When Disabilities Collide | | Recently, I have been pondering the issue of what happens when disabilities collide. Several years ago, I got a call from my son's day program about an incident. Reportedly, after what had been a stress filled day for everyone, Kieran had punched another participant in the transportation van. Her report was that Kieran was grunting (his usual calming response to stress) and she had asked him politely to be quiet. His version was, “I don't like to be told to shut the f*** up.” Regardless of whose version one believes to be true, his program-mate's need for quiet to destress conflicted with Kieran's need to grunt to destress. I suspect that this type of struggle occurs on a pretty regular basis in certain settings. | | Kieran with some of his boccee teammates! | | |
Neurotypical peers and caregivers can often overlook behaviors that “bug” them due to their understanding that these are attempts to calm or to cope with sensory stimuli. Or they have the verbal skills to say, “cut it out” or “can you do that someplace else?” But how do we help our folks with Autism to make similar accommodations for one another? I'm not sure it is always possible, but, at least, it bears thinking about. Understanding that these conflicts may be unavoidable may help us develop supports and preventions. Certainly, we need to keep evaluating whether conflicts, social or otherwise, have an origin in the disability.
Kieran has become pretty adept at walking away from others' behaviors which overwhelm him. For years, he told a fellow Special Olympian who screamed when his expected bowling score did not materialize, “don't scream, it hurts my ears.” His friend could not stop the behavior and, eventually, Kieran stopped bowling, taking up bocce. When the noise from another day program housed with his became overwhelming, he first shut down, then went AWOL. At both points, the collision with the features of others' disabilities became too overwhelming for him. In hindsight, I wish I had been more clued in to ways to help Kieran accommodate others' disabilities, rather than leaving activities he enjoyed. I'm also fully aware that many of our folks do not have the privilege of walking away from similar situations.
At this point, I haven't progressed beyond defining this issue – no brilliant plans to study it, no solutions. It is just one more hurdle I perceive for Kieran and others with developmental disabilities – one more thing to consider in reflecting on what makes them who they are.
| | Kathi J. Machle, President | | I always love reading through the list of holidays and observances. Did you know that July 4 is not only Independence Day, but Caesar Salad Day and Alice in Wonderland Day? I don't really know who decides these things, but I plan to celebrate National Blueberry Muffin Day on July 11. If the day is particularly stressful, I might have a dual celebration – it is also National Mojito Day. | | An ASO grant recently funded family bowling for residents of Brown, Highland, Clermont and Adams counties. The faces in the photos leave no doubt – everyone had a great time! | | ASO grants can help bring Autism-friendly programming and events to your neighborhood! If you would like to plan an Autism friendly event in your county, check out our grant program or contact your local affiliate. | | |
The Autism Society relies upon the tremendous work of our local organizations to help individuals and families throughout Ohio. If you don’t see your county listed below, please contact the Autism Society of Ohio so we can connect you with support and services in your area. For more information, call 614-495-7551 or
via email at info@autismohio.org
For information about events and support groups sponsored by other local Autism Society Affiliates, click HERE. The page identifies counties covered by a local affiliate and provides contact information.
| | Autism Society Central Ohio is sponsoring Summer at Shepherd's Corner on Tuesday, July 7 from 10 to 12. Shepherd's Corner Ecology Center is located in Blacklick, Ohio. Visitors can tour the gardens and labyrinths, as well as interact with chickens, sheep, and a llama. | |
Autism Society Dayton has a new name: Autism Society-Greater Miami Valley. The name change better reflects the counties served by the organization: Miami, Greene, Preble, Darke and Montgomery.
Learn more on their website autismsocietyofdayton.org.
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Autism Society Greater Akron's 5th Annual Step Into Autism Walk, Fundraiser, and Resource Fair will be September 26, 2026 in Tam O'Shanter Park, Canton, Ohio.
Plan to attend this annual event, which brings families, friends, teachers, therapists, community members, and others together to walk to raise understanding and acceptance of Autism. Participants are connected to valuable resources and information right in the community.
| | NOW is a great time to order ASO merch for yourself or give as a gift. Find your new favorite hat, T-shirt, and more on our website! | | |
Looking for a fun and impactful way to support those with Autism in your community or throughout the state? Consider hosting a third-party fundraising event! Whether you're an individual, business, or organization, there's something for everyone to get involved in. These events raise vital funds, spread awareness, promote inclusivity, and can significantly impact families living with Autism.
Let's make a difference together!
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Examples of third-party events:
- Sip and paint
- Car washes, craft shows, or bake sales
- Casual Fridays and holiday parties
- Grand openings and store promotions
- Art shows/art auctions
- Bike-a-thon, walk-a-thon, bowl-a-thon
- Golf tournaments
- Black-tie events
- 5k races and marathons
| | STATE AND NATIONAL ADVOCACY | | |
Autism Society of Ohio joined countless disability groups and individuals in testifying against the
portions of Ohio House Bill 795 which would have prohibited family members from acting as paid Medicaid waiver caregivers. Senate Bill 315, another Medicaid oversight bill which does not contain that prohibition, passed both houses and has been sent to the Governor. What it DOES do is require the creation and implementation of additional oversight protocols for family caregivers.
ASO has also signed on to a a letter by the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities protesting proposed cuts to Medicaid.
The Autism Society of America, along with a number of other disability organizations, has released a statement regarding the most recent transfers of core functions affecting the rights of those with disabilities from the Department of Education to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Office for Civil Rights to the Department of Justice. For assistance in reaching your Senator or Congressman about this matter, visit votervoice.net.
Autism Society of America continues to monitor what is happening in Washington. For updates on national legislation, you can subscribe to The Capitol Connection.
ASO has continued its advocacy statewide. Please reach out to us with comments or concerns. Your voice is important.
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