Catalight

You’re invited to a free live webinar next week about how families support children with autism!

Engage with Catalight’s Chief Clinical Officer Doreen Samelson Ed.D., MSCP, and Jackie Kancir, executive director of the
National Council on Severe Autism – both of whom raised children with intellectual and developmental disorders – as they discuss profound autism and the experience of parents navigating the diagnosis. Gain insights on the diagnostic process, information families should know and the state of care for children with the diagnosis.

"How Parents Experience Profound Autism" – the fifth webinar in our 'One Size Doesn't Fit All' series is Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 11 a.m. PDT.

The session is moderated by Chris Larson, reporter for Behavioral Health Business News.

Bring your questions!

For more information and to register: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4678177/96091851A6A1B9DEBA237B23F03CC711?partnerref=CatalightFBO

We are driven by diversity, equity and inclusion, which are central to the Paralympic games.

Over the last 12 days, athletes demonstrated on a worldwide scale that everyone has the potential to achieve greatness. As we continue to celebrate the beyond the closing ceremony, we stand by the belief that people with developmental disabilities can thrive and excel when our environments are accessible.

Did you catch our most recent One Size Doesn't Fit All live webinar about parent-mediated care? If not, you can check out the replay here 👇

Lindsey Sneed and Karen Bearss, Ph.D., talk about how parent-mediated Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) for autism spectrum disorder helps parents, children and the industry.

Our next webinar, "How Parents Experience Profound Autism: One Size Doesn't Fit All" will be live on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 11 a.m. PDT. Follow the link in the comments for more information or to reserve your spot.

How Parent-Mediated ABA Helps Parents, Providers and Payers Succeed: One Size Doesn’t Fit All When it comes to caring for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, one size does not fit all.Broad...

Value-Based Developmental Disability Care Driven by Innovation Can Efficiently Battle Rising Healthcare Costs Pioneering value-based care in developmental disability care, Catalight works to improve outcomes, costs, and family wellbeing.

The strength of Paralympic athletes proves that no barrier is too hard to break.

At Catalight, we are committed to helping people with developmental disabilities achieve greater wellbeing through personalized support and services to push past perceived limits and reach full potential. For the remainder of the Paralympic games going on now, and onward, let’s continue to raise the bar by celebrating the resiliency and accomplishments of these athletes.

🎙 Episode 3 of the "What's Up With Catalight!" podcast drops TOMORROW! Keep an eye out by subscribing on Apple/Spotify or check out the first two episodes by following the link in the comments 🎙

Catalight clinicians attended the American Psychological Association Convention in Seattle earlier this month to talk about how behavioral psychologists should carefully consider recent research showing lack of support for high-hour applied behavioral analysis (ABA) when developing treatment plans for young children with autism. They called for a diversity in treatment options that better supports children with autism and families.

Autism Treatment Should be Guided by Recent Research Reflecting the Expansion of the Diagnoses Evolving autism treatment methods prioritize individualized care and over high-hour ABA, enhancing outcomes for families.

Food for thought: Small acts can make a big difference.

Safeway is raising funds for Easterseals Northern California autism services and other programs designed to inspire and enable people who have diverse abilities this month. You can donate at check out through Aug. 31 at Bay Area Safeway stores. Thank you for your support!

Happy , friends!

Here are some tips for adults with autism who would like to build more meaningful and long-lasting friendships.

Check out the video in the comments for more 👇

Psychologist and Catalight Vice President of Clinical Excellence Lindsey Sneed, Ph.D., BCBA-D, will be speaking at the American Psychological Association Convention in Seattle next week on "Rethinking ABA for Autistic People: Challenging Assumptions and Guiding Change."

The two sessions will take place on Thursday, Aug. 8 and Saturday, Aug. 10, both at 1:15 p.m. PDT.

Dr. Sneed will also be co-hosting an exchange with Alana McVey, Ph.D., entitled "Increasing Competence in Treating Mental Health Concerns Among Autistic Patients" on Saturday.

Today, on , Catalight's Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Doreen Samelson, a wheelchair user who's spent decades advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, reflects on what means to her.

She says her takeaways are:

🔹 Being able to use the language I want to use to describe myself, while respecting those who choose to use person-first language to describe their disability.

🔹When people see me, they see my disability but that’s not all they see.

🔹People don’t assume that my disability is age related. I’ve learned that assumption comes with the gray hair.

🔹Recognizing that I can’t speak for others whose disability experience is different from mine, but I can learn from them.

🔹Having access to go where I want to go and do what I want to do.
Being able to contribute to, and advocate, for disability causes that are important to me.

🔹Appreciation of the American Disability Act which guarantees me rights that I didn’t previously have as a disabled person.

in July and Disability Independence Day commemorate the signing of ADA on July 26, 1990.

📑 Read Doreen's full thoughts here: https://www.catalight.org/article/july-is-disability-pride-month-but-what-does-that-mean

Summer is in full swing and, with it, comes the excitement of new adventures and opportunities. We've compiled a few practical tips for parents on finding the perfect summer camp for your child that cater to their needs, aligns schedules, and provides the support they deserve.

Or, check out the full article from our Vice President of Clinical Impact Brianna Fitchett in Autism Spectrum News here: https://autismspectrumnews.org/getting-ready-for-summer-camp-tips-for-parents/

You have gifts to give the world that the world would be lesser without – just because of who you are.

More than 7 million people in the United States identify as having an intellectual or developmental disability, including autism. Regardless of how IDD shows up for you or your loved one, we know that you are uniquely you.

In celebration of , we’d love it if you shared with us in the comments what sets you apart from the crowd because of .

Are you ready for a summer adventure? From planning ahead to finding the perfect "home away from home," make your next family trip autism inclusive.

Check out the link in the comments for the full article.

Developmental disability professionals change lives every day.

Today for – and every other day – we honor the dedicated work of our clinicians in the Catalight network, including Easterseals Hawaii and Easterseals Northern California. Your effort makes for a more equitable world for people with developmental disabilities. You are breaking down barriers, easing the lives of clients and families and reshaping the way individuals with intellectual and development disabilities (I/DD) are cared for.

Thank you for your hard work, advocacy and compassion in creating greater access to meaningful care.

Do you know what’s up?

Catalight’s new podcast “What’s Up With Catalight!” is live now on Apple, Spotify, the Catalight YouTube channel and the podcast home page. Links in the comments below 👇

In episode 1, “Beyond Behavior: Measuring Quality of Life in Autism,” host Lindsey Sneed is joined by "The Bearded Behaviorist" Brian Middleton to talk about the importance of individualized care for people with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Episode 2 is coming soon!

Want a sneak peek of the "What's Up With Catalight!" podcast?

Check out its website before it drops: https://www.catalight.org/podcast

Join us TOMORROW at 11 a.m. PDT for a free webinar and Q&A on "𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭-𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐁𝐀 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐞𝐝."

This is the fourth installment of our "One Size Doesn't Fit All" webinar about innovative autism/intellectual and developmental disability care hosted by Behavioral Health Business News.

For more information and to register for the session:
https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4592900/106D93551E8CF4286982466A94410D89?partnerref=CatalightOrgFB

How Parent-Mediated ABA Helps Parents, Providers and Payers Succeed: One Size Doesn’t Fit All Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 2:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time. Join a discussion hosted by Catalight and Behavioral Health Business that explores parent-mediated Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and how it helps parents, children, and the industry.

🚨 Breaking news: We’re starting a podcast! 🚨

🎙 Catalight’s Vice President of Clinical Excellence Dr. Lindsey Sneed will host “What’s Up With Catalight!” officially dropping this summer – a podcast that will delve into the world of developmental disabilities, featuring insightful conversations with leading experts, modern treatment options and inspiring stories from families and caregivers. 🎙

🎧 With 15 years of experience in the field, Dr. Sneed approaches care with innovation in the ultimate search to achieve greater wellbeing individuals with autism and other I/DDs. 🎧

🔊 As a practitioner who emphasizes the value of person-centered care that accentuates self-determination, she’s an expert in the development of new care models with a specialized interest in parent-mediated interventions, parental stress and parental self-efficacy. 🔊

Credentials:
🧠 Ph.D. in clinical psychology
📚 MS in applied psychology
👩‍🎓 MS in educational counseling
🗣 Doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
🏫 University of San Francisco professor

Stay tuned for more information ahead of the premiere!

Interested in learning more about parent-mediated ABA care?

Check out "How Parent-Mediated ABA Helps Parents, Providers and Payers Succeed" – the fourth webinar in our 'One Size Doesn't Fit All' series – on Tuesday, June 18 at 11 a.m. PDT.

Bring your questions!

Catalight Vice President of Clinical Excellence Lindsey Sneed, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Karen Bearss, Ph.D., clinical director of the Seattle Children’s Autism Center and professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington, and Behavioral Health Business reporter Chris Larson will talk about parent-mediated Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and how it helps parents, children and the industry.

The webinar is free and open to all. Register here: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4592900/106D93551E8CF4286982466A94410D89?partnerref=CatalightOrgFB

Happy ! A fun playdate is a perfect way to help children with autism grow their social skills and create lasting friendships. Swipe through and learn how to prepare you and your child for a successful playdate or check out the article in the comments.

Did you catch our third 'One Size Doesn't Fit All' webinar episode?

Chief Clinical Officer Doreen Samelson Ed.D., MSCP, and Stephen Kanne, Ph.D., director of the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/ Weill Cornell Medicine Center for Autism and the Developing Brain discuss why a complete and correct diagnosis is essential in allowing individuals to access care in "The Importance of Differential Diagnosis in Autism.”

You can watch the full replay below 👇

Our fourth episode, "How Parent-mediated ABA Helps Parents, Providers and Payers Succeed" will be broadcast live on Tuesday, June 18 at 11 a.m. PDT. For more information and to reserve your spot, click here:
https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4592900/106D93551E8CF4286982466A94410D89?partnerref=CatalightOrgFB

The Importance of Differential Diagnosis in Autism: One Size Doesn't Fit All When it comes to caring for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, one size does not fit all.Broad...

Caring for a child with autism can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to consume you. We encourage you to take a moment, press pause and embrace mindfulness using these simple techniques to help ease the stress and enhance your mental health.



Check out the article in the comments for more helpful resources.

This Memorial Day weekend, Lindsey Sneed, Ph.D., BCBA, will be in Philadelphia for the Convention where she’ll be chairing sessions on dosages and interventions in applied behavioral analysis and various autism treatment models. She’ll also be leading discussions at an autism poster presentation.

As comes to an end, our commitment to advocating for systemic change to foster a more equitable world for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities remains.

We will continue to do this by providing access to innovative, individualized care services and engaging in clinical research and advocacy for .

Join us in making a difference.