How Reasonable are Reasonable Accommodations at Work
Accounting for Sensory Sensitivities and Communication Methods
"There may be apprehensions about whether positive psychology interventions can be effectively tailored to meet the unique and varied needs of all autistic individuals, considering our diverse sensory sensitivities, communication methods, and personal preferences." - Hari Srinivasan
Little research to help autistics like me
In-person employment in autism
Exclusion of those with more complex needs
"Key concerns.... oversimplification of needs and the potential exclusion of those with more complex challenges when focusing solely on strengths and well-being. This approach risks neglecting the intricate support required by many on the spectrum. " - Hari Srinivasan
New article In Psychology Today
Another brilliant article Hari. I am sharing it widely too. The students in our autism certificate programs always love your pieces and refer back to them frequently in their reflections.
High Cost of Positive Psychology Services is a Barrier.
"Integrating Autism and the Positive Psychology fields faces significant barriers, starting with the high cost of therapy, which automatically makes it inaccessible to a large portion of autistics and their families. Being autistic already comes with a big financial cost." - Hari Srinivasan
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/aut.2024.38246.pw
Challenges-Based Solutions
"For some autistics, we can step right into the application of positive psychology. For others, we need to be working on challenge-based solutions at the same time. It’s not a binary, either/or situation where you do one at the expense of the other. " - Hari Srinivasan
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/aut.2024.38246.pw
Diagnostic Overshadowing
Thriving and Flourishing.
“Positive psychology in the context of autism… is people with autism thriving and flourishing, and moving beyond surviving." - Hari Srinivasan
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/aut.2024.38246.pw
Misunderstanding that autistics with higher support needs do not experience mental health issues.
"Accessibility and inclusivity of positive psychology interventions is limited across the spectrum, particularly for the most marginalized members… A critical misunderstanding that exemplifies these issues is the misconception that autistics with higher support needs do not experience mental health issues. This not only excludes a significant portion of the autistic population from mental health initiatives but also from the benefits that positive psychology can offer, highlighting the urgent need for more inclusive and accessible practices in this field." - Hari Srinivasan
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/aut.2024.38246.pw
Challenge-based solutions involve researching physiology, brain biology, gene-environment interactions, biomarkers, precision medicine, sensorimotor supports, and developing long- term supports, treatments, and technologies. Such care also needs to be part of routine care and delivered in mainstream settings for autistics that need these solutions. Neglecting these challenges leads to marginalization and impedes true inclusion and belonging"
To drive true progress and improve the quality of life of all autistics, we must recognize a dual based approach. It does not have to be either-or"
An important reminder
"Disability only becomes a tragedy when society fails to provide the things needed to lead one's daily life." - Judy Heumann (Disability Rights Activist)