What is stimming?

By Lori Smith BSN MSN CRNP Reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, CRNP Repetitive body movements or repetitive movement of objects is referred to as self-stimulatory behavior, abbreviated to stimming. Stimming can occur in people with autism and other developmental disabilities. Some people will stim when nervous, employing behaviors such as pacing, biting their nails, hair twirling, or tapping their feet or fingers. In this article, we will examine why stimming occurs and the different […]

Autism advocacy and research misses the mark if autistic people are left out

By Liz Pellicano Autistic people have been routinely misunderstood, ignored, and excluded for decades – including from campaigns designed to promote awareness of autism itself. But this is beginning to change. Autistic self-advocacy organisations and autistic activists have long criticised autism awareness initiatives. The criticism is they too often emphasise the “deficits”, or difficulties of autism, rather than the profound possibilities of autistic lives. In part, this is because those campaigns are designed by non-autistic […]

Steps Business Associations Can Take to Help Employers Understand the Value Disability Diversity Adds

Looking to increase small businesses’ capacity to recruit and retain people with disabilities in your community? Whether you’re just starting out or looking for ways to enhance already existing efforts, there are several steps you can take. Partnerships Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” It’s a sentiment that undoubtedly rings true in the area of workforce development, where strong community partnerships can be the key […]

Steps Small Businesses Can Take to Recruit and Retain Qualified People with Disabilities

Looking for a path to a disability-inclusive workplace?  Whether you’re just starting out or looking for ways to enhance already existing efforts, there are a number of steps you can take. Start your journey by checking them out. Internships & Mentoring Many businesses, especially small businesses, cite internships as an effective personnel strategy because they offer a way to both fill anticipated short-term staffing needs and evaluate potential staff for permanent positions in the future—especially […]

Overview of Understanding Guardianship for Adults with Special Needs

Guardianship is a valuable tool which can be used to protect individuals who no longer possess the ability to make appropriate personal or financial decisions for themselves.  The guardian assumes the duty of caring for the person with disabilities and/or their assets, and the court maintains oversight to reduce the risk of exploitation or abuse by the guardian. Below you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions concerning guardianship. It is […]