Our Editors Shannon Des Roches Rosa Shannon Des Roches Rosa : - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

3/7/2014 Our Editors Shannon Des Roches Rosa • Shannon Des Roches Rosa : Co-founder, writer, Jennifer Byde Myers autism parent • Jennifer Byde Myers : Co-founder, writer, Emily J. Willingham autism parent • Emily Willingham: Science Editor, autism Carol Greenburg parent • Carol Greenburg : Self-Advocate, autism parent, professional advocate Shannon Des Roches Rosa Why Create TPGA? Advocacy via Social Media • The resource we wish we'd had when autism • Positive role modeling: get past stereotypes, first became part of our lives. misinformation, negativity. Respecting autistic voices. • Veteran and expert perspectives from autism • Autism acceptance and understanding: not parents, autistics, and autism professionals. merely noble but healthy and necessary • One-stop source for carefully curated, attitude. evidence-based information. • Debunking myths and engaging with our • Critical thinking encouraged. community directly, outreach. Shannon Des Roches Rosa Shannon Des Roches Rosa 1

3/7/2014 TPGA: A Safe Community Fostering Community • Parents especially often arrive in state of Acknowledging and supporting the needs of a emotional vulnerability, due to social stigma, diverse population. misinformation. – Autistics • Safe discussion space through comment policy – Parents of autistic children and moderation. We require and model – Professionals who serve the community respectful disagreement. Shannon Des Roches Rosa Jennifer Byde Myers Challenges in a What Does Success Diverse Community Look Like? • It is a learning environment. • Constant monitoring of the health of the community. • Teaching people how to listen. • Strong communication among editors. • Encouraging change in how we speak about • Reaching out to other thought leaders in the autism. larger advocacy movement. Jennifer Byde Myers Jennifer Byde Myers 2

3/7/2014 Vetting Information Advocating for Science for Our Community • Translating the technical for more accessibility. • When engaging, we critique actions and In the absence of fact, the loudest statements, not people. voices get the stage. Emily J. Willingham Emily J. Willingham Evaluating Misinformation Bringing All of You And Pseudoscience to the Table • Does this practitioner or vendor promise miracles that Wearing all the Hats no one else seems to achieve? • Is the person promising the outcome also asking for • Autistic. money? • Parent of an autistic child. • Is there any scientific research supporting their claims beyond individual testimonials? • A professional who serves the community. • Does the practitioner or vendor promise a blanket “cure” for unrelated disorders? • Does the practitioner or vendor have strong credentials as an expert in the therapies they’re promising, or in the field of autism? Emily J. Willingham Carol Greenburg 3

3/7/2014 Using Social Media Transitions as a Professional • Autistics Aging and the unknown level of care • The importance of understanding your and support that will be available. influence. • Young Adulthood and the transition from • Avoidable mistakes. school to adult. Carol Greenburg Carol Greenburg Where to find more info www.thinkingautismguide.com facebook.com/thinkingpersonsguidetoautism @thinkingautism @shannonrosa @jennyalice @ejwillingham @aspieadvocate 4