Miriam Reyes’ Post

Between 1990 to 2013, studies that include people with profound autism have plummeted from 95% to 35%. This must change, and it can. We’re investing in inclusive research and working with scientists to ensure that people with profound autism are included in clinical research. Only then can targeted advocacy increase access to critically needed supports and services for this marginalized population. Join us in our mission to drive this essential change. https://ow.ly/m6aY50SlBfA

There’s a different perspective on many things in the Autistic adult self-advocacy community, and it’s important for that perspective to be shared. Here’s a few things you might not know: *The puzzle piece symbol implies that Autistic people are incomplete or broken individuals who need to be “fixed” or “put back together” to be accepted by society. Use the infinity symbol instead. *The high and low functioning labels used by the medical community are hurtful and demeaning. Instead, use “high support needs” or “low support needs.” *Many in the adult community believe ABA therapy is abusive and forces Autistic kids to fake being neurotypical. Critics of ABA say that children are only rewarded for repressing their emotions, ignoring their own needs, and complying with adults regardless of the ask, and that how the child feels or what’s going on inside them is irrelevant. (I had no idea there was a controversy around ABA or that there are groups of people who want to have it banned.) *The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) criticizes Autism Speaks for perpetuating stigma against Autistic people. Focus on support organizations run by Autistic people for Autistic people that do not support finding a cure.

JDTAN cares about every person who needs help. Please attempt this upcoming session Topic: A Review of Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging: Research, Advocacy, and Community Resources for a better tomorrow

After watching the DNC footage of Gus Walz, I was moved to write this blog: The Power of Being Seen: Tim Walz’s Son at the DNC and the Future of Neurodivergent Advocacy (link in comments). This is a watershed moment — one that made so many families across this country swell with pride, and tears. Gus is awesome, as are all the incredible teens and young adults and their caregivers we serve at IRL Social Skills. I also share information about the Interagency Autism Coordinating Commission (IACC) meeting, held a week ago. The IACC brought together representatives from over 28 states to discuss critical topics like autism services, federal-state collaboration, and the need for better support systems for autistic individuals and their families. The meeting underscored several key areas where neurodivergent advocacy can drive real change. The future of neurodivergent advocacy is one where no one has to hide who they are—where individuals like Gus Walz are not just seen but are actively engaged in shaping the world around them. Through systemic change, community involvement, and practical resources, we can ensure that neurodivergent individuals are empowered to live life on their own terms — seen, heard, and loved simply because they exist, authentically. #NeurodivergentAdvocacy #NeurodivergentVoices #InclusionMatters #BreakTheStigma #FederalStateCollaboration

Fede & Laurent (2020) address the concept of ‘levelling up’ regulatory support in their programme. They have created a helpful guideline from real awareness through to empowerment and advocacy. The Autism LevelUP! programme was developed as a collaboration between an autistic advocate and an OT ally and the resources are regularly used in our OFG services to support neurodivergent young people and adults with understanding themselves within the context of their environment or in relation to the demands of a particular activity. What personalised strategies do they need to power up/down their energy levels? We will highlight a different level each day during Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2024. The first level being: AWARENESS. 💡 Where are you? And will you take the next step? Look at their example below from the Essential Guide to Levelling Up! to see where you are and how to take the next step: See link to their website with wonderful free resources: Autism Level UP! #bigASK #neurodiversitycelebrationweek #occupationaltherapy #outcomesfirstgroup #sensoryprocessing #AutismlevelUP!

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 🌟👟

Autistic Culture and Community Autistic culture celebrates the unique strengths and perspectives of autistic individuals. The community fosters a sense of belonging and advocacy. Autistic Pride • Autistic Pride Day: Celebrated on June 18th, this day promotes pride in being autistic and raises awareness. • Neurodiversity Movement: Advocates for recognising and respecting neurological differences as part of human diversity. Online Communities • Social Media: Platforms like X (#ActuallyAutistic) and Facebook groups provide spaces for autistic individuals to connect and share experiences. • Blogs and Websites: Many autistic individuals share their stories and advocacy efforts through personal blogs and websites. #share #AutisticCulture #AutisticCommunity #Neurodiversity #AutisticPride #ActuallyAutistic #AutismAcceptance #NeurodiversityMovement #AutismAwareness #AutismAdvocacy #AutismRights #InclusionMatters #DisabilityAwareness #InclusionRevolution #DiversityAndInclusion #DifferentNotLess #AllAbilities #AccessibilityMatters #EducationForAll #AutisticVoices #AutisticSupport #CommunityMatters #AutisticLife #EmpathyInAction #AcceptanceNotAwareness #AutisticAndProud #ProudToBeAutistic #CelebrateNeurodiversity #PrideInDiversity #EmpowerAutisticVoices

Today for our 25 Ways Thera Has Made An Impact project, we are focusing on the Know Your Body resources! The Know Your Body resources were created by Ansar Projects, CoppaFeel! and Orchid Cancer to help people with a learning disability to detect any differences within their bodies so they can notify their GP and access early treatment. In recognition of the projects' importance, it was shortlisted as a finalist in the Breaking Down Barriers award at the 2023 National Learning Disability and Autism Awards! It placed highly commended, proving just how influential this type of resource can be. 👏 On the Know Your Body Resources, Christine Harvey, Lead Director of Ansar Projects said: "Our hope is that these tools will be used in a variety of settings and be an aid to anyone with a learning disability, their families or support staff in raising awareness of the importance of checking yourself regularly and to empower people in getting to know their bodies." 🔗 Read our latest blog post to find out more and access the free resources: https://loom.ly/b8kCgws #LearningDisability #EasyReadResources #Advocacy #Impact #Health

🧠 NEURODIVERGENT IDENTITY 🧠 In the realm of cognitive diversity, there exists a unique identity that is often overlooked. This identity is characterized by a distinct neurological configuration, often associated with advocacy and community support. The importance of validating and respecting self-identification cannot be overstated. Amplifying these unique voices and experiences is a crucial step towards fostering an inclusive society. Let’s start a conversation. What are your thoughts on this? #NeurodivergentIdentity #CognitiveDiversity #SelfIdentification #CommunitySupport #AmplifyVoices

I find myself not posting much about neurodivergence during April for a few reasons. Firstly, April is often associated with Autism Awareness Month, and while awareness is important, I often find the conversations during this time to be lacking in depth and understanding. The focus tends to be on stereotypes and oversimplified narratives, rather than the complex and diverse experiences of neurodivergent individuals like myself. Moreover, the sudden surge of attention on autism during April can feel overwhelming and tokenising. It's as if neurodivergence is only acknowledged or discussed during this designated month, rather than being an ongoing conversation throughout the year. Instead of contributing to these superficial discussions, I prefer to focus my advocacy efforts on promoting genuine understanding, acceptance, and support for neurodivergent individuals year-round. By doing so, I believe I can make a more meaningful and lasting impact on the broader conversation surrounding neurodiversity. #Neurodivergence #AutismAwarenessMonth #AutismAcceptance #Advocacy #Representation #Complexity #Diversity #Understanding #Acceptance #Tokenism #Awareness #Community #Support #MTICBIAI #MyTraumaIsChronicButIAmIconic