Atypical Family Therapy & Disability Support Services

02/25/2026

02/16/2026

01/24/2026

Beyond the Books Sounds like the state of Florida wants to be given a cookie for doing the VERY BARE MINIMUM!

There should be ZERO TOLERANCE for sexual violence against children. Ideally, r**e should carry the harshest possible penalties in every state and at every age.

At the very least, however, the law must consistently protect children as children until they reach the age of 18 because if a minor is not legally permitted to vote, join the military, or marry without parental consent, it is deeply inconsistent—and morally troubling—to allow that same minor to be deemed capable of “consenting to marriage or having consent granted” on their behalf.

Even more disturbing is the reality that prepubescent children are being forced to marry their abusers, effectively shielding perpetrators from accountability for serious crimes.

* California — No minimum age set in statute. A minor of any age may marry with parental consent and a court order.

* Oklahoma — No explicit minimum age in practice. Marriage under 18 is permitted with parental consent and judicial approval.

* Mississippi — Allows marriage well below 18 with parental consent and court approval, historically among the lowest age thresholds.

This is a profound failure of our legal system and a violation of our responsibility to protect vulnerable children.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BgzFj9ikk/?mibextid=wwXIfr

In a bold move, Florida passed a law that permits the death penalty for adults who are convicted of r*ping children under the age of 12. This law is a significant step in the state’s efforts to combat child abuse and protect the most vulnerable members of society. The legislation has sparked intense debates across the country about the ethics and fairness of such a punishment.

While many see this as a much-needed action to deter such heinous crimes, others question whether the death penalty should be an option in these cases. It has certainly intensified discussions about the role of the justice system in protecting children and how society should handle extreme cases of abuse.

The law’s impact will unfold over time, but for now, it marks a defining moment in Florida’s approach to dealing with child predators. ⚖️👶

01/13/2026

I love the ingenuity expressed in the design that these students made!

A group of innovative high school students in Bentonville has designed a groundbreaking device aimed at helping nonverbal individuals with autism communicate more effectively: https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/bentonville-teens-ai-tool-nonverbal-autistic-stress-communication/527-299e4958-deb0-4c02-92d3-d431213ee571?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_5NEWS

01/13/2026

This message is shared not to provoke fear & division, but to encourage reflection and responsibility.

History offers lessons that remain relevant today, especially when we consider how easily silence and inaction can allow harm to take root. The following words, written in the aftermath of one of humanity’s darkest chapters, remind us why awareness, empathy, and speaking up matter—before consequences become irreversible….. Martin Niemöller wrote these words after witnessing the Holocaust and the silence that allowed it to happen:

“First they came for the Communists,
and I did not speak out—
because I was not a Communist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I did not speak out—
because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I did not speak out—
because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Catholics,
and I did not speak out—
because I was a Protestant.

Then they came for me—
and there was no one left to speak for me.”

This poem is not just a reflection on history; it is a warning. The Holocaust did not begin with camps and mass graves—it began with words, with exclusion, with the quiet acceptance of injustice because it was happening to someone else. Step by step, silence became complicity.

History reminds us that complacency can become complicity, and the cost of that transition is measured in human lives. Today, we like to believe we are wiser, more advanced, or immune to such horrors. But history doesn’t repeat itself because people forget facts—it repeats because people ignore patterns.

When groups are dehumanized, when rights are eroded “just a little,” when fear replaces empathy and silence replaces courage, we move closer to the same outcome. If we do not speak up for others now—especially when it is uncomfortable or inconvenient—we risk becoming the very lesson Niemöller tried to teach the world. Change must be made while there is still time, because once no one is left to speak, it is already too late.

01/12/2026

AUTISM, MEDICAL EMERGENCIES, AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AWARENESS

This subject continues to surface in conversations about the lack of meaningful autism awareness across healthcare, social services, and first responder systems—and the very real consequences this gap creates for autistic individuals and their families.

Far too often, families are forced into the role of educator and advocate simply to keep their loved ones safe.
Interactions between law enforcement and emergency responders and individuals with autism can be especially challenging when autism is not recognized or understood.

Communication differences, sensory sensitivities, and stress-related behaviors are frequently misinterpreted as defiance or suspicious activity.

These challenges are further compounded when a separate medical emergency occurs, such as a diabetes-related episode, where symptoms like confusion, slurred speech, or loss of coordination may closely resemble intoxication. Without proper training and awareness, autistic individuals in crisis risk being misunderstood, mishandled, or denied timely medical care.

Why Interactions Are Difficult

• Communication Differences: Autistic individuals may be nonverbal, have limited speech, use alternative communication, or require extra time to process and respond. During emergencies, this can be wrongly perceived as noncompliance, evasion, or lack of cooperation.

• Behavioral Responses to Stress: Sensory overload, fear, pain, or sudden changes in environment can trigger meltdowns, shutdowns, agitation, or flight responses. Without autism awareness, these responses may be viewed as aggressive or threatening rather than distress signals.

• Medical Emergencies Misread as Criminal Behavior: Diabetes-related emergencies such as hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia can cause disorientation, slurred speech, confusion, sweating, shaking, or loss of consciousness. These medical symptoms are too often mistaken for intoxication or substance use, delaying life-saving care.

• Sensory Sensitivities: Sirens, flashing lights, physical restraint, and loud commands can rapidly escalate distress and worsen behavior, increasing the risk of injury or trauma.

• Misidentification: Autistic individuals experiencing a medical crisis are frequently treated as suspects instead of patients—placed in handcuffs, restrained, or detained rather than receiving appropriate medical intervention.

How Families and Caregivers Can Prepare and Advocate

• Educate Local Agencies: Proactively share autism and medical emergency information with police departments, EMS, fire departments, and dispatch centers. While families should not have to carry this burden alone, advocacy can help prevent harmful outcomes.

• Carry Identification: Medical ID bracelets, wallet cards, or phone lock-screen alerts indicating “Autism,” “Diabetes,” or other medical conditions can provide critical information when the individual cannot communicate.

• Create Emergency Profiles: Develop a concise emergency plan that includes communication needs, sensory triggers, calming strategies, medical conditions, medications, and emergency contacts—and share it when possible.

• Teach Safety and Self-Advocacy Skills: When appropriate, help autistic individuals practice identifying helpers, showing ID, or using emergency communication tools.

Resources for Support and Change
• Autism & Law Enforcement Training Toolkits: Many autism organizations provide education designed specifically for first responders to reduce harm and improve outcomes.

• Medical ID Programs: Medical alert bracelets and digital health IDs can save crucial time and prevent dangerous misinterpretations.

• Autism Advocacy Organizations: Offer caregiver guides, emergency preparedness resources, and training materials that push for systemic change.

• Local Autism Support Groups: Can help families connect with autism-informed agencies and advocate for improved training within their communities.

11/30/2025

The autistic brain 🧠
This image shows the brain of Dr. Temple Grandin, one of the most influential autistic icons in the world. Diagnosed at age 2, during a time when autism was deeply misunderstood, Temple grew up hearing limits placed on her future. But she refused to live inside anyone’s expectations.

Through years of support, resilience, and the power of her unique mind, she became a professor of animal science, redesigned humane livestock systems used worldwide, and became a voice of hope through her TED Talks, books, and the award-winning HBO film Temple Grandin.

Her story reminds us of something powerful:
Autistic brains don’t need to be “fixed.” They need to be understood, supported, and celebrated.

Temple Grandin proved that neurodiverse minds don’t just belong in our world 🌎
they help shape it. 💙

11/23/2025

I’m reaching out to ask for your support as we work to gather signatures to help Michelle Cramer secure a place on the ballot for one of the five Joplin City Council seats in the 2026 election.

Michelle has spent years standing with community members who are too often unseen—our unhoused neighbors, individuals who feel unheard, and those marginalized by circumstance. Her compassion, integrity, and steady determination make her a powerful advocate for meaningful progress and someone exceptionally well-suited to represent the people of Joplin.

Since early 2025, Michelle has shared her experience and leadership with several nonprofit organizations, including:

Atypical Family Therapy & Disability Support Services , founded by Dora Reed
Blooming Bridges Foundation, founded by Dora Reed
Vita Nova Village, founded by Rhonda Thompson

In addition, she has served on the Joplin City Board of Health since Early 2024, working to support the well-being of residents throughout our community.

Before her work with these organizations, Michelle spent more than 12 years as a Behavior Specialist with Joplin Schools, providing compassionate support to students and families. Her background in education, public health, and nonprofit service gives her a strong understanding of the challenges many families face—and the resources needed to address them.
Michelle’s commitment to community issues also extends to substance use and public safety. Someone close to her experienced a devastating fentanyl poisoning—a sudden and preventable loss no family should ever endure. She does not share this experience for sympathy, nor does she intend to center her campaign around personal tragedy.

Instead, it has strengthened her resolve to support efforts focused on awareness, prevention, and healthier pathways forward. Michelle understands that substance use is often a reflection of pain, trauma, or circumstances where people feel they have nowhere else to turn. Her goal is not to shame individuals, but to help build a community where support and safety are accessible long before harm occurs.

Michelle is currently in the information-gathering phase of her campaign and is eager to hear directly from community members. You are invited to follow her on Facebook or message her privately to share your concerns, ideas, and hopes for the future of Joplin. Your voice truly matters.

While addressing the needs of our unhoused neighbors is one of her core priorities, Michelle recognizes that a wide range of issues shape the daily lives of Joplin residents. She is committed to meaningful, community-centered change—but she cannot do it without your involvement.

We would be grateful if you could help spread the word by sharing this message with friends, family, neighbors, or anyone who may want to support Michelle.

Next Signing Event:
Michelle Cramer will be at Joplin Greenhouse & The Coffee Shop on Saturday, 11/29, from 3–4 p.m.

Eligibility Reminder:
To sign the petition, individuals must be residents within the official city limits of Joplin, Missouri. Unfortunately, those living in Jasper or Newton Counties outside the city limits are not eligible to sign, even if they have a Joplin ZIP code.

Thank you sincerely for your time, support, and commitment to strengthening our community. If you have any questions, would like to share your thoughts, or want to stay informed about upcoming signing opportunities, please feel free to reach out.

Explore Atypical Family Therapy and Disability Services for compassionate counseling. Contact us today to start your journey towards healing.