Archives

Key ASD Legislations

Ashley Greathead, MA, FACT Communications Consultant Political views aside, in the U.S., we are fortunate to have a government that supports and protects the rights of individuals with disabilities. If you can believe it, those rights were only officially granted less than 50 years ago. We may not be entirely satisfied with all the legislations, and many times we have to go above & beyond to have our needs just even heard, let alone acted upon. There are many pieces…
Continue reading 

Inclusion Specialists Define Diversity in the Workplace

Ashley Greathead, MA, FACT Communications Consultant I recently did a study on diversity and inclusion in the workplace, as it relates to neurological diagnoses, particularly autism. Among other methods of research, I interviewed 6 inclusion experts of major corporations in the United States including EY, SAP, and Kaiser Permanente – all of which are openly dedicated to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. For this post, I wanted to share my findings on how they personally defined diversity. As you…
Continue reading 

Autism: Is it in your hand or in your head?

By Linda Andron Ostrow For this month’s wisdom, we turn to nine-year-old Gwen. In our social skills group, in individual therapy, and in her in-home behavioral program, Gwen works very hard for self-understanding, including the role that autism plays in her life. Equally as dedicated, her mother works very hard along with therapists, to build this very critical skill of the Upstairs Brain (a term from The Whole Brain Child, Dr. Dan Siegel).  The proof is in the pudding as…
Continue reading 

I Think I Coined the Phrase “Soft Control”

Mikal Britt, Behaviorist for 10+ years Sometimes you have to let kids do things that might make you nervous. You have to take chances and experiment if you want to see growth. Another way to say this is “helping by not helping”, which sounds counterintuitive, or maybe even like an excuse. But in many cases, it is the only way to help someone get over the next hurdle. Whether a therapist, caregiver, or parent, we are often too concerned with controlling…
Continue reading 

Special Interests as a Gateway to Connection

By Linda Andron Ostrow Embracing Special interests , Not Ignoring them Last week we were treated to the wonderful story of Owen Suskind who understood the world in amazing depth, through his interest in Disney movies and the messages their characters embody. His father, Ron , relates this incredible story in his article in the New Yorker and up coming book. Life Animated. When the Suskind’s saw the potential to connect with Owen through Disney movies they felt hope. When his…
Continue reading 

The Essence of Adolescent Life

By Linda Andron-Ostrow, Executive Director  Time is always an elusive experience. How about this year we focus on a mind frame that allows us to be in the present, living a fulfilling life? Another successful year is behind us and another year full of opportunity is already at our finger tips. We are resolved to do something new this year before it is gone too. At whatever time we are in life, it is the essence of a fulfilling life that…
Continue reading 

Living Well With Autism

By Linda Andron-Ostrow Living well with autism Picture a 3 year old girl who does who not speak, does not have any idea how to play, shows all the classic signs of autism and a daunting difficulty with any uncertainty. Then, a 7 year old who has her first birthday party with classmates. Later, a 10 year old  in fifth grade who is fades out her one-on-one by winter break and succeeds in a regular class. And now, imagine this…
Continue reading