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Community Collaboration Boosts Community Impact
At CA we believe our community is best served when disability service providers collaborate to address the services gaps and needs for community members. We devote time and resources to this collaborative effort through daily outreach to community partners, virtual information sessions,
It’s Not Lazy: What is Demand Avoidance and Executive Functioning?
Demand avoidance or what I prefer: Persistent Drive for Autonomy is an avoidance of tasks for daily living and even avoidance of preferred tasks when asked to do so by another.
Autism Stigmas and Me
A stigma is, by definition, “a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality or person.” As research for this blog, I asked for feedback from the autism community, both on social media and from those I know. I also spoke with people who may not be on the spectrum. I was able to compile a massive list of stigmas surrounding autism and other mental health factors. In compiling these lists, we also discussed how we may be able to change that view and help people better understand one another. .
Finding Purpose
Human beings thrive when they have a sense of purpose. This feeling of purpose comes from many different aspects of our lives – family, hobbies, work, etc. We often struggle when an area of our life feels unfulfilled if that’s how we define our purpose.
College Living Experience Program
What is the difference between college capable and college ready? For families of young adults on the Autism Spectrum, it often boils down to executive function skills, independent living skills and social skills. In order to be successful in college, students need to …
Evening at the Adult Programs Residence
Communication is a key skill needed to be independent. Sit in on an evening shift with a CA Adult Programs counselor as she integrates communication skill building into day-to-day with our residents in the Adult Programs house located in Richmond, VA.
My Brother, My Friend
“Family is not about blood. It is about who is willing to hold your hand when you need it most.” While reading this quote from Arjun Sathwara, I thought about how I was raised and the family I was brought up in. I’m not related to any of the people who raised me by...
New Year’s Resolutions
Similar to resolution setting, CA Adult Programs’ counselors and clients work together to set goals (“resolutions” if you will) on a consistent basis while working towards increasing adulthood autonomy. We are pros at supporting of our clients in progressing towards their long-term goals.
my story with autism
I have the habit of writing a diary. When I review my diaries at the end of a year, I am so surprised by how many times I expressed my dedication and passion for autism to myself in the diary. The reason for this passion is a mystery to me to some extent, but I do know that my story with autism began in college.
This Explains Everything
In the past two years, in true autistic style, I have researched, taken classes, read, listened to, and gathered every bit of information I possibly could. I still do this. I am always sure I don’t know enough. (Yup, that’s my neurodiversity too.) And as I began helping more adults discover how their brains work, I discovered there is a need for people, who don’t know why they are the way they are, to feel understood, seen, appreciated, and helped. The best way I knew to support the most people was to share some of my story.
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4108 E. Parham Road,
Richmond, VA 23228
(804) 355-0300
CA works with people with autism and other developmental disabilities and their families to help them thrive. Every day, we’re building a future where the most vulnerable Virginians can actively participate in our community and realize their full potential.
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