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
Category: Autism / Disability
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
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
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
Hammer and Screw: Autism Acceptance and Rejection
I opened my 2019 HANd Autism & Neurodiversity Conference keynote address, themed as “An Autism Journey and Some Perspectives,” in … More
“Poppa, Do You Have Autism?”
I told this story in my keynote address at the HANd Autism & Neurodiversity Conference at Appalachian State University in … More
My Talk at the Disability Day of Mourning Vigil
I was invited again this year to give a short talk as part of the Disability Day of … More
Republicans Have Autistic Children, Too
I think we widely recognize the silos of information and perspective we now live in, as a society and as … More
Podcast Interview of Ray Hemachandra on Converge Autism Radio
Earlier this week I recorded a podcast with Melanie Vann for Springbrook’s Converge Autism Radio. It posted today. The podcast … More
Autism Adulthood: Caring for the Future and the Present Moment
Supporting an autistic child in becoming an autistic adult—in making choices and developing a roadmap together, ensuring the right care and supports, and often relaxing parental restraints and encouraging personal agency—means really understanding what matters most to the person and letting their life be theirs.
