Edlyn Peña, Ph.D.-Autism Researcher

Gratitude to my not-so-little dude for making me a mom. Diego has been the most impactful teacher I have had when it comes to learning about autism, inclusion, and what it means to be kind (with a side of naughty humor).

Happy Mother’s Day to all autistic moms and moms with autistic kids. 💝

This week I discovered the works of Sonya Renee Taylor. I can’t wait to read her book, “My Body is Not an Apology.” The quote below is from her keynote presentation at University of Georgia.

“For those of us who [experience] able-bodied privilege, be clear that it is not a lasting privilege. Where will you be when that privilege leaves you? ...If you are not currently laboring to make room, space, and equity for disabled bodies, when you become a disabled body—and it is highly likely that you will—you will reap the world you created.”

Congratulations to Dr. Clarissa Kripke and colleagues for publishing an important health care report, "Partners in Health: Implementing Supported Healthcare Decision-Making for Users of Augmentative and Alternative Communication in California"

I’m honored to have been invited to serve as a Thought Leader Partner on this report.
https://odpc.ucsf.edu/advocacy/supported-health-care-decision-making/partners-in-health-implementing-supported-healthcare

Join me at the Inclusion: Embrace the Adventure online conference this Monday! I'm very excited to be the keynote speaker!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/inclusion-embrace-the-adventure-2021-conference-tickets-83559024291?fbclid=IwAR2u7dMjEjCY-XOyWzw6WjQ5w99OaigVvCVUD7Xkooj_v17OfA7kLp1lmd4

Autism acceptance means honoring the differences, gifts, and abilities that autistics offer the world. Empowering autistics means centering the voices and ideas of individuals in discussions, decisions, research, and policymaking.

This article is legit!

“After 13 years in the classroom, I realize now what I wish I knew then: Students who cannot rely on speech to be understood don’t have to be educated in segregated classrooms. And for educators who have students who require communication supports, training or preparation doesn’t have to be complex.”

https://www.edutopia.org/article/students-limited-verbal-capabilities-can-thrive-inclusive-classrooms?fbclid=IwAR1giebbjkYU9lkbtyA-kiEVjeb09nbxQUo62OItmR7FXS0lzcvlw1QYQ_8

Students With Limited Verbal Capabilities Can Thrive in Inclusive Classrooms With the right support, students who cannot rely on natural speech to communicate can do well in integrated classrooms.

A fairy tale with a happy ending...

Once upon a time in Diego’s early years, I heard a lot of therapists, teachers, and administrators say “no.” No to using an iPad to communicate. No to a letter board. No to a communication partner. Even no to speaking to him in Spanish. What I realized later is “no” usually means “I don’t know how to do that” or “I don’t believe he is competent” or “I only know what’s in my toolkit, and am unwilling to try out this new approach.”

I stood firm and held my ground. Diego deserved so much more. I told them all to go fly a kite. Far far away. The end. 🤓