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
Showing posts with label Time. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Time. Show all posts
A need for affirming caregiver trainings for autistics
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.”
Isolation is a critical issue for Autistic adults
The pervasive loneliness of Autism https://time.com/6551520/loneliness-autism-essay/
It opens: "Loneliness has long been a pervasive issue within the disability community, growing even more pronounced as individuals age...Ironically, relentlessly pursuing a disabled person’s greatest sign of “success”—independence—might be the very thing that’s setting many Autistics on a path towards profound loneliness and fragmented relationships."
Isolation is a critical issue for Autistic adults. It is often exacerbated by the pressure to "become an adult" and "live independently". Yet, Autistic individuals often find that their families are their only real support, but that societal norms stigmatize adults living with family.
Independence is a myth we are taught to chase in America when what we should be seeking to teach is interdependence.
No human lives independently. We all rely on other humans to get our needs and wants met. Whether we are talking about hiring an accountant to do your taxes, dropping your car off for an oil change, or having a person to assist with meal planning, it is all interdependence.
While striving for autonomy in adulthood is vital, it's also crucial to balance it with support and meaningful relationships with others. Acknowledging our innately human interdependent nature is essential if we intend to foster a more inclusive society for Autistics.
I highly recommend reading Hari's full piece below.
consequences of a fixed message
The Pervasive Loneliness of Autism https://time.com/6551520/loneliness-autism-essay/
As always, I am so grateful for Hari’s wisdom and insights. As someone who stands in front of thousands of people a year, and talks about the need to foster and support independence, I am bowled over by the very real consequence of that fixed message. The singular goal of independence can, along with other factors, lead to the experience of profound loneliness. Rather than a focus on independence, the true focus should be on balance. Hari said it best with “But it’s also essential to recognize that advocating for meaningful connections and a more balanced approach to independence does not diminish the importance of autonomy. Striking a balance between independence and support is crucial for the well-being of autistic individuals.” Thank you, Hari Srinivasan, for yet another profound learning opportunity.
Strength Spotting Saturday
I was spotlighted along with some rather kind words by an org today on social media
It's Strength Spotting Saturday, and today we're spotlighting Hari Srinivasan!
🌟Perspective - Mr. Srinivasan graciously shares his view of the world in a manner that is accessible to the general public. His contributions to the widely distributed Time Magazine increase the understanding and awareness of his lived experience.
🌟Perseverance - The achievements in scholarship demonstrated by Mr. Srinivasan are demonstrative of his perseverance. Honors in his undergraduate program at the University of California Berkeley and entrance into the prestigious neuroscience program at Vanderbilt University as a doctoral candidate are just a few of his achievements in higher education.
🌟Judgment - Mr. Srinivasan serves in many advisory roles, including membership of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, which advises federal policy and priorities, and on the Council of Autistics Advisors for the Autism Society of America. In these roles, he adeptly views different opinions and weighs the evidence to guide decision-making for the betterment of the autism community.
Rethinking Autonomy and Connection in Autism
Rethinking Autonomy and Connection in Autism
Cultural Views on Independence: Srinivasan discusses the societal disapproval in the U.S. of adults living with their biological families. This contrasts with practices in other cultures and raises questions about the ideal of "independent living," which often leads to autistic individuals living away from their families, supported instead by paid staff.
Desire for Connection: Srinivasan also addresses a common misconception about autistic individuals: the need for breaks from overwhelming sensory inputs is often mistaken for a disinterest in social connections. This point emphasizes how important it is to recognize autistic individuals desire enduring human relationships.
These insights are crucial for fostering a more inclusive and understanding society. It's time to redefine our views on independence and social connections, especially in the context of autism.
Relationship as a building block
Time: The Pervasive Loneliness of Autism https://time.com/6551520/loneliness-autism-essay/
#wellbeingwins
My other list of Publications: https://uniquelyhari.blogspot.com/p/published-work.html
Societal Ideal of Independence
Independence = overrated! So many great points @TIME piece @HariSri108
'The societal ideal of independent living for [#autistic people] translates to living apart from...family + being surrounded instead by a series of paid support staff'
https://time.com/6551520/loneliness-autism-essay/
A cycle of dependency
Congratulations. Hari. This is such a moving piece that sheds light on the unspoken experience many endure. I love how you conclude with "...in actuality, all humans live in a cycle of dependency. The perceived division between independence and dependence is a flawed notion."
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.
My other articles in Time: https://time.com/author/hari-srinivasan/
My other publications: https://uniquelyhari.blogspot.com/p/published-work.html
The ideal of independence
Essential piece by@harisri108 about autism and loneliness. By making "independence" the platonic ideal for all people, it can wind up breeding the type of loneliness that can harm #ActuallyAutistic people. via
@time
https://time.com/author/hari-srinivasan/
An incisive perspective
https://time.com/6551520/
"This piece really hit home Hari. Thank you for writing it and offering such a thoughtful, nuanced, and incisive perspective. Gives us a lot to think about regarding how to achieve more balance."
A new angle
It was a thought provoking read about an angle that I hadn’t thought of. It is also beautifully written.
https://time.com/6551520/loneliness-autism-essay/
A Cycle of Dependency
The Pervasive Loneliness of Autism: https://time.com/6551520/loneliness-autism-essay/
The last paragraph summarizes it-“…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.”
A necessary shift from giving our ASD population needed independent- at what cost? This independence, which could create isolation-to true relationships of family and friends not support staff. Instead, finding ways to create community with people that have common interests. And keeping family close.
Thank you Hari Srinivasan for this insight. We can all grow from knowledge.
List of Publications: https://uniquelyhari.blogspot.com/p/published-work.html
The Pervasive Loneliness of Autism
The Pervasive Loneliness of Autism: https://time.com/6551520/loneliness-autism-essay/
Hari Srinivasan , Neuroscience PhD Candidate and likely one of the most powerful and inspiring advocates for autistic and disabled people, writes a truly powerful essay in Time magazine this week.
Please read.
He makes the connection between US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy ‘s highlighting of the loneliness epidemic and the lived experience of autistic people.
As a physician, whose dedicated my career to innovating on the systems we use to treat adults and children with complex conditions, I can see much of what Hari is pointing to in the great number of inspiring people whose disabilities require extensive hands-on support I’ve work with
The loneliness epidemic
And its particular relationship with physical and cognitive disability
In both young people
And older people
Also has a relationship to healthcare worker burnout.
Hari states :
“As someone who has autism, I’ve experienced a revolving door of over a 100 support staff—and I plan on living for many more years. The reality is that any person with autism is a client, a case, a job to the people they tend to interact with most—and that’s not the same as family or friends.”
As a professional member and leader in the types of organizations that serve as that “revolving door of support support”, this statement stings.
But…
He’s right.
In the end, we paid caregivers who are employed by outside agencies, while we are essential for the dignity, safety, and comfort of people affected by disability
We can never truly replace the universal need for stable and supportive family and caring community.
Yet, those of us attracted to the caring professions, especially those of us focused on people with disabilities and complex conditions,
Chose caring professions because
We Care.
Yet we must have the humility to understand the role we must play in our clients’ lives,
we can’t,
no matter how much we long to,
replace true caring local communities and family structures
Seeking to do so only worsens our burnout as professionals and adds to this “ pervasive loneliness “ of disabled individuals
We can’t medicalize all society’s problems
Even if many of society’s problems have significant health consequences.
Loneliness is a real issue
Epidemic levels of crisis
With real health consequences
But it has its roots in the weakening of social ties within local communities and the families those local communities support
And the macroeconomic and microeconomic and cultural circumstances that affect those social bonds
Public policy
Cultural movements
And entrepreneurial enterprises
Outside of healthcare
That strengthen local communities
Enable families to stay close
And strongly affirm the inclusion of people who are disabled
physically, cognitively, or behaviorally
at whatever age
Are what is needed to address this,
Not just placing another social problem on the backs of burnt out healthcare workers
#disability #autism #loneliness #healthcareinnovation #burnout
a disabled person’s greatest sign of success
"Relentlessly pursuing a disabled person’s greatest sign of 'success'- independence-might be the very thing that’s setting many autistics on a path towards profound loneliness"@HariSri108, #PublicVoices Fellow with @TheOpEdProject & @PDSoros (via @TIME)
Metaphorical Mic Drop!
https://time.com/6551520/loneliness-autism-essay/
Hari what a wonderful piece in Time - every paragraph was a metaphorical mic drop!
Really good points - you put into words a lot of what I’ve been thinking about as a self advocate and as a clinician
My other articles in Time: https://time.com/author/hari-srinivasan/
The Pervasive Loneliness of Autism
"It was a thought provoking read about an angle that I hadn’t thought of. It is also beautifully written."
https://time.com/6551520/loneliness-autism-essay/
Thought Leader.
"So proud of Hari Srinivasan for his singular voice of insight, wisdom, advocacy, and activism, and for the distinction he brings to himself and everyone with whom he is associated. The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation | Vanderbilt University is honored to count Hari among its distinguished Fellows and it is awesome to imagine what the future holds for this inspiring young thought leader."
Some amazing gracious words about me from Prof Keivan Staussun of Vanderbilt University and Director of the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation at Vanderbilt. Thank you Keivan, and I had never quite though of myself as a "thought leader."
Revolving Door is bad for Austistics
Direct support professionals: Shortages, Low Pay, High Turnover.
The Revolving Door is bad for #autistics
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