Hill Visit Training Webinar
Making a virtual visit to your legislator is the most impactful way to make your concerns known. You can virtually meet with your federal legislators to ask them to ban the use of electric shock devices for behavior modification in this year’s end of year omnibus bill!
Learn how to meet with your federal legislators online with our Virtual Hill Visit training! Join us tonight at 7pm EST for a Hill Visit training webinar (Link 1). We’ll go over scripts and tips to take the fight to the Hill and meet with your legislators face-to-face. We’ll also roleplay an example scenario so you can see in real time what it is like to speak with your members of Congress.
Register here or tune in on YouTube. (Link 2)
Then join us on Wednesday, December 7th (Link 3) for our virtual Hill Day! In order to meet with your legislators on the 7th, you should reach out NOW to schedule something. Check out our guide to learn how to set up a meeting! (Link 4)
1. https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_r1UlilUwRFSefT2y2o1NVw?emci=8f18adc8-806a-ed11-ade6-14cb65342cd2&emdi=84350b61-2d6f-ed11-819c-00224825858d&ceid=7856333
2. https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_r1UlilUwRFSefT2y2o1NVw?emci=8f18adc8-806a-ed11-ade6-14cb65342cd2&emdi=84350b61-2d6f-ed11-819c-00224825858d&ceid=7856333
3. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_TYP1RDq76UnlVtSUxCmtA
4. https://autisticadvocacy.org/virtualhillguide/?emci=8f18adc8-806a-ed11-ade6-14cb65342cd2&emdi=84350b61-2d6f-ed11-819c-00224825858d&ceid=7856333
@harisri108 #Redefine_the_Table #autism #belonging
Holiday Giving
In this holiday season of giving, a plug for all autism/disability organizations I've been involved or benefited from growing up with autism. All of them have done impactful work on varying fronts and close to my heart. Consider donating. It takes a village where many different angles need to be acted on.
- Autistic Self Advocacy Network https://autisticadvocacy.org/about-asan/
- Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund https://dredf.org/
- Autism Society of America https://autismsociety.org/
- Communication First https://communicationfirst.org/
- The Brain Foundation https://brainfoundation.org/
- Inclusive World. https://inclusiveworld.org/
Big Game 125

Cal stays at #1 Public University 9th year in row
WorkDay Presentation
Presented to employees at Workday today.
Was told audience enjoyed it and had some excellent takeaways.
Words from audience.
I keep nodding my head, “Yes,” “Agree,”, “Amen”, “Right on!”
I couldnt agree more
Thank you!
That was great!
Wow, thank you for sharing!
Thank you! What a fabulous program!
Awesome Hari!!
Wow! Thank you so much.
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, inspirational!
Thank you for sharing your story!
Thank you
Wow - such an impressive Young Man - thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you, Hari! Your story brings hope to us as parents with an autistic child.
Hari, you give me so much more hope, thank you!
Developmentally all over the place!!!!
Developmentally All Over the Place has so much truth!
So inspiring brings tears of joy to my eyes
Thank you so much, Hari!
Thank you, Hari!
Thank you everyone for joining
Thank you Hari and you are an inspiration!! Giving so much hope
Thank you Hari!
Thank you, Hard! I can’t wait to see the research you will do at Vanderbilt!
Thank you Hari!
thank you Hari
Thank you so much Hari!
Thank you, Hari!
Thank you so much. Amazing
Thank you Hari!
Thank you for your inspiration!
*Hari
Thank you, Hari!
Thank you, Hari!
Thank you so much Hari !
You've accomplished so much already!
Thank you!
Great presentation - thank you!
@harisri108 #Redefine_the_Table #autism #belonging
Thank you Lois Curtis
Related posts: #Disability_History, #Disability_Legislation #Disability_Rights, #Olmstead_Act #Policy_Law
Understanding Neuroception and Its Importance in Autism
Have you ever walked into a room and immediately felt comfortable or, conversely, felt uneasy for no apparent reason? This instinctive response is part of what's called "neuroception." Neuroception is a term coined by Dr. Stephen Porges that describes how our brain and nervous system unconsciously scan our environment to assess whether we are safe, in danger, or facing a life-threatening situation. This process is crucial because it helps us decide how to react, even before we're fully aware of what's happening.
For people with autism, neuroception can work a bit differently. Many autistic individuals have heightened sensitivity to sensory experiences, such as bright lights, loud sounds, or crowded spaces. Because of this heightened sensitivity, their nervous system might misinterpret these benign environments as dangerous or threatening, leading to feelings of anxiety or discomfort. This is why you might notice some autistic people avoiding certain places or situations—they are simply responding to what their body perceives as a threat. This reaction is sometimes linked to a phenomenon called "hostile attribution bias," where individuals are more likely to interpret ambiguous situations as having hostile intent.
Startup Founders
Proud of my alma mater!!
Berkeley is #1 Public School for Startup Founders, 2nd Overall, just 21 short of the top spot.
Halloween is my least favorite holiday
Doomscrolling
Came across a new term, rather a term that's been around for a while.
Doomscrolling is the act of compulsively scrolling through negative news or social media feeds, often for hours at a time, despite feeling upset or stressed by the content. The term "doomscrolling" gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people spent more time online and were inundated with a constant stream of alarming news about the virus and its effects. This behavior can lead to feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, and helplessness, as well as difficulty sleeping and concentrating
So it became this "vicious cycle in which users find themselves get stuck in a pattern of seeking negative information no matter how bad the news is."
Satici SA, Gocet Tekin E, Deniz ME, Satici B. Doomscrolling Scale: its Association with Personality Traits, Psychological Distress, Social Media Use, and Wellbeing. Appl Res Qual Life. 2022 Oct 19:1-15. doi: 10.1007/s11482-022-10110-7. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36275044; PMCID: PMC9580444.
National Society of Leadership and Success
Dear Hari,
I am pleased to share that you have been recognized as an exemplary college graduate and meet the criteria to become a member of The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). Congratulations!
This invitation is only offered to a select number of UC Berkeley alumni, and we’re proud to extend this opportunity to further your leadership development....
SIB and Suicide Ideation
- 30% of autistics have Self-Injurious Behaviors (Soke et al., 2016)
Isn't this worth finding REAL solutions to, through autism research.
At the end of the day we also need to remember that psychotropic drugs only help to manage symptoms or dampen behavioral symptoms. So what is also needed is biomedical research into underlying issues at a physiological level that translate into affordable mainstream healthcare - its that research into gut issues, sleep issues, auto-immune issues, neuro-inflammation, movement issues etc - these are real issues that many autistics are facing - cuz if we get to the bottom of those, maybe we can reduce SIB by that much.
PD Soros Fall Conference wraps up
Sunday
The morning started with some of the fellows having breakfast with Damian Williams, the first black US Attorney in Manhattan, heading the Southern District of New York. It was followed by his super interesting at today's conference. It was such an interesting keynote.
Group photo as the 2022 class bid farewell and left with a box of Mithai (its Diwali tomorrow)
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Dare to Grow
Takeaways from CAN conference
Multiple Intelligences and Autism
The theory of multiple intelligences, proposed by psychologist Howard Gardner, suggests that intelligence is not a single, unified entity but rather a collection of distinct forms of intelligence. According to Howard Gardner, individuals possess different strengths and abilities in various domains, and these abilities can be considered as different intelligences. The theory has been influential in understanding human cognition and has implications for fields such as education and psychology.
Gardner initially identified 7 forms of intelligence, and later expanded the list to include an additional two.- Linguistic Intelligence: ability to use language effectively, including reading, writing, and speaking. Examples include poets, writers, journalists, and public speakers.
- Logical-Mathematical Intelligence: logical thinking, reasoning, and mathematical problem-solving. It is typically associated with scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and economists.
- Musical Intelligence: capacity to perceive, create, and appreciate music. People with musical intelligence may excel in playing instruments, composing music, or singing.
- Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence: relates to body movement control and physical activities. Athletes, dancers, actors, and surgeons are examples of individuals who demonstrate high bodily-kinesthetic intelligence.
- Spatial Intelligence: visual thinking, spatial awareness, and mental imagery. Architects, painters, pilots, and sculptors often exhibit strong spatial intelligence.
- Interpersonal Intelligence: refers to the ability to understand and interact effectively with others. Skilled leaders, teachers, therapists, and politicians often possess high interpersonal intelligence.
- Intrapersonal Intelligence: self-reflective intelligence, involving self-awareness, self-regulation, and a deep understanding of one's emotions, motivations, and inner self. Examples are Philosophers and spiritual leaders
- Naturalistic Intelligence: ability to recognize, categorize, and understand patterns in nature, such as flora, fauna, and natural phenomena. Environmentalists, farmers, and botanists often demonstrate naturalistic intelligence.
- Existential Intelligence: reflects a person's contemplation and awareness of fundamental existential questions and concerns about the nature of life, death, and meaning. It is often associated with philosophers, theologians, and deep thinkers.
Relating it to Autism
The theory of multiple intelligences offers a broader perspective on human capabilities, highlighting the diverse strengths and abilities beyond traditional measures of intelligence. This approach is particularly relevant to autism, as it acknowledges the unique cognitive profiles and talents often exhibited by autistic individuals. Here's how each of Gardner's intelligences can relate to autism:
Linguistic Intelligence: While some autistic individuals may have challenges with conventional communication, others excel in language-related skills such as writing, storytelling, or learning multiple languages. Their abilities might be particularly evident in written communication, where the nuances of social interaction are less immediate.
Logical-Mathematical Intelligence: Many autistic individuals display exceptional skills in logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and mathematical problem-solving. This form of intelligence is often associated with attention to detail and systematic thinking, traits commonly found in autistic people who excel in fields like computer science, engineering, and mathematics.
Musical Intelligence: Autistic individuals may have heightened sensitivity to sound and rhythm, leading to exceptional musical talents. They might have perfect pitch, excel in playing instruments, or exhibit a strong appreciation for music. This intelligence aligns with the sensory processing differences often noted in autism.
Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence: Some autistic individuals have notable abilities in physical coordination and control, which can manifest in activities such as dance, sports, or crafts. This intelligence is relevant to those who use physical movement as a form of expression or sensory regulation.
Spatial Intelligence: Autistic individuals may have a strong visual thinking ability, which can be an asset in fields requiring spatial awareness and visualization, such as architecture, art, or design. Their attention to visual detail and ability to perceive patterns can be significant strengths.
Interpersonal Intelligence: While social interactions may be challenging for some autistic individuals, others develop deep understanding and empathy, especially in structured or familiar contexts. They might excel in professions where systematic understanding of social interactions is beneficial, such as psychology or counseling.
Intrapersonal Intelligence: Autistic individuals often possess a high degree of self-awareness and introspection, which can lead to a profound understanding of their own emotions, thoughts, and motivations. This intelligence supports personal growth, emotional regulation, and self-advocacy.
Naturalistic Intelligence: Some autistic individuals have a keen interest in nature and an ability to categorize and understand various aspects of the natural world. This can be seen in hobbies or careers related to environmental science, biology, or conservation, where detailed observation and classification are key.
Existential Intelligence: Autistic individuals may engage deeply with existential questions and concepts, reflecting on the nature of existence, purpose, and meaning. This intelligence can be seen in those who explore philosophical, spiritual, or ethical dimensions of life, often leading to profound insights and contributions in these areas.
Understanding these diverse intelligences helps recognize and nurture the varied talents of autistic individuals, promoting a more inclusive and individualized approach in education, employment, and societal participation. It challenges traditional views of intelligence and supports the idea that everyone has unique strengths and potential to contribute meaningfully to society
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