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Tag: autism awareness

Astrid Arroyo smiling with brown eyes and dark hair
autism logo with infinity symbol and heart

Showing Love through Multiple Connections

Love Is in the Air is more than just a one (American) hit wonder by John Paul Young. It’s also a sentiment spurred by the made-up holiday of Valentine’s Day. I’d like to take advantage of this sometimes over-commercialized day to seize the opportunity to show love for people in the autism community. And as you are reading this, that means you are part of the crowd we love!
  • Are you a past or present board member, founder, paid professional, community partner, or a generous volunteer who has supported the autism community via Autism Connection? 
  • Could you be one of the seasoned folks who knew us as the original “ABOARD” – or Advisory Board on Autism and Related Disorders – who got this “party” started? 
  • Are you one of our supportive friends at ACHIEVA, a foundation giver, an individual donor, someone from the corporate world who has decided to sponsor us, or a phenomenal community group who has fundraised for us? 
  • Could you be a researcher friend, a compassionate judge, or a public servant we call on at all hours with questions or emergency situations needing attention? 
  • Are you a family member or autistic friend who chooses us for support, or who works as our colleague?  Or a marathon runner, or a personal friend or family member who supports our work?
Most likely you fall into many categories.  Any “yes” answers means we love YOU!

Love Takes Many Forms

Is using an emotional word like love appropriate in a professional setting?  I believe it is in the sense of agape, defined on dictionary.com here:

“agape

Original Greek: ἀγάπη (agápē)

Agape is often defined as unconditional, sacrificial love. Agape is the kind of love that is felt by a person willing to do anything for another, including sacrificing themselves, without expecting anything in return. Philosophically, agape has also been defined as the selfless love that a person feels for strangers and humanity as a whole.”

What Brings Our Thoughts to Love

Here’s why I’m thinking so hard about this now. Today we received our third request to cite a blog post – this one from Community Circles Restorative Justice Society (CCRJS) based in Ladysmith, British Columbia. Another was a request from Assets High School in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Cerebral Palsy Guidance in Syracuse, New York reached out to collaborate on bringing awareness of dual diagnosis of autism and cerebral palsy for a campaign in March (stay tuned).

This made me consider how we got here. And the logic chain goes like this: Tammi wrote the blog post cited today, found on our website that is funded by givers, the optimization of which was prioritized by our Strategic Plan originally written 12 years ago by board members (some of whom are family members or autistic people), shared by our community partners and friends online, maximizing our visibility so people in British Columbia could find, read, and use our words to benefit others we will never meet. Phew!  It was not hard to make that list because I often reflect on our roots and the huge crowd that has the autism community’s “back”, and it is all true.

Love is in The Air

I’m going to close this because I really need to hit “stop” on John Paul Young who’s been playing on repeat as I write this, permanently etching these lyrics into my brain for the foreseeable future.  

In the spirit of “sharing is caring”, here’s your earworm for today, with apologies to literal and visual thinkers for using that term. It’s okay if this is stuck in your head too  –  Here are those words for you to ponder.

Love Is In The AirEverywhere I look around (I look around…)Love Is In The AirEvery sight and every sound (and every sound…)
And I don’t know if I’m being foolishDon’t know if I’m being wiseBut it’s something that I must believe inAnd it’s there when I look in your eyes (your eyes…)
Love Is In The AirIn the whisper of the trees (whisper of the trees…)Love Is In The AirIn the thunder of the sea (thunder of the sea…)
And I don’t know if I’m just dreamingDon’t know if I feel saneBut it’s something that I must believe inAnd it’s there when you call out my name (call out my name…)
Love Is In The AirLove Is In The AirOh oh oh
Love Is In The AirIn the rising of the sun (of the sun…)Love Is In The AirWhen the day is nearly done (is nearly done…)
And I don’t know if you’re an illusionDon’t know if I see it trueBut you’re something that I must believe inAnd you’re there when I reach out for you (reach out for you…)
Love Is In The AirEverywhere I look around (I look around…)Love Is In The AirEvery sight and every sound (and every sound…)
And I don’t know if I’m being foolishDon’t know if I’m being wiseBut it’s something that I must believe inAnd it’s there when I look in your eyes (in your eyes…)
Love Is In The AirLove Is In The AirOh oh oh, oh oh oh, oh oh oh

 

Love Is In The AirLove Is In The AirLove Is In The AirLove Is In The AirOh Love Is In The AirOh Love Is In The Air

Black History Will Forever Be My History – By Joseph Smith, Autism Connection of PA Trustee

This month, we celebrate Black History. It is a time to remember the innovation and accomplishments of trailblazers in the United States. A lot of people are inquiring about why Black History Month is important. Here are some reasons from my point of view. 

  1. All of American history needs to be learned regardless of skin hue. There is too much division in this country. As a result, people of my hue are not getting recognition for the inventions and accomplishments they have made. 
  2. Studying Black History reminds us of the struggles of our ancestors so that we can better understand what we are going through and what they went through. 
  3. It opens us up to more issues that need to be discussed. We live in a critical age where we need to have uncomfortable conversations about race and disability. 
  4. We can make a difference by learning about race in our society. By learning Black History, we can better use Theory of Mind by being more sensitive to the needs of everyone. 
  5. The most important part of all is that Black History can’t be relegated to just one month. There are so many individuals breaking barriers every minute that need to be recognized. 

Black History Month is canonical to American History. By studying Black History, we can obtain knowledge that can prevent us from repeating deleterious events. Together we can break barriers. 

Photo of Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith
Autism Connection of PA Trustee; Giant Eagle employee, and Professional Photographer

 

autism connection logo with paint spattered around it

ARTfully UPlifting

ARTfully UPlifting is a newly developed show uniting themes of hope, acceptance, and inclusion for sensory-friendly audiences. In a first-of-its-kind for Point Park University, the Conservatory of Performing Arts students will create a variety of live performances showcased in a concert style format. 

With a diverse offering of the sensational talents of our COPA students, each variety act will range from 90 seconds to 2 minutes in length. Audiences can expect a full-length showcase featuring something for everyone, and most importantly, anyone. There will be two acts with one 15-minute intermission. Each act will offer 40 minutes of entertainment. 

Audience members are encouraged to bring personal comfort items such as noise canceling headphones, fidget toys, snacks, and weighted blankets. Patrons are welcome to exit and enter the theater as needed. A quiet room will be available off the grand lobby.  

Ticket Price Range
$12 – $25

Learn more about ARTfully Uplifting here.

SNAP logo
peaches cut up into a bowl of cream

The Peaches and Cream Autism

Years ago, my autistic daughter participated in what they called a special needs sporting event. I was quietly cheering her on, and another parent asked, “What is she doing here? Helping?” I shook my head and explained that she, too, was playing as a child with a disability.

“What’s wrong with her?”

“Nothing is wrong with her. She just has autism.”

The other parent’s eyes glazed over as she remarked, “Not the real autism. She has the ‘peaches and cream’ autism.”

I gave no response.

This brief, somewhat painful interaction has stuck with me for more than a decade. First, the image of peaches and cream as it relates to levels of perceived heightened ability makes no sense. Second, the inner workings of the mind and body are generally difficult to observe because they are not overt. So those with the perceived simple “peaches and cream” autism seem to have no place. They are too visibly able to fit in with those who have overt disabilities, and too invisibly disabled to seamlessly connect with nondisabled peers.

Where do we land?

Unpacking the Peaches

Over the years, I’ve ruminated on the peaches and cream autism statement, and I have repeated the nonsensical phrase many times. Sometimes in an effort to try to figure it out; sometimes in an effort to gauge other’s understanding. Results were mixed.

My younger, non-autistic daughter, much like me, was trying to unpack the concept.

And she did, in a way that finally made sense. She being a mere 15 years old, made the revelation extraordinary.

“Maybe you have the peach fuzz autism too, Mom.”

“Peach fuzz?” I laughed. “It’s the ‘peaches and cream’ autism. And you are probably right.”

“Oh! I thought you were saying peach fuzz because it’s light and soft and hard to see.”

A large pile of peaches

Light and soft and hard to see

Peach Fuzz

The way my mind works, I pictured a peach with its soft, fuzzy outer skin covering the fruit’s flesh. This led to an exploration and possible conclusion to the peaches and cream conundrum. And it makes sense in relation to autism and hidden differences.

The peach’s fuzzy exterior has puzzled experts, with no definitive explanation for its presence. However, one prevailing theory suggests that this textured coating serves as an additional safeguard for the delicate peel, which is susceptible to premature rot.

Peach fuzz exists even though it is difficult to detect, and it exists for good reason.

When I shared my findings with my daughters, the younger one sighed. “Peach fuzz on the face, I meant.”

We’re still looking into it.

Image of a person wearing a volunteer shirt holding out a globe toward the camera

Autism, Hidden Disabilities and Volunteering

Running an organization that accommodates volunteers with autism or hidden disabilities requires understanding, empathy, and flexibility. Here are some tips to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all volunteers:

  1. Educate all staff and volunteers: Provide training to all staff and volunteers about autism and hidden disabilities. This can help create awareness and promote understanding among team members.
  2. Flexible scheduling: Be open to flexible scheduling to accommodate volunteers’ needs. Some volunteers may thrive with consistent schedules, while others may prefer varied hours to avoid sensory overload.
  3. Designated quiet spaces: Create designated quiet spaces where volunteers can take a break if they feel overwhelmed or need some time to recharge.
  4. Clear communication: Use clear and concise communication, both in person and in written instructions. Avoid figurative language or ambiguous directions, as some people with autism may struggle with interpreting them.
  5. Visual aids: Use visual aids, such as charts, diagrams, or picture schedules, to help volunteers understand tasks and processes. Visual cues can be beneficial for those who have difficulty processing verbal information.
  6. Buddy system: Implement a buddy system pairing volunteers with autism or hidden disabilities with experienced and understanding volunteers. This can provide additional support and make the volunteering experience more enjoyable.
  7. Task preferences: Allow volunteers to express their preferences for specific tasks they feel comfortable doing. Tailoring assignments to individual strengths can increase motivation and confidence.
  8. Sensory considerations: Be mindful of the sensory environment. For example, dimming bright lights, minimizing loud noises, or providing noise-cancelling headphones can create a more comfortable atmosphere.
  9. Regular breaks: Schedule regular breaks for all volunteers, ensuring they have time to rest and recharge as needed.
  10. Positive reinforcement: Recognize and celebrate the efforts and contributions of all volunteers. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in boosting self-esteem and encouraging continued participation.
  11. Accommodate communication preferences: Some people with hidden disabilities may have specific communication preferences (e.g., email, text messages, or written notes). Be willing to accommodate these preferences to facilitate effective communication.
  12. Encourage feedback: Create a culture that encourages open feedback from volunteers about their experiences and any additional support they may need.
  13. Avoid sensory overload: Limit the number of simultaneous tasks or activities that volunteers are expected to handle. Overloading the senses can be challenging for individuals with autism or hidden disabilities.
  14. Patience and empathy: Above all, approach each volunteer with patience and empathy. Recognize that everyone has unique needs and challenges, and a supportive and understanding attitude can make a significant difference.

By implementing these tips, you can foster an inclusive and adjustable environment where all volunteers can contribute their skills and feel valued in an organization’s mission.