Among Friends

04/02/2026

Autism looks different for every person, but the thing that is constant through every experience is that Belonging is a core need. Let us celebrate our similarities and applaud our differences this month, as we recognize the vast world of Autism!

If you’re a parent, tell us what you wish other parents knew about how Autism impacts your child’s sense of belonging. And if you are on the Spectrum, we want to know what you wish other people understood about your desire and/or experience of belonging. Drop them in the comments!

03/31/2026

“As we get ever closer to the transition to adulthood my anxiety level rises, and around areas that I haven’t had to think about before. What will he do for work? Will our family home always be the best place for him to live? Will he have opportunities for friendship and companionship now that school is not in the picture?” McKay M, a mom of a Teen with ID/DD

The transition to Adulthood can be stressful and there are many aspects that cause worry beyond what the neurotypical parent might experience. It’s one of the bitter pieces of the bitter-sweet life parents of teens with disabilities live. How can we support them?

Listen.


Graphics

03/26/2026

Let’s be real. Periods are the pits! Menstrual health support means more than managing periods—it means helping people understand their bodies and make choices that work for them. As caregivers, we can lead with respect, clear information, and support for real choice. 💜

*xualHealthEducation

03/24/2026

When we talk about FASD, we often leave out one critical piece: sexuality and safety.

Impulsivity, social vulnerability, and a deep desire to belong can increase risk - both for victimization and for causing harm. These realities are complex and nuanced.

The solution isn’t shame. It’s education.

Adapted, affirming, comprehensive sexuality education that includes safety, but doesn’t ignore rights.

Everyone deserves the language, tools, and support to navigate relationships safely and confidently.

Among Friends offers individualized consultation because belonging and safety should never be out of reach.

*xualHealthEducation

03/19/2026

Many areas in the USA penalize couples at a state policy level, reducing the humanity of someone with ID/DD to infancy. Your awareness and support help to shape the kind of communities we all live in.

As you vote, stay informed and vocal about the policies and leaders that impact people with disabilities, relationships, and the right to live full, self-directed lives.

Everyone deserves the freedom to build meaningful relationships, choose their partner, and live together with dignity and support. When we advocate for these rights, we’re advocating for stronger, more inclusive communities for everyone.

Stay informed. Vote with care. And stand up for the right of all people to love, connect, and belong. Do you know your States Live-in Policies?

03/17/2026

When harmful language is used in spaces of power, silence can normalize it.

After Leonard Christian used the R-word during a legislative debate in the Washington State Senate, lawmakers and advocates didn’t stay quiet. Colleagues immediately spoke out, calling the language unacceptable, and leaders later removed him from the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families Oversight Board.

Words matter. Especially from those who make decisions impacting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

We’re grateful to the leaders, advocates, and community members who spoke up in real time to defend dignity and respect for people with disabilities. Progress happens when people refuse to let harmful language go unchallenged.

03/12/2026

We believe in hyping people up around here.
May your day be that good. 🍑💛

03/11/2026

At Among Friends, we believe every teen deserves access to clear, respectful, and inclusive sexual education - including teens with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
When families are supported with the right tools and have open conversations, young people gain confidence, understand consent, build healthy relationships, and strengthen self-advocacy skills.
S*x education isn’t optional. It’s empowerment. 💙
Learn more and explore resources at among-friends.org.
*xualHealthEducation

03/05/2026

We have a dynamic group of directors that are eager to lead and advocate for a better, more accepting future for every person. Get to know us a little better, and then tell us: What gives you hope for the future in the disability world?

03/03/2026

At Among Friends, we believe the greatest disability is not seeing a person for all of who they are. This month and every month, we choose to celebrate more.

09/29/2025

Too often, people with IDD are overlooked when it comes to conversations about sexual orientation and gender identity. The most recent Among Friends blog post challenges those assumptions and offers practical ways to create affirming, inclusive spaces where every person can be fully seen and supported.

Highlights include:
🩷Breaking down myths and stigma
🧡 Steps caregivers and professionals can take to affirm identity
🩷 Why honoring identity is central to dignity, health, and belonging

💬 We’d love to hear from you:
What’s one thing YOU do (or would like to do) to help create safe, supportive spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals with IDD? Share in the comments below!

People with IDD have often been assumed to be asexual, heterosexual, or cisgender—assumptions that erase their identities, needs, and humanity ( LGBTQ+ People | Intellectual Disability Mental Health Connect , The Arc ).