Education – Autism Connection of Pennsylvania

Language Matters: Why Disability Slurs Hurt—and What We Can Do About It

Until we recognize that autistic people and people with disabilities are valuable, capable human beings, we will continue to lose words that were originally meant simply to describe a demographic. Over time, everyday language gets twisted, misused, and weaponized—turning descriptive terms into insults. When that happens, the people connected to those words become targets too.

This cycle harms more than vocabulary. It harms people.

When Words Become Weapons

Many disability-related terms began as neutral descriptions. But because our society has long underestimated, excluded, or stigmatized people with disabilities, those words often slid into the realm of slurs. We see this most clearly with the R-word—once a clinical descriptor, now a widely recognized insult.

The problem isn’t the word itself.
The problem is how our culture has treated the people behind it.

If a group is not respected, their label becomes a punchline.
If a group is devalued, their identity becomes shorthand for “lesser than.”

Autistic people and families tell us that the impact is anything but harmless.

The Real Impact on Autistic People and Families

A parent recently shared with us:

“The slur-hurling is making us (autistic people and their families) feel like we’re ‘lesser than’. We’re not seen as deserving of services or help by the general public if we’re seen as a punchline. Or worse, we’re invisible because everyone is trying to make autism look like it’s less severe than what it is. Language does matter.”

This is the lived experience behind the jokes, memes, and “I didn’t mean it that way” excuses.

Slurs do more than sting. They influence whether someone is seen as deserving of support, empathy, or even basic dignity. They shape how teachers respond, how communities include, how neighbors interact, and how policymakers prioritize services.

When people become jokes, they also become invisible.

Minimizing Autism Doesn’t Help Anyone

There’s a growing cultural tendency to soften or minimize the challenges many autistic people face. While positive stories and strengths-based perspectives are important, they cannot erase the need for support, services, and understanding—especially for those with high support needs.

When autism is treated like a quirky personality trait rather than a legitimate disability, families may encounter disbelief, judgment, or outright dismissal.

And when slurs are used casually, it reinforces the idea that autism, intellectual disability, or developmental differences are inherently negative. Or worse, something to mock.

Respect Starts With Language

Changing the way we speak is not about being “overly sensitive” or enforcing “political correctness.” It is about recognizing the full humanity of autistic people and people with disabilities.

Words can:

reinforce stigma
block access to support
shape public attitudes
affect policy decisions
influence how people treat one another

Respectful language creates safer and more inclusive spaces. It signals that people with disabilities are real, valued members of our communities, not punchlines, burdens, or stereotypes.

What We Can Do

Everyone plays a role in reducing harm and building a more inclusive culture. Here’s where we can start:

1. Retire disability slurs—including the R-word—completely.
Even “as a joke,” they reinforce harmful beliefs.

2. Speak up when you hear others use them.
A simple “That word hurts people. Could we choose something else?” can make a difference.

3. Learn from disabled voices.
Autistic people and their families are telling us what they need. Listening is the first step.

4. Use language that reflects dignity.
People-first or identity-first language is always better than a slur.

5. Model respect in everyday conversation.
Kids, coworkers, and community members learn from what we say.

A Community Built on Respect

Autistic people and families deserve to be seen, heard, and valued. When we change our language, we help change our culture—and we make space for understanding instead of mockery, connection instead of stigma.

Language does matter.
And so do the people behind it.

If you or your family need support, Autism Connection of Pennsylvania is here to help.

Autism Safety Expo 2025

PRESS RELEASE: THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2025

Autism Connection of Pennsylvania Presents Inaugural Safety Expo in Concert with the Jefferson Center for Autism and Neurodiversity

Monroeville, PA: Autism Connection of Pennsylvania, in concert with the Jefferson Center for Autism and Neurodiversity in Philadelphia, is proud to announce its first-ever Autism Safety Expo; a comprehensive two-day event devoted to promoting safety in the home and the community for people of all ages and stages on the autism spectrum and their families.

Autism Connection of Pennsylvania’s Safety Expo is important because it brings together critical resources that help ensure the well-being of autistic people in nearly every aspect of life, from their homes to schools to public spaces. Many families and self-advocates struggle to navigate complex systems when it comes to legal rights, medical needs, emergency preparedness, and physical and social safety. This Expo offers a rare opportunity to access all of that information in one place, with trusted experts who understand the unique challenges faced by the autism community. By creating a safe, inclusive space for learning and connection, the event empowers individuals and families to proactively build safer, more supportive environments.

Dates & Location

Friday, October 17, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Monroeville Volunteer Fire Company #4
- 4370 Northern Pike, Monroeville, PA 15146

Expo Highlights and Resources

This “one-stop-shop” experience invites families, caregivers, autistic people, professionals, and community members to access vital safety solutions covering:

Legal Safety: Guardianship, special education law, rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and access to legal aid organizations.
Medical Safety: Including sensory-friendly best practices, medical ID tools, emergency-preparedness plans, and how to navigate healthcare settings comfortably
Community and Social Safety: Safe travel, public‐space accessibility, social-skills training, and resources on self-advocacy and community inclusion.
Technology and Adaptive Tools: Exhibitors showcasing assistive tech, safety-alert devices, home-monitoring systems, and calming sensory aids.
First Responders Engagement: In person discussions with fire, police, and EMS personnel to build understanding of autism-friendly response protocols.
Caregiving & Family Support: Peer support groups, respite resources, and guidance from social-service agencies.

Why Safety Matters

Autism Connection of Pennsylvania surveyed autistic people, families, and caregivers about their greatest concerns. Safety is the utmost priority for people of all ages living in both rural and urban areas, and with different levels of need. In response, the Autism Connection is organizing this event to connect people with critical resources.

Safety is multidimensional: legal, medical, social, and environmental. By bringing together experts from each domain, the Autism Safety Expo offers resources to autistic people and families to proactively build environments, knowledge, and community systems that support neurodiverse safety.

About Autism Connection of PA
Since 1996, Autism Connection of PA has served as a trusted resource for families and professionals across the state, offering support groups, educational workshops and webinars, advocacy, and information on art, justice, school, and lifelong planning.

About Jefferson Center for Autism and Neurodiversity
A division of Jefferson Health, the Center champions neurodiverse-aware design and clinical practices, highlighted by its sensory-inclusive Honickman Center in Philadelphia’s city center.

The official registration and financial information of Autism Connection of PA may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

Interview with Ayana Singh: Science, Empathy and Innovation

Autism Connection of Pennsylvania is thrilled to be chatting with Ayana Singh, a high school freshman who’s already making an impressive impact in the world of science and advocacy. In 2024, she created a well-being and sensory journal for caregivers and people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to track progress and day-to-day life online. This year, she created a machine learning model that uses functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans to predict autism severity.

Both projects were presented at the Carnegie Science Center as part of the Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair (PRSEF), winning notable awards from the U.S. Naval Research Office, Pittsburgh Intellectual Property Law Association, and more.

Inspired by her close family ties to autism, she’s passionate about using technology to make a real difference. We’re excited to hear about her journey, what drives her, and what’s next on her incredible path.

Ayana standing next to her science fair project

Background and Inspiration

What first inspired you to begin researching autism and sensory well-being at such a young age?

What first inspired me to begin researching autism and sensory well-being at such a young age was a deeply personal experience within my own family. My sister and my cousin are the same age, and when they were around 2.5 years old, we began noticing clear differences in their development—differences that raised questions none of us had answers to at the time. Eventually, my cousin was diagnosed with autism in India, but even after the diagnosis, my family struggled to access consistent therapy and support.

Witnessing this made me realize how much of a gap there is in autism awareness, diagnosis, and sensory support systems in many parts of the world, especially compared to the research and resources available in the U.S. That contrast motivated me to dig deeper, and to explore how I could use science, data, and innovation to help families like mine better understand autism and support neurodivergent individuals more effectively. It became more than research, and a personal mission.

How have your personal experiences with family members on the autism spectrum influenced your research?

My personal experiences with family members on the autism spectrum have been the foundation of my interest in this field. Last summer, I had the opportunity to teach piano to a young girl on the spectrum who was the same age as my sister and cousin. That experience was eye-opening. I saw firsthand how deeply she connected with music, how it calmed her and how she seemed to process it in a completely unique way. It made me realize that there are so many dimensions to autism that are still not fully understood. That moment really deepened my curiosity and inspired me to explore different aspects and potential markers of ASD through research.

What drew you to the intersection of neuroscience and machine learning for your project?

What drew me to the intersection of neuroscience and machine learning was a gradual but deeply personal journey. My first project related to autism focused on developing a software program that tracked sensory well-being. It was my personal response to the challenges my family faced in trying to understand and support the unique sensory needs of my cousin, who is on the autism spectrum.

As I learned more, my curiosity expanded to the possibility of early detection—how powerful it could be for families to receive timely support. That led to my second project, which explored how technology, particularly machine learning, could be used to identify early markers of ASD in a way that’s accessible and scalable across different regions, including countries like India where resources are limited. This naturally brought me to neuroscience and neuroimaging data, where machine learning can help uncover patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. It felt like the perfect intersection of science, empathy, and innovation.

Research and Development

Could you walk us through your project — how does your machine learning model use fMRI scans to predict autism severity?

My project focuses on using fMRI data and machine learning to predict autism severity, offering a neurobiological alternative to current tools like ADOS and ADI-R, which don’t reflect brain-based changes over time. EEG and eye-tracking studies have tried to address this gap, but they can be uncomfortable for autistic individuals. I aimed to build a non-invasive, adaptable model grounded in brain function.

I used data from ABIDE II, the most recent publicly available ASD dataset. After preprocessing the fMRI scans in Python [programming language], applying brain masks and extracting BOLD signals, I segmented each participant’s brain into clusters using K-Means, grouping brain voxels [three-dimensional representation of brain tissue] based on signal similarity. This helped me analyze whether certain brain regions contribute to autism traits.

Next, I selected key clinical and imaging features such as age, IQ, and BOLD-based brain clusters, and input them into a Random Forest model, chosen for its ability to handle complex data and prevent overfitting. I optimized the model and used feature importance analysis to evaluate which inputs best predicted the ADOS-2 total severity score. My model achieved 87% accuracy (R²), which is high compared to existing studies. In the long term, this model could allow updated, scan-based severity assessments across the lifespan, addressing how autism manifests differently over time, while staying non-invasive and clinically useful.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while developing your model?

The biggest challenge which I experienced was preprocessing the fMRI scans which means removing excess noise and clutter from the scans. I had difficulty because I had never done it before, and there were few easy-to-understand resources online. To overcome it, I tried various methods such as employing different python tools and researching implementation.

How did you learn the technical skills necessary to work with machine learning and fMRI data while still in middle school?

I have been learning how to code ever since I was in fifth grade. My first introduction to programming was from mentors at the nonprofit Steel City Codes, which I am now a part of and have decided to give back as a mentor myself.

Was there a specific moment during your research when you realized you were onto something exciting?

The first moment of amazement was definitely seeing the fMRI scans. Afterwards, when I was visualizing the results of the model in scatter plots and different types of charts, I felt hope that the project was moving in the right direction and progress was being made.

An fMRI scan from Ayana’s project

Recognition and Impact

How did it feel to have your work recognized by the Carnegie Science Center?

Since I am still a high schooler, one of the places I can bring my project and get people’s attention on this topic is the Carnegie Science Center. I really am thankful to the PRSEF who gives us this platform to share and talk to experts, judges, and sponsors with similar experiences and research.

What does it mean to you to have your work shared with organizations like the Autism Connection of Pennsylvania?

It means a lot to have my work shared with organizations like the Autism Connection of Pennsylvania. It inspires me to engage with organizations and nonprofits that share a common goal of improving the lives of people with ASD. Knowing that my research aligns with their mission gives me hope that, together, we can create a future where people with autism have access to better support, understanding, and resources.

How do you hope your research will contribute to better treatment planning for autistic people?

I hope my research will lead to more personalized and up-to-date treatment plans by providing a non-invasive, brain-based way to assess autism severity, helping clinicians track changes over time and tailor therapies more effectively.

Leveraging fMRI and Machine Learning to Analyze Gender Disparities in ASD Severity Prediction

Personal Insights

Many students your age are just beginning to explore science. What advice would you give to young researchers who want to take on ambitious projects?

My advice is to start with a question or topic that genuinely means something to you, even if it feels big. Break it into smaller steps, be curious, and don’t be afraid to learn things as you go. Ask for help, learn, and don’t give up on your project(s).

How do you balance your academic work with your independent research projects?

My weekends are devoted to research and any other extracurriculars. Whenever I have time on the weekdays, I am excited to work on researching and learning more.

What has been the most rewarding part of your research journey so far?

The most rewarding part of my research journey has been seeing everything come together, the model actually working, the data making sense, and the results matching what I hoped to find. But even more than that, sharing it with others whether in presentations or papers, and seeing people understand and care about the impact has been incredibly fulfilling.

Future Plans

Are there any next steps or new ideas you’re excited to explore based on your current project?

I want to finish writing my research paper and eventually turn my model into a publicly accessible tool. My goal is to make it available in under-resourced regions, including countries like India, where support for people with autism is often more limited compared to places like the United States.

Looking ahead, do you envision a career combining technology, medicine, and advocacy for neurodivergent people?

In the future, I aspire to become a neurologist, where I can combine research with clinical work. I hope to focus on developing innovative technologies that improve the diagnosis and treatment of neurodivergent people, while also advocating for better support and awareness in underrepresented communities.

Reflection

What is one lesson you’ve learned through this experience that you will carry with you in your future work?

One lesson I’ve learned is the importance of persistence as research doesn’t always go as planned, and being adaptable is crucial. Many aspects of my project didn’t go as expected, and I found myself stuck at certain steps or facing unexpected issues. There
were times when I wanted to quit due to these challenges, but if I hadn’t pushed through, I wouldn’t have reached my end product or successfully completed the project.

How has this research experience changed how you view science, medicine, or advocacy?

My research experience has shown me that science is more than just experimenting in my school chemistry lab. If I did not explore the world of science more, I would not have stumbled upon fMRI and discovered how it connects with ASD. As for advocacy in medicine, I have learnt how important it is to ensure that people, especially those in underserved communities, have access to the tools, support, and treatments they need.

Gia sitting on a chair instructing a class

IGIA Movement for Health Visits Autism Connection of PA

IGIA Movement for Health is well known in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for its innovative approach that incorporates various somatic practices like yoga, meditation, Hanna Somatics®, and dance to tap into the power of internal movement, stimulate new neural pathways, and improve the mind’s regulation of posture and emotions.

For the autism community, sensory overload and difficulty with interoception can interfere with the ability to recognize and manage emotions, so Autism Connection of PA was ecstatic to be invited to host IGIA Movement for Health for three pilot movement workshops. Three Rivers Community Care is also hosting a class on August 12th.

Care practitioner and IGIA Co-founder, Gia Cacalano, leads the Master Classes, taking cues from attendees to form her approach. IGIA movement practices can be done both seated and standing, they’re accessible, and no two classes are exactly alike. Co-founder and CEO, Harris Farris quietly participated in the first pilot class along with a small group. One autistic participant shares her experience with the class, and encourages others to attend.

Experiencing IGIA for Movement Master Class

I honestly didn’t know exactly what to expect, which can be a great source of anxiety. It was hot outside, and even though it was only 10:15 in the morning, I was already feeling overwhelmed with sensory overload. At least I think that’s what it was. Sometimes it can be difficult to identify what is going on with me, both physically and emotionally. I also realized that I had lost track of time and was running late.

The room was open and large with soft lighting. The instructor, Gia, was welcoming, the number of people in the class was small, and I had a great sense that I could just be myself. Gia explained that there is no wrong way to do the movements, and described how each movement affects the body.

Relaxes the nervous system
Spatial awareness in the environment
Internal spatial awareness – how I moved and how those movements related to how I was feeling
Observational rather than judgmental – no worries about being right or wrong, just noticing
Feeling less self-conscious – less resistance to trying something new
Sense of calm

Video: Harris Ferris demonstrates some simple movements

I recognized some of the movements and I thought, “Hey! These stem from stims!” Self stimulatory behaviors (or self-regulating behaviors) often serve a purpose, and I was perfectly happy to do some hand flapping that transformed into more delicate movements. It turns out that flapping and jumping ignites the lymphatic system, and can improve the immune system.

Visual stims were also weaved into the movements. We worked on eye tracking along with slow, intentional head movements that seemed to broaden my peripheral sight. I was able to take in the entire room visually rather than focusing on specific elements.

“Rocking is a controlled fall,” the instructor said. This statement stuck with me because I usually fight the urge to rock back and forth to calm myself. The slow, intentional rocking movements were among my favorites, and it was especially helpful to know that we were working on balance along with body awareness.

Time passed quickly in the movement class, and even though there was no rigid structure, the instructor came full circle and this helped me recognize that the session was coming to a close soon. We began and ended with foot movements, gradually rocking to a standing position.

I felt grounded and calm after the session, and I continued to notice when my muscles (especially in the shoulders) were getting tight throughout the rest of the day. I can see how practices from the movement class could help me regulate emotions after sensory overload, or when I struggle with interoception (during times when I feel disconnected from what I’m feeling, whether an emotion or hunger, fatigue or thirst).

This was the first of three sessions, and they are off to a great start.

Gia notes that “even simply being present in the room–just observing and breathing–changes the dynamic. Even if someone showed up and just focused on breathing, that would be a complete session.”

If you want to learn more about IGIA for Movement Master Class, please visit IGIA Movement for Health.

To participate in upcoming classes August 10th and 12th register here.

Goodwill Hose Company Ambulance parked on a sunny day

Disability is Not a Crime Training in Lock Haven Pennsylvania

We were thrilled to visit and teach new friends from the first responder community in and around Lock Haven, PA this past week. We listened to our audience’s experiences and training goals, learned how tremendously professional and caring they are in their work, then launched into delivering “Disability is Not a Crime” content.

Everyone in the room had autism or an autistic relative, and one learner manages two autistic employees, so engagement was high. The conversation was so fantastic we stayed well past the end time of 9:00pm, thinking of creative ways to support autistic people in emergency situations.

Blending an autistic presenter (who is an EMT) and a non-autistic trainer seems to help people feel comfortable asking questions no matter their personal experience. We left feeling a little sad that we don’t live closer to experience their beautiful area and work together more to support folks with disabilities in the region.

Huge thanks to Goodwill Hose Company Ambulance Association for hosting us! And thank you to the attendees for sharing stories of finding missing persons who wander (some multiple times), supporting autistic people in car accident responses, and for telling us a few rattlesnake stories we don’t often get to hear!

Since we were at an EMS base for the training, we had the opportunity to take some photos of equipment. We will be using the images to help people understand what to expect in emergency situations in an ambulance. People may be safer if they know a little more about what to expect when they are sick or injured. Believe it or not, it is not uncommon for people to be arrested and charged for fear-based behaviors they may have during emergency situations, when they are injured or sick on the scene, or in an emergency room.

This project is funded by the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council.

Child Health Association of Sewickley Grant: Spelling

We are glad to share that Autism Connection of Pennsylvania has been granted the opportunity to further our mission of being a lifeline and hub for families and adults in the autism community. With heartfelt gratitude, we announce that we have been awarded a grant of $10,000 by the Child Health Association of Sewickley.

We believe in leaving no member of our community behind. Our organization is disability-led, with a passionate team that includes three autistic board members, and 33% of our staff is autistic. We serve people and families from infancy through older adulthood, with a goal that
everyone receives the support, information, and advocacy they deserve.

This grant is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. With these funds, we will embark on a project aimed at supporting people who are nonspeaking or minimally verbal, hoping to help them communicate their needs and wants—often for the first time.

Here’s a glimpse of what this project entails.

Project Goals

Link families who have had success with spelling to access academic, social, and healthcare needs
Engage families in dialogue with newcomers for whom traditional speech and language services are not sufficient
Emphasize the concept of presuming understanding on the part of nonspeaking autistic young people and promote literacy from a young age
Educate caregivers about autism brain differences that affect spoken communication
Encourage families to explore new communication methods with support from experienced practitioners

Measurement of Success:

Number of new families introduced to spelling for accessing various needs
Number of families using spelling with some success
Engagement of professionals in training sessions
Distribution of spelling boards at no cost
Involvement of families, teachers, and therapists in implementing spelling

This project aligns with our core values of inclusivity, accessibility, and support. We are dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of nonspeaking autistic people and their families, ensuring that communication barriers do not hinder their access to healthcare, education, and social engagement. Together, we can break down barriers and create a more inclusive world for people with autism who need access to communication.

Thank you for being a part of our journey.

Empowering Connections: Sophie’s Potluck, A Special Journey

In this uplifting interview with Amy Hart, the driving force behind Sophie’s Potluck, we delve into the story of Sophie, a vibrant 14-year-old on the autism spectrum. Amy shares the inspiration behind starting Sophie’s Potluck and the unique experiences they offer to the community. From the adorable blue peacock logo to the diverse array of activities, this initiative aims to create a supportive and inclusive space for families. Discover how Sophie’s Potluck is fostering connections and providing opportunities for growth.

Tell us a little about Sophie.

My daughter Sophie is 14 years old and an 8th grader in the Pittsburgh Area. Sophie is on the autism spectrum and and can’t always communicate her needs.

Sophie’s signature bow

What drove you to start Sophie’s Potluck?

During the winter, I was looking for new activities that I could do with our friends. We typically paint monthly at Splat: A Make and Take Art Studio in the Pittsburgh Area, Pennsylvania. Everyone really enjoys themselves each time and my friend, John Novogurski, (who created and runs the Sophie’s Potluck webpage) and I thought it would be fun to do something more frequently. So we came up with the idea to run the website so we can notify people of our events, and let people register online.

Getting creative

I am always looking for new opportunities for Sophie to try and then ask friends to join us. Then I started thinking of ways that we could really start to explore some venues that we wouldn’t typically think of going to. With a little brainstorming and lots of support, I began emailing different places all over the city. We hope to grow from here.

Sophie’s Potluck logo designed by April Watt Little and Cheri Foote

Your logo is an adorable blue peacock cuddled next to a cooking pot. What’s the story behind this image?

I always have a bow in Sophie’s hair to keep track of her, and she loves peacocks. It started as a little inside joke, but John came up with the name because when you host a potluck, everyone brings something to eat. So with Sophie’s Potluck, we wanted everyone to bring their best! My friends April Watt Little and Cheri Foote collaboratively took the name and created the logo for us.

What kind of activities do you offer?

We work with all kinds of venues to bring a wide array of experiences to our special needs friends. Our first “official” event was a 45 minute zoo encounter, where the educators there taught us about arctic animals, and brought a few animals (some arctic, some not) out for us to see. It was a wonderful experience for our friends! Our upcoming events include a trip to a farm, we’re building our own terrariums, and creating our own bath bombs! Many other events are in the works.

Sophie’s Potluck Zoo Encounter

Are there opportunities to volunteer?

Yes! With some events, we are limited to the number of people that are able to participate. However, when we have the space, we LOVE to have volunteers come and join us.

Are there opportunities to host events?

Absolutely!! We are open to try anything! You can contact John or me on the Sophie’s Potluck website.

Any ideas or advice for parents and caregivers with autistic loved ones?

I think that we as parents and care givers are a village that need to learn from each other. I have also found that we just need to ask and many people are interested in helping us, as a group, gain new experiences and learn about the world around them.

Sophie’s Potluck not only serves as a platform for unique and enjoyable experiences, it also stands as a testament to the strength of community and collaboration. Amy’s journey is fueled by a desire to explore new possibilities for her daughter and others. As the initiative continues to grow, offering a range of activities and welcoming volunteers and event hosts, it becomes a shining example of the power of collective support. For parents and caregivers on the autism spectrum, Sophie’s Potluck offers not just events but a village of shared experiences, proving that together, we can enrich the lives of our loved ones and learn from one another.