Shawn McGill MSW Consulting LLC

04/07/2026

Relationships shape our well‑being, but recognizing when a relationship becomes unhealthy isn’t always straightforward — especially for people with intellectual disabilities, who often receive limited or inconsistent education on boundaries, consent, and safety. In this episode, we break down the early signs of unhealthy or unsafe relationships in an accessible, practical, and empowering way. We explore:
🚩 Common red flags like control, isolation, manipulation, and disrespect
💬 How to teach these concepts using clear language, repetition, and real‑life examples
🧩 Why people with intellectual disabilities may be at higher risk for relationship harm
🤝 Strategies for supporters — families, staff, educators — to provide education without fear‑based messaging
🌱 Tools that build confidence, autonomy, and the ability to seek help
This conversation centers on dignity, respect, and the belief that everyone deserves the skills to build healthy, safe, and fulfilling relationships. It’s an essential listen for caregivers, professionals, and anyone committed to supporting people with intellectual disabilities in navigating relationships with confidence and clarity.

Relationships shape our well‑being, but recognizing when a relationship becomes unhealthy isn’t always straightforward — especially for people with intell

04/07/2026

Crisis situations can be complex, especially when supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. Having the right tools and understanding makes all the difference.

Fayette Resources is proud to partner on an upcoming ID/ASD Crisis Support Training, designed for those working directly with individuals in crisis.

🗓 Friday, April 10, 2026
⏰ 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
📍 Fayette County Behavioral Health Administration, Uniontown

This training will cover:
✔️ Understanding characteristics of individuals with ID/ASD
✔️ Effective communication during crisis situations
✔️ The impact of environmental factors
✔️ Applying least restrictive interventions
✔️ Learning alongside fellow crisis responders

The session will be led by Ryan Cramer, LSW, Director of Dual Diagnosis Services at Fayette Resources, and John McGonigle, Ph.D., a leading consultant in the field of Dual Diagnosis and ASD, bringing both clinical expertise and decades of real-world experience.

📌 RSVP by April 6 to Amy Wasko
📞 724-430-1370
📧 amywasko@fcbha.org

This is a great opportunity to strengthen your skills and better support the people we serve.

Presenter bios:
Dr. McGonigle’s background, education, and training are in Child Development, Education and Behavioral Psychology and dual Disabilities (ID/A) and Mental Illness. He has worked in the field of Neuro Developmental Disabilities and behavioral health for over 40 years.

He is a US Army veteran and a Department of Psychiatry Emeritus faculty member of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He has worked as a mental health clinician and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry providing diagnostic assessments, behavioral health treatment and staff training for children, adolescents, and adults with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities across the lifespan.

As an expert in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, he also is a past member of local, state PA (ODP/ASD) and national boards (NADD), that support people with Neurodevelopmental Disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Dr. McGonigle has been an invited speaker internationally, nationally, and locally to share his knowledge and expertise in the Biopsychosocial approach and working in the field for people with disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions. He provides consultations and training to schools, hospitals, clinics, and community programs across the United States for persons with learning and behavior differences.

He has a variety of publications in medical, behavioral, and educational journals.

He is the recipient of several awards and grants while working at the at the University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine and UPMC and Allegheny General Hospital (AGH). He has been recognized nationally by NADD (Menolascino award), and in Pennsylvania, and the Pittsburgh area for his work, achievements, and significant contributions in the field of neurodevelopmental developmental disabilities across the lifespan.

Ryan Cramer is a Licensed Social Worker in Pennsylvania. Ryan has over thirty years of experience in providing support and services to autistic and neurodiverse individuals. This experience includes as a therapist, consultant and administrator for a variety of programs to include outpatient behavioral health clinics, inpatient behavioral health units, and community-based programs. Ryan is currently the Director of Dual Diagnosis Services with Fayette Resources, Inc. Prior to this he was most recently the Director of the Western Pennsylvania Regional ASERT Collaborative at UPMC Western Behavioral Health’s Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities.

03/26/2026

You asked, and they listened! We're happy to partner with Milestone HCQU West to provide another educational series. relationships

03/19/2026

Our Pittsburgh social and learning groups are back and starting in June! Contact us for more information. We can't wait to see folks again!

03/18/2026

How is your battery doing? It's an important question to ask yourself and others. More importantly, what are you doing to replenish your energy? Caregivers especially, find ways to put the air back in your sails. You deserve it!

DBT Skills : What's your battery at ?


[ infographic via SelfLoveRainbow ].

03/13/2026

The C.A.R.E. Model of Human Services has become one of our most popular training sessions. The introductory, 1-hour session is reaching many people, and we are happy to be part of their journey. If you or your organization is interested, please contact us today. We travel!

02/24/2026

Registration is Open for the 13th Annual Disability & Mental Health Summit:
Thursday, May 7th at the CCAC Allegheny Campus
Free event

Originally launched by retired Representative Dan Miller, the Summit was created to bring resources and experts out of their offices and into one easy-to-access space where people can connect face-to-face, solve problems, and build better futures.

The 2026 Summit will be hosted by Rep. Jessica Benham and Rep. Emily Kinkead, with support from the Allegheny County Delegation.

✨ A larger resource fair
✨ More free information sessions
✨ Expanded school partnerships to support transition-aged young adults
✨ The return of the South Hills Futures Fair
✨ A powerful bipartisan, bicameral legislative panel
✨ A showcase celebrating talented disabled musicians

For 13 years, this Summit has educated legislators, informed families, provided continuing education credits for professionals, and most importantly, it has empowered self-advocates and allies.

See Comments for registration link.

02/20/2026

"The Autistic Brain" helps minds succeed and is well worth the read (or listen). Temple Grandin helps us make sense.

The Autistic Brain: Thinking Across the Spectrum By Temple Grandin: a cutting-edge account of the latest science of autism.

02/12/2026

DBTSkills. Emotion Regulation Module.

02/10/2026

02/09/2026

Loneliness can feel different when you live with a disability—and it’s rarely discussed openly. This episode explores what that loneliness looks like, such as social isolation, inaccessible spaces, and feeling misunderstood. It examines how disability, identity, and community intersect and why loneliness is often systemic, not personal. Through real stories and insights, the conversation covers grief, anger, hope, and connection. Whether you’re disabled, care for someone, or want to understand disability, listen with empathy. You’re not alone—and shouldn’t face loneliness alone.

Loneliness can feel different when you live with a disability—and it’s something we don’t often talk about openly. This episode dives into what that lonel