Leveling the Playing Field: The Power of Adaptive Sports
For years, conversations around disabilities have focused on raising awareness-but now, we’re moving toward something even more powerful: acceptance and true inclusion. Nowhere is this shift more inspiring than in the world of sports. When people with neurodivergence and different disabilities are welcomed onto the field, the benefits ripple far beyond the scoreboard. Inclusive sports programs foster confidence, friendship, and a sense of belonging, reminding us that everyone deserves the chance to play, grow, and celebrate their unique strengths-together.
Commitment to Care: Why Fear-Mongering Won’t Change Our Standards
The recent wave of fear-mongering in the news about autism is not just frustrating—it’s deeply harmful. It sows distrust, spreads misinformation, and threatens to undermine the safe, supportive environments our children need to thrive. It’s time for our community to lead with facts, compassion, and a commitment to neurodiversity and privacy. Autism is not a disease to be feared or “fixed”—it is a neurotype, a natural and valuable variation in human brain wiring.
Understanding the New CDC Autism Prevalence Estimates: A Parent-Friendly, Neurodiversity-Affirming Guide
The CDC’s latest numbers show that 1 in 31 children in the U.S. are now identified as autistic—a noticeable increase from previous years. But what’s behind this rise? In this parent-friendly, neurodiversity-affirming post, we explore how changes in diagnostic criteria, growing awareness, and a better understanding of autism as a spectrum have led to more children being recognized and supported. Discover why these numbers are a sign of progress, and how embracing neurodiversity can help every child thrive.
Elevated Care: Striving for Excellence
In the pursuit of supporting neurodivergent children, collaboration across disciplines is not just beneficial—it's essential. Traditional models of care often fall short by keeping professionals within their silos, missing opportunities for holistic solutions. However, by embracing multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and especially transdisciplinary approaches, we can elevate care to meet the complex needs of these children.
Resiliency in Healthcare: A Path to Minimizing Burnout
As healthcare professionals working with neurodivergent youth, we face unique challenges that can lead to burnout if not managed effectively. Building resilience is key to thriving in these roles. By focusing on strategies like mindfulness, self-care, and fostering a growth mindset, we can enhance our ability to handle stress and maintain our well-being. Additionally, utilizing tools like the Circles of Control can help us channel our energy more effectively, reducing stress related to uncontrollable factors. By prioritizing resilience, we not only benefit ourselves but also improve the quality of care we provide to our clients. Dive into this blog post to explore these strategies and more, including recommended books to deepen your understanding of personal growth and resilience.
Autism, Black History Month, and Addressing Disparities Through Trauma-Informed and Neurodiversity-Affirming Care
This Black History Month, we're shining a light on the critical intersection of autism, race, and healthcare equity. Did you know that Black children are often diagnosed with autism six months later than their white peers? This delay can have significant impacts on early intervention and long-term outcomes.
