"There’s a danger in misunderstanding and misrepresenting the autistic community, with interventions possibly imposing neurotypical standards of happiness that feel inauthentic or unrelatable. We must ensure that positive psychology reflects the true diversity of autistic experiences and does not oversimplify our needs." - Hari Srinivasan

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

Languages carry with them differing ways of conceptualizing ideas, emotions, and social interactions

Read Full Article at unesco.org...


 

 Excerpts from the Foreword, I got to co-write with Dr Temple Grandin.




"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)



 

Neurodiversity 2.0 - Harnessing Cross-Disciplinary Insights

EXCITING NEWS - NEW PAPER OUT. 
Neurodiversity 2.0. Harnessing Cross-Disability Insights


Feedback: 
In a word, Hari, this is EXCEPTIONAL. You are at the forefront of the stigma and neurodiversity fields--and this will be an incredibly valuable resource for MANY MANY people for years to come.

Hari Srinivasan this is brilliant!!! Thank you for your work - your framework will lay the foundation for the much needed change!

Hari, Congratulations on your Neurodiversity 2.0 article in Research in Autism. I just finished reading it. You do a great job and explaining the neurodiversity movement and point an achievable way forward. 

I very much appreciated this paper, and I am sure I will draw upon it often in the future. I especially appreciated your centering of interdependence as an orientation to work towards instead of this idea of independence. This is a value I draw from frequently within my clinical work as an autistic psychologist who works primarily with autistic college students. We've long recognized the therapeutic alliance as a key agent of change in therapy, yet we often center individualism as a goal of therapy. Yet, any level of support need indicates a need for community and connection. Thanks for the work you are doing!

As someone currently spending a lot of time reflecting on language and terminology related to autism and neurodiversity for work at the moment, this paper could not have come at a better time.
Oh how I love a cross-disciplinary approach!

Excellent open access paper from Hari Srinivasan, recognising the importance of integrating the social and medical models of disability and going beyond the focus on individual and instead considering the systems and their interdependence. Brings back memories of Positive Psychology 2.0, which similarly in its "rebrand" embraced the opposite (negative emotions) to form a richer framework.

"To truly evolve, Neurodiversity 2.0 must embrace both opportunities and solutions—creating systems that recognize strengths while actively seeking solutions to address challenges that block access. Inclusion is not just about opening doors; it is about ensuring every individual has the tools to cross the threshold, navigate what’s beyond, and thrive."

I have been privileged to be in meetings and in committees with Hari. Hari just blows me out of the water every time. The capabilities but even more, the poetic, deep soulful thoughts that many of us “NNDs” non-neurodivergent individuals aren’t even capable of having!




Caught Between Tears and Stoicism

Autistics are often criticized for being too unexpressive or showing the wrong emotions...But when someone openly shows emotion, it’s suddenly inappropriate. Society can’t have it both ways—criticizing us for showing too little emotion and then too much.

Read Full Article at


 

 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.

Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act

 

Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a landmark piece of legislation that has transformed the landscape of disability rights in the United States. 

The Birth of ADA

The ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush. Its passage marked a significant victory for the disability rights movement, building on decades of activism and advocacy. The ADA aimed to eliminate discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various areas of public life, ensuring equal opportunities and accessibility.

Key Provisions of the ADA

The ADA is divided into five titles, each addressing different aspects of public life:

  1. Title I – Employment: Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotions, and accommodations. Employers with 15 or more employees must provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities.

  2. Title II – Public Services: Ensures that individuals with disabilities have equal access to public services, including state and local government programs and services. This includes public transportation.

  3. Title III – Public Accommodations: Requires that private businesses and non-profit organizations that serve the public must make their facilities accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes restaurants, hotels, theaters, and retail stores.

  4. Title IV – Telecommunications: Mandates that telephone and internet companies provide accessible communication services for individuals with hearing and speech disabilities, including the provision of telecommunications relay services (TRS).

  5. Title V – Miscellaneous Provisions: Contains various provisions relating to the ADA, including its relationship to other laws and the impact on insurance providers and benefits.

Influential Figures in the Making of ADA

Several key figures and advocacy groups were instrumental in the development and passage of the ADA:

  1. Justin Dart Jr.: Often referred to as the "Father of the ADA," Dart was a passionate advocate for disability rights. He traveled across the United States to gather stories from people with disabilities, which he presented to Congress to demonstrate the need for comprehensive legislation.

  2. Judy Heumann: A prominent disability rights activist, Heumann's leadership and advocacy, particularly through her roles in various organizations and government positions, were crucial in pushing for the ADA.

  3. Senator Tom Harkin: A leading advocate for the ADA in Congress, Harkin delivered part of his introduction speech in sign language to emphasize the importance of the legislation. His efforts were pivotal in securing bipartisan support for the ADA.

  4. The Disability Rights Community: Organizations like the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), and others played vital roles in advocating for the ADA and mobilizing public support.

Interesting Historical Context

The ADA was born out of the broader civil rights movement and inspired by earlier legislation, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Before the ADA, individuals with disabilities faced widespread discrimination and barriers to full participation in society. The ADA's passage marked a transformative moment, symbolizing a national commitment to equality and inclusion.

The Impact of ADA

Since its enactment, the ADA has had a profound impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities and American society as a whole. Key outcomes include:

  • Increased Accessibility: The ADA has led to significant improvements in the accessibility of public spaces, transportation, and communication services, allowing individuals with disabilities to participate more fully in society.

  • Employment Protections: The ADA has provided critical protections against employment discrimination, helping individuals with disabilities obtain and maintain jobs.

  • Awareness and Advocacy: The ADA has raised awareness about disability rights and inspired ongoing advocacy efforts to ensure that its principles are fully realized.

ADA is more than just a legal framework; it is a milestone in the journey towards equality and inclusion for all individuals with disabilities. Its history, structure, and impact reflect the ongoing efforts to create a society where every person, regardless of ability, can live with dignity and autonomy. The contributions of dedicated advocates and policymakers were instrumental in its creation and continue to drive its implementation, ensuring that the principles of the ADA are realized in communities across the United States.


Promoting employer education on the diversity in autism and embedding mandatory training into HR development would equip managers to better support neurodivergent employees and foster a more inclusive culture.

 

 "Positive psychology must adopt a nuanced understanding of the diversity and complexity of autism and autistic people. The benefits of positive emotions like awe can be particularly potent for autistic well-being, but for interventions to be successful, practitioners need to be mindful of sensory sensitivities and communication differences." - Hari Srinivasan

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

Insightful Unseen

 Thank you Cal for this wonderful Writeup

Hari Srinivasan ’22 is quietly reshaping the way we understand autism, communication, and the brain.

At Berkeley, Hari became one of the first undergraduates with limited spoken language to teach a course on autism. He led student advocacy, wrote for The Daily Cal, and carried out research on awe and empathy as a Haas Scholar. His journey was never about being “inspirational.” It was about being seen as whole.

Now pursuing a PhD in neuroscience at Vanderbilt, Hari studies how autistic brains interact with the world. His research focuses on the invisible “bubble” of space around the body that helps us navigate movement and social cues. He is uncovering how that space works differently in autism, and how that knowledge can drive real-world solutions.

“I’m part of a community that is often left out of the conversation. We need both support for our challenges and opportunities to share our perspectives. Disability Pride is about making room for both.”

This month, Hari is co-leading the UNESCO-funded Amplifying Autistic Wellbeing event in London, bringing together high-support needs autistics from across the globe.
Every action, he says, is a pebble in the pond of change.

🌍 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gdsNbTYR