A large contributor to depression and anxiety among those with autism is the apparent lack of acceptance that is essential for the human psyche to have. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines autism as “a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges." This is the definition of a very complex disability that affects approximately 1 in 59 children, according to the CDC. What isn’t said is that “more than 70% of autistic youth have mental conditions, including depression and anxiety,” says Carla Mazefsky, an associate professor of psychiatry and psychology at the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania. There … [Read more...] about Opinion: Teaching acceptance to better the mental health of autistic youth
Maia Pawooskar on autism during the pandemic
In the midst of this pandemic, the autism community faces higher risk for contracting COVID-19, not receiving enough aid, and difficulty reintegrating into society. Maia Pawooskar is a part of the Regional Advisory Committee at State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Consumer Advisory Committee at Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), a Group Leader at Autism Society Inland Empire, and is on the Self-Determination Advisory Committee Chair at State Council on Developmental Disabilities/IRC. Q: How do you think the reintegration into society will be for those with autism? A: It is a tremendous […] difficulty but if we plan, knowing that this is going to happen and we have more … [Read more...] about Maia Pawooskar on autism during the pandemic