Becoming my SkillCorps sponsor will impact more than one autistic person...
** Due to current safety concerns for travel to Ecuador, our trip has been postponed until July 2024. —Donations continue to be accepted until our travel date. **
In March 2024, I will be traveling with the Global Autism Project to implement programming and support communities in educating, advocating, and supporting autistic persons.
This service project will mark the 1-year anniversary of my own autism diagnosis and allow me to share my skills as a clinical counselor and autistic self-advocate!
As a sponsor, you are uplifting my voice as a leader and participant, while also enabling others to be heard in this often silenced (and sometimes non-verbal) community. Your sponsorship will allow me to build my skills as an autistic self-advocate and professional leader in the autism community.
The day I received my Autism diagnosis. [April 2023 - I was age 38 years old.]
Autism Language:
autistic disorder - previous name of the primary diagnosis (pre 2013); development delayed in language, learning, etc.
Asperger syndrome - previous name of a specific symptom subset (pre 2013); development of language, learning, etc. aligns more with general population, named after Dr. Johann F.K. Asperger
autism spectrum disorder (ASD) - clinical name of the diagnosis (since 2013), umbrella term that includes all those who were previously identified as autistic or Asperger syndrome
autist (or autistic) - a person diagnosed on the autism spectrum; preferred name for some persons
person on the autism spectrum - alternative, preferred name for a person diagnosed on the autism spectrum
neurodivergent - an individual who experiences neuro-developmental differences, including: ASD, ADHD, Down syndrome, Tourette syndrome, et al.
neurodiversity - the recognition that all persons have unique brain develop, and therefore unique presentation in the world
neurotypical - an individual who is NOT neurodivergent, and experiences their own neurodiversity/presentation that is accepted as “normal” by society standards
ableism - the assumption and expectation that all persons should function a specific way; this can include: home/family, school, social settings, the workplace, and in the community
What is a sponsor?
A donation of at least 10% of the total project cost (or $1,250) will be recognized as a sponsor.
A sponsor can be an individual or business.
What are the benefits of sponsorship?
As my SkillCorps sponsor, I will include your name, logo, and/or website link in any promotions, events, and significant posts during my fundraising and project.
Your name, logo, and/or website link will be added to this page as a sponsor.
You will have free access to any events, classes, etc. I offer during my fundraising period.
Donations are tax deductible in the United States.
Click the button above to learn more!
More than “Awareness” we need to: support, care, love, and accept those who are autistic. - June 2023
Autism Facts:
autism is a lifelong condition
there is no known cause OR cure
there is no blood test available to detect/diagnose
autism is a developmental disorder and NOT a learning disability
some of us are REALLY smart…and not all of us are geniuses
autism is a spectrum, with multiple facets
no 2-autists present the same way, making acceptance and inclusivity vital
autism can impact social, emotional, cognitive, occupational, and/or physical functioning
autists often struggle in more than one area of life, and these vary depending on culture, systems, and supportive environments available to the individual
autism is often misdiagnosed OR underdiagnosed in women, girls, and those assigned female at birth (AFAB)
boys and those assigned male at birth (AMAB) are 5x more likely to receive a proper diagnosis
autists are NOT “low functioning” or “high functioning”
these are outdated and judgmental labels and assume that all people are required to BE a specific way (neurotypical) in the world
“Many people with autism spectrum disorder are successfully living and working and contributing to the well-being of others in their local communities.” - Lurie center for autism, March 2023
If becoming a sponsor is not within your budget this fiscal year, and you would like to support me with a smaller donation, amounts of any increment are greatly appreciated. -Global Autism Project also accepts Corporate Matching Gifts!
resources
https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/what-we-do/awareness/autism-myths-and-facts
https://www.massgeneral.org/children/autism/lurie-center/30-facts-to-know-about-autism-spectrum-disorder
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23154-neurodivergent