Research Methodologies

Read at https://time.com/6299599/autism-research-limited-essay/

"In order to increase representation of a wider profile of autistics in research, it is crucial to reconsider research methodologies and the tasks involved.

...we should leverage advancements in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to develop new technologies or repurpose existing ones used in other fields.

...we should explore innovative approaches like mobile labs which increase geographic reach, diversity and accessibility."

-Hari Srinivasan, Time
 

Autism and Grief

 https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/giving-voice/202402/the-spectrum-of-loss-grief-through-the-autistic-lens

How Reasonable are Reasonable Accommodations at Work

'

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/giving-voice/202410/how-reasonable-are-reasonable-accommodations-at-work

Without a clear definition of what is “reasonable,” employers may opt only for “neurodiversity-lite” employees, those they perceive as requiring minimal accommodations and whose neurodivergent traits, such as creativity and problem-solving, are seen as direct assets to the company.

 

Neurotypical standards of Happiness

 "Danger of misunderstanding and misrepresenting the autistic community, with interventions possibly imposing neurotypical standards of happiness that feel inauthentic or unrelatable." - Hari Srinivasan 

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/aut.2024.38246.pw

A Disheartening Lack of Progress in Practical Solutions

  Read at https://www.newsweek.com/dual-approach-autism-opinion-1818062

"My own experience reveals a disheartening lack of progress in practical solutions for autistics like me in the past 2.5 decades, since my diagnosis as a toddler. Autism, now recognized as the fastest growing neurodevelopmental disability, stands at 1 in 36 children according to the CDC" 

- Hari Srinivasan, Newsweek

Paid support staff go home to their own family at the end of the day.

 https://time.com/6551520/loneliness-autism-essay/ 

Dominant Discourses

Terrific piece, Hari!  I really appreciated reading it, and I hope there will be more conversations about dominant discourses about "independence" - an entirely Western construction, which should be problematized at so many levels.

Read at https://time.com/6551520/loneliness-autism-essay/

My other articles in Time: https://time.com/author/hari-srinivasan/

My other publications: https://uniquelyhari.blogspot.com/p/published-work.html

Transition is a fundamental challenge

 

https://www.dailycal.org/2018/03/15/first-transitions

Caught Between Tears and Stoicism

 

Objectification — serves only to make neurotypical people feel good rather than truly recognizing the neurodiverse individual’s experience.

Read Full Article at

 https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/giving-voice/202409/caught-between-tears-and-stoicism

Mental Health lost in the melee of other behaviors

 https://time.com/6551520/loneliness-autism-essay/ 

 My Ted X talk titled "Pebbles in the Pond of Change

Hari Srinivasan, shares a powerful message about the power of small actions in creating ever-widening ripples in the pond of change. Drawing from personal experiences and the legacy of disability rights leaders, he redefines progress as a journey that starts with simple, accessible steps. His inspiring message encourages everyone to identify and act on their own "small pebbles" to drive societal transformation.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e87-3xydg58

 

You can listen to and read the the full article on Autism Transitions at 

• https://www.dailycal.org/2018/03/15/first-transitions
• or https://uniquelyhari.blogspot.com/2020/03/first-transitions.html 

All humans live in a cycle of dependency

This incredible TIME piece by Hari Srinivasan beautifully articulates so many of the complicated feelings I have about my son’s journey to independence.

“Addressing the loneliness epidemic in the disabled community necessitates a nuanced understanding of independence because in actuality, all humans live in a cycle of dependency. The perceived division between independence and dependence is a flawed notion. Embracing this truth could pave the way for a more inclusive society that transcends the limitations of societal norms and helps us build better support systems that result in enduring human social connections for people with autism.”

How Reasonable are Reasonable Accommodations at Work

 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/giving-voice/202410/how-reasonable-are-reasonable-accommodations-at-work

Comprehensive data collection on accommodation implementation and retention rates would ensure accountability and help identify areas for improvement.

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 

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/aut.2024.38246.pw

Little research to help autistics like me

Read at https://time.com/6299599/autism-research-limited-essay/

If I have not fully understood my own disability, it is, in part, because there has been little research to help autistics like me understand the full scope of it, as well as targeted education, medical, or therapeutic interventions that can help us navigate it.

-Hari Srinivasan, Time

 

Caught Between Tears and Stoicism

 

It is patronizing of social media to imply that expressions of emotion are "OK" after learning he’s disabled, as if society is willing to make the occasional exception rather than challenge its norms.

Read Full Article at

 https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/giving-voice/202409/caught-between-tears-and-stoicism

High Turnover in lower paid and high-stress disability support profession

 https://time.com/6551520/loneliness-autism-essay/ 

 My Ted X talk titled "Pebbles in the Pond of Change

Hari Srinivasan, shares a powerful message about the power of small actions in creating ever-widening ripples in the pond of change. Drawing from personal experiences and the legacy of disability rights leaders, he redefines progress as a journey that starts with simple, accessible steps. His inspiring message encourages everyone to identify and act on their own "small pebbles" to drive societal transformation.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e87-3xydg58

Relationship as a building block

I've had the privilege of listening to Hari Srinivasan share his perspective on various topics over the years. His ability to share his personal narrative paired with the current science is an incredible gift. As Mr. Srinivasan shares, "All humans, disabled or not, yearn for human connections that enrich their lives beyond a mere fulfillment of basic needs." 

Indeed relationship is one of the building blocks of the PERMA+ theory of wellbeing (R=Relationships). Like Mr. Srinivasan, I too am looking to Vivek Murthy and his wisdom to help us all with his wise words, including, "While loneliness has the potential to kill, connection has even more potential to heal." Here's to 2024 being a year of connection. #wellbeingwins

Read at Time: The Pervasive Loneliness of Autism https://time.com/6551520/loneliness-autism-essay/

My other list of Publications: https://uniquelyhari.blogspot.com/p/published-work.html