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Tag: autism

Autism and IDD: Caregiving, Advocacy, Community, and Love

We need to step up our support, recognition, and advocacy both for autistic and intellectually disabled people and for the caregivers—both support workers and caregivers—who love and care for them.

autism, autism acceptance, autism acceptance month, DSPs, IDD, intellectual disability, support workers

A Letter about IDD Advocacy in North Carolina

What we lack most centrally in intellectual and developmental disability work and advocacy in North Carolina is the fierce urgency of now, to use and insist upon the meaning of the famous and essential phrase by Dr. King.

autism, developmental disability, equity, IDD, intellectual disability, representation
October 2022: Ray Hemachandra and Nicholas Hemachandra at the parklet in Asheville, North Carolina, at the Center for Craft, created in conjunction with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

You’re My Son

My son Nicholas is autistic, and he has echolalia. But what he says in repeated speech can carry as much meaning—and sometimes even more feeling—as the “right” words.

adults with autism, autism, autism acceptance, Love, son

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

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

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Silly-face pic to highlight a more serious messaging from my son Nicholas, who is autistic and intellectually disabled, in his shirt from The Arc of the United States @thearc_us : “Disability rights are human rights.”
@dobrateanc in downtown Asheville NC for a couple of hours today with my friend (and long-ago neighbor) Kimmy Hunter, with far-ranging conversation largely rooted in a robust, broad, and true vision for love and inclusion—for *everyone* and everywhere, in family, schools, workplaces, community, and society—as the foundation of the work we do and the lives we live. #love #inclusion #acceptance #vision #society #family #schools #community #change
Liz Flowers is a member of my son Nicholas’ community circle, which we call Team Nicholas. Today Ms Liz took Nicholas out and about in Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina today, including here in front of Looking Glass Falls.
Satsuki Azalea busting out @thencarboretum
Lunch at @buxtonhallbbq on Memorial Day weekend with my son Nicholas: pulled pork, catfish, chocolate torte, banana pudding pie.
I hadn’t seen my former Lark Books colleague Dana Irwin in at least a decade, so I was excited to drive up to an art show and fundraiser in Weaverville, NC where I’d read she was showing work. Dana was an Art Director (for 23 years!) at Lark Books during years I was a Senior Editor (for 3 of my 6 Lark years)—it was immense creative fun working with her then! As you see, she is looking fantastic and, a longtime painter with watercolors, newly working with acrylic paints and exploring the impact on her artistic style. She’d already sold two of the four pieces she was showing before I arrived!
Vignettes from therapeutic-recreation baseball from Asheville Parks & Rec on Saturday, supported by the TC Roberson High School baseball team that next weekend is playing in the state (NC) baseball championship finals.
@thencarboretum Set 1
Layers of gorgeous azalea flowers at the NC Arboretum in Asheville today
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