Edlyn Peña, Ph.D.-Autism Researcher

Does anyone know of a social skills class for neurotypicals to learn how to interact with people on the spectrum?Does anyone know of a social skills class for neurotypicals to learn how to interact with people on the spectrum?

Teachers, if you think your students will remember your Zoom lectures after this pandemic, think again. They will remember your flexibility, ... grace, and compassion. They will remember the moments you allowed them to transition, cope, and heal. See more

The deadline to register for the next College abound Academy is this Friday! This college prep workshop for autistic students who type and spell to communicate will be delivered online. No matter where you live in the US, you can participate from the comfort of your own home. Hosted by Reach Every Voice: Dates & times are posted for our ONLINE College Bound Academy for students who spell, point, or type to communicate. We hope you can join us for this AMAZING workshop with Dr. Edlyn Peña, Ph.D.-Autism Researcher and Dr. Jodie Kocur.

I’m voting as if my child’s life depends on it. #CripTheVoteI’m voting as if my child’s life depends on it. #CripTheVote

Don’t miss this awesome event with my friend, Tracy S Thresher!

This free webinar by Neurodiversity in the Workplace looks interesting... "Join us on October 14th at 1pm ET as we discuss the value of neurodiversity at work, how identities of race, gender and sexuality intersect, and ways to eliminate the hidden bias in hiring that prevents inclusion. Dr. Temple Grandin and NY State Assemblywoman Yuh-Line Niou, along with a diverse panel of experts, will lead these conversations and help us take new and bold steps toward our shared goal of a more equitable and representative workforce." Register Here: neurodiversityrising.eventbrite.com

Great resource for students who type and spell to communicate during the pandemic! Communication First prepared a resource to help student members (US residents who cannot rely on speech to be understood) learn about their rights to the in-person supports they may need to accommodate their disabilities to access virtual education during the pandemic.

Thanks to California Lutheran University for the Hispanic Heritage Month highlight. I’m proud to work at Cal Lutheran and so thankful for their support of my work with the Autism and Communication Center at Cal Lutheran.

Finished a live webinar on supporting college students with autism to educate student affairs professionals across the country. I gave props to our College Bound Academy autistic peer mentors: Emma, Dillan, and Samuel. Thanks to the NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education organization for inviting me to be on the panel

Join me! Registration is open for a live briefing on ways in which colleges can support autistic students and their parents! I’m one of the panelists. Yay! Participants will: -Hear about some of the common characteristics of autism and how these are manifested during times of uncertainty and stress -Learn several critical strategies for effectively communicating with students with autism as they plan their fall semester and beyond... -Hear about techniques program staff have used to provide support, build community and connection, and increase the chances of academic and social success on campus, including peer programs, activity nights and journaling -Be introduced to several strategies and approaches autism professionals have adopted to build alliances and set necessary limits with parents More info: https://www.naspa.org//supporting-students-with-autism-and

Looking for college students on the spectrum to participate in a research study. Please share! "The objective of my research is to understand how college students with autism define and experience social engagement at 4 year- higher education institutions. The autistic experiences and voices documented in this study will be used to make recommendations on how non-academic departments can support autistic students. I am reaching out to ask if you would be willing to participa...te in my research. The initial interview should take approximately 60 minutes and will take place via Zoom. There may also be follow-up email conversations. Additionally, participants will be asked to submit photos of their social engagement experiences while at school. Upon completion you will receive a $10 gift card for your participation. If you would like to be a part of my study please contact Andrea Layne at [email protected]." My doctoral student, Andrea, is conducting the study. Thanks! See more

Shout out to Not An Autism Mom for recommending the books Leaders Around Me with an impressive line up of nonspeaking autistic authors, as well as Anatomy of Autism by Diego.

Thanks for all the love on my book! I’m happy to hear it continues to support the autism community.

#AutisticWhileBlack: Race, AAC, and The Right to The Voice of One's Peers Asking me why would I want an Assistive Augmentative Communication (AAC) device made to serve my son to have the voice of my Black brother is like asking why I would want my son to have a Black prosthetic arm instead of a white one. The idea of having this option is long overdue. If my son could use verbal speech, his voice would not sound like any of the voices on his current AAC devices. It is a question that shouldn't have to be asked. It matters more than anything that a person has the equivalent of a speech device made for the entirety of who that individual is. And right now, in 2020, that option does not exist for my son and his AAC using Black autistic peers. http://theautismwars.blogspot.com//autisticwhileblack-race