Wellspring Learning Centers’ Post

Today is World Autism Day. It's a day to listen to autistic voices and learn from their experiences. It's a day to celebrate neurodiversity. It's a day of autism awareness, acceptance, and advocacy. At Hopebridge, we're celebrating #worldautismday all month long. Though April is a special month for us, as we celebrate #worldautismmonth this is part of our organization's identity and DNA every single day. Please join me in kicking off a great month of learning, listening, advocacy, and connection. However, this work matters. Our mission matters. Let's work together to ensure that #autismadvocacy and acceptance is on the agenda every month of the year. #inclusion #neurodiversity #autism #advocacy #learnandgrow #acceptance #awareness

World Autism Acceptance Week, observed from 25th to 31st March 2024, is a time for global reflection on the challenges faced by autistic individuals and a call to action for fostering a more inclusive and supportive society. See https://bit.ly/41HNf1s for the full blog. #autism #autismawareness #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mensmentalhealth #autistic #worldautismacceptanceweek

Feedback is invited on the Draft National Autism Strategy. This strategy will include a focus on the 20 year gap in life expectancy and 9 times higher rates of death from suicide. Developing Autism and disability-inclusive models of healthcare are very overdue. #Autism #neurodiversity #disability #healthcare #humanrights https://lnkd.in/gKVr5Rbg

Have you heard of the 'silent generation'? What about the 'missing generation'? This post is for adults who grew up before 1980. The 'silent generation' refers to resilient adults who grew up before the 1980s. Many went undiagnosed as Neurodivergent since autism wasn't recognized until 1980. This lack of recognition led to a shortage of understanding and support. Even after autism was recognized, the focus remained on children, leaving many adults without necessary assistance. By advocating for changes in diagnostic criteria, we can address this oversight and ensure the 'missing generation' receives the recognition and support they deserve. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ei_-jpTH #Neurodiversity #Advocacy #DEIA

The fact that ASAN is part of the #Autism Advisory Group (AAG) for NDIS, alongside other advocacy organizations like Amaze, Autism CRC, & Aspect, creates an concerning scenario. This group is supposed to advise #NDIS on how to best serve autistic people, but it raises critical questions about representation, accountability, & whose interests are truly being served. Here's why this is problematic: 1. Tokenistic Inclusion: While ASAN is meant to bring the voice of autistic individuals into discussions with NDIS, their involvement in a group largely #dominated by non-autistic organizations risks becoming a form of tokenism. It may give the impression that autistic voices are being heard, while in reality, they are overshadowed by larger, more #established organizations like Autism CRC or Aspect, which are not led by autistic individuals. The fact that ASAN is included in this advisory group might be used by NDIS to justify their decision-making processes without genuinely integrating autistic perspectives into the policies & practices being developed. 2. Co-Optation of Advocacy: When ASAN participates in a group alongside organizations that have historically operated from a clinical or deficit-based perspective of autism (e.g., Aspect or Autism CRC), there’s a risk that ASAN’s advocacy is co-opted. In such an environment, ASAN may be forced to #compromise its values or align with the majority view to maintain its position at the table. This can dilute authenticity of their advocacy & water down the strong positions they take on issues like neurodiversity & self-determination. For example, if the majority of the group advocates for clinical interventions or restrictive support frameworks that prioritize cost-saving measures over individual needs, ASAN’s ability to push for policies aligned with its #principles may be limited. They may end up supporting decisions that go against their own advocacy positions in order to remain influential within the group. 3. Legitimizing Harmful Policies: ASAN’s involvement in the AAG could inadvertently legitimize policies that harm the very community they represent. NDIS, particularly in recent years, has been criticized for cost-cutting measures, such as introducing independent assessments, which many in the autistic community found invasive & detrimental. If ASAN, as part of the advisory group, does not strongly oppose such #measures (or if their opposition is drowned out by the larger organizations), their presence could be seen as endorsing these policies. Creating a #conflict of interest where ASAN’s participation might lend credibility to NDIS decisions, even if those decisions don’t truly reflect the needs & desires of autistic participants. Their role could be used as a shield by NDIS to claim they have autistic #voices in their decision-making process, while failing to implement policies that genuinely benefit them. https://lnkd.in/gnH_ygVH

Have you read the draft National Autism Strategy strategy yet? Do you think it sufficiently addresses the hopes & needs of the autistic community, carers, families & workforce? Have a read and share your thoughts - public feedback is welcomed by the Australian Government until May 31. Full and Easy Read versions of the draft National Autism Strategy available here: https://lnkd.in/geTdYsN3

Today on World Autism Awareness Day, take a moment to read this piece from Adam Harris of Asiam.ie in which he discusses the progress, but also the barriers for autistic people in Ireland. #QualityForChildren #Inclusion #WorldAutismAwarenessDay

Importance of Public Awareness for Autism in Cambodia https://lnkd.in/gWzmxwzq Unfortunately, a lack of awareness often leads to a stigma surrounding ASD. Individuals with ASD may be ostracized or misunderstood due to their unique social interactions and behaviors. Raising awareness can dispel myths and misconceptions about ASD, fostering greater empathy and social inclusion. This can create a more supportive environment where individuals with ASD can thrive. #WorldAutismAwarenessDay #Autism #SpecialEducation #Education #Cambodia #PhnomPenh #EducationCambodia #OrbRom #AutismCambodia

Interesting read on the challenges faced by autistic people in Ireland.

Today is World Autism Awareness Day and the Australian Government is looking for feedback for anyone with lived experience, to help make life better for autistic Australians. You can provide feedback until 31st May via a link in this article. https://lnkd.in/gMgG5hWD #InclusionMatters #NDIS #PlanManagement #AutismAwarenessMonth