06/14/24
Randolph, Mass. – In a proclamation issued on World Autism Acceptance Day, President Biden called upon all Americans to learn more about the experiences of autistic people from autistic people, and to build more welcoming and inclusive communities to support people with autism.
This is a message that resonates with clinicians at May Institute, a national leader in providing evidence-based services for individuals across the lifespan with autism and other developmental disabilities.
“It is important to acknowledge that every autistic person is a unique individual with different experiences, strengths, and challenges,” says Margaret Walsh, M.A., BCBA, Director of Clinical Services for May Institute’s Adult Services Division in Western Massachusetts. “Many autistic individuals fight every day to be seen as complete people who are worthy of support and encouragement in all areas – including the workplace – not people with a disability that needs to be ‘fixed.’”
According to Walsh, autistic people need to have their voices heard. “Their life experience is invaluable and important when developing support systems that help them live their best lives possible.”
Walsh recommends that when decisions are being made on how to support autistic people in the workplace, employers should ensure the conversations include input from these individuals. “By having honest discussions about creating a work environment that supports people with autism, it is very possible that the workplace will improve for everyone,” she says
“We can all help people on the autism spectrum by learning how to advocate for services that provide them with opportunities to make progress in their lives in a way that makes sense to them,” she continues. “To those who provide support or are close with a person with autism, try to see the person first and provide support that is congruent to their values and strengths.”
Margaret Walsh, M.A., BCBA, is the Director of Clinical Services for the May Center for Adults Services in Western Massachusetts. She can be contacted in West Springfield at 413-734-0300 (ext. 262) or at mwalsh@mayinstitute.org.
May Institute is a nonprofit organization that is a national leader in the field of applied behavior analysis and evidence-based interventions, serving autistic individuals and individuals with other developmental disabilities, brain injury, neurobehavioral disorders, and other special needs. Founded nearly 70 years ago, we provide a wide range of exceptional educational and rehabilitative services across the lifespan. For more information, call 800.778.7601 or visit www.mayinstitute.org.
Find a
Sign Up
Contact Us
Donate