support for individuals with autism and their families. Together, we can turn awareness into action and acceptance into advocacy. Join us for the Autism Walkathon and be part of the movement towards a world where everyone is embraced for who they are. #AutismWalkathon #AcceptanceOverAwareness #InclusionMatters #SupportAutism 🌟👟

Advocating for the autism community begins with understanding and empathy. As allies, we can make a real impact by educating ourselves, promoting acceptance, and creating inclusive spaces. Let’s push for better services and listen to those needing support. Together, we can build a world where individuals with autism are celebrated for their strengths. Advocacy is not just about speaking up, it’s about taking action to create lasting change. By supporting autism-friendly policies and encouraging others to do the same, we can make inclusion the norm, not the exception. #AutismAdvocacy #InclusionMatters #Neurodiversity #SupportAutism #AutismAwareness #BeAnAlly #AdvocateForChange #CompleatKidz