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Category: Autism / Disability

Community Inclusion and IDD: Prioritizing and Empowering Choice for the Disabled

Should policy-directed “best outcomes” from government officials and advocacy groups reduce, rather than enhance, choice for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)—and sometimes trap them in unsafe, hostile environments?

autism, developmental disability, disability, disability rights, disabled, featured, IDD, inclusion, integration, intellectual disability
Nicholas Hemachandra on a mountaintop wearing a shirt that says, "If you can be anything, be inclusive."

Autistic Isolation, Connection, and Joy: Never Miss Dessert

Autistic adults, like adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities more generally, are not often seen as agents of love, joy, connection, relationship, and meaning for others. That’s because they’re not often seen at all.

autism, autism acceptance, autism acceptance month, autism adulthood, autism awaremess, world autism day

The Value of Disabled Lives and Organs

Why might an autistic, intellectually disabled Black boy with Down syndrome be so much more valuable in death than in life? Because his parents made him an organ donor.

autism, autism acceptance, disability, disability rights, down syndrome, intellectual disability

Autism Acceptance—and Celebration

Autism is still largely an unknown, even among generally well-educated people. Autism awareness and education still matter a lot, and they are prerequisites for acceptance. Autism awareness and autism acceptance are both essential.

autism, autism acceptance, autism acceptance month, autism advocacy, autism awareness, world autism day

Intellectually Disabled Adults and COVID Vaccine Prioritization

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are at greater risk—three times greater than the general population—of COVID-19 complications and/or death. … More

COVID, intellectual disability, vaccination

Are Autistic and Intellectually Disabled People Worthwhile Community Members—or Aren’t They?

I have been reading the proposed changes to North Carolina’s Innovations waiver services and supports, which are designed for individuals … More

autism, community, disability, inclusion, intellectual disability
Nicholas Hemachandra looking out at Raven Cliff Falls in South Carolina, May 2020

No “Because” but Love—Intellectual Disability, Identity, Representation, and Value

Autism and disability pride movements assert unique cultures and identities. Can intellectually disabled people be more openly and equitably represented … More

autism, autism acceptance, autism adulthood, IDD, intellectual disability

Sunday with My Son

These weekend wintry early mornings in which at times I’m feeling a little drawn—hardly inclined to roll out of bed, … More

autism, fatherhood, forest, neurodiversity, parenting, pisgah forest, pisgah national forest, waterfall, woods

Hammer and Screw: Autism Acceptance and Rejection

I opened my talk at the 2019 HANd Autism & Neurodiversity Conference, themed as “My Autism Journey—Various Perspectives,” in this way, … More

autism, autism acceptance, inclusion, neurodiversity
Nicholas Hemachandra, young and old

“Poppa, Do You Have Autism?”

I told this story in my keynote address at the HANd Autism & Neurodiversity Conference in fall 2019 at Appalachian … More

autism, autism acceptance, autism parenting, neurodiversity

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Focaccia today from Dogwood Cottage Baking
Abutilon Biltmore Ball Gown Flowering Maple
Visiting Swannanoa NC today
Bonsai, including Satsuki Azalea from Southern Japan, at the NC Arboretum yesterday
#flowers #flower #flowersofinstagram #today #instagood #instadaily #photooftheday #picoftheday #nature #bestoftheday #igers
Me and my son at Buxton Hall BBQ—good stuff
Father’s Day is a good day to celebrate being this amazing person’s father. So is every other day, but on Father’s Day we have cake.
At @buxtonhallbbq today, clockwise from top left: Bananas Foster, Vanilla Bean, and Cardamom Orange Chocolate Cake ice creams and Cantaloupe sorbet
Profile pic my son Nicholas took of me today
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