Edlyn Peña, Ph.D.-Autism Researcher

05/09/2021

Gratitude to my not-so-little dude for making me a mom. Diego has been the most impactful teacher I have had when it comes to learning about autism, inclusion, and what it means to be kind (with a side of naughty humor).

Happy Mother’s Day to all autistic moms and moms with autistic kids. 💝

05/07/2021

This week I discovered the works of Sonya Renee Taylor. I can’t wait to read her book, “My Body is Not an Apology.” The quote below is from her keynote presentation at University of Georgia.

“For those of us who [experience] able-bodied privilege, be clear that it is not a lasting privilege. Where will you be when that privilege leaves you? ...If you are not currently laboring to make room, space, and equity for disabled bodies, when you become a disabled body—and it is highly likely that you will—you will reap the world you created.”

04/29/2021

Congratulations to Dr. Clarissa Kripke and colleagues for publishing an important health care report, "Partners in Health: Implementing Supported Healthcare Decision-Making for Users of Augmentative and Alternative Communication in California"

I’m honored to have been invited to serve as a Thought Leader Partner on this report.
https://odpc.ucsf.edu/advocacy/supported-health-care-decision-making/partners-in-health-implementing-supported-healthcare

04/20/2021

Join me at the Inclusion: Embrace the Adventure online conference this Monday! I'm very excited to be the keynote speaker!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/inclusion-embrace-the-adventure-2021-conference-tickets-83559024291?fbclid=IwAR2u7dMjEjCY-XOyWzw6WjQ5w99OaigVvCVUD7Xkooj_v17OfA7kLp1lmd4

04/02/2021

Autism acceptance means honoring the differences, gifts, and abilities that autistics offer the world. Empowering autistics means centering the voices and ideas of individuals in discussions, decisions, research, and policymaking.

03/18/2021

This article is legit!

“After 13 years in the classroom, I realize now what I wish I knew then: Students who cannot rely on speech to be understood don’t have to be educated in segregated classrooms. And for educators who have students who require communication supports, training or preparation doesn’t have to be complex.”

https://www.edutopia.org/article/students-limited-verbal-capabilities-can-thrive-inclusive-classrooms?fbclid=IwAR1giebbjkYU9lkbtyA-kiEVjeb09nbxQUo62OItmR7FXS0lzcvlw1QYQ_8

With the right support, students who cannot rely on natural speech to communicate can do well in integrated classrooms.

03/13/2021

A fairy tale with a happy ending...

Once upon a time in Diego’s early years, I heard a lot of therapists, teachers, and administrators say “no.” No to using an iPad to communicate. No to a letter board. No to a communication partner. Even no to speaking to him in Spanish. What I realized later is “no” usually means “I don’t know how to do that” or “I don’t believe he is competent” or “I only know what’s in my toolkit, and am unwilling to try out this new approach.”

I stood firm and held my ground. Diego deserved so much more. I told them all to go fly a kite. Far far away. The end. 🤓

02/10/2021

Thanks for the shout out, Reach Every Voice! Looking forward to speaking to your group today!

At REV we love all things Edlyn Peña, Ph.D.-Autism Researcher, especially her book Communication Alternatives in Autism. She's edited a great collection of essays by nonspeakers. It's a great book to continue learning from adults.

We're so excited she's going to be our guest in our Parent / Communication Partner Skill Building Group tonight. If you're looking for a supportive group to help you develop your skills and hear from experts in the field, head to our website and look for the skill building groups.

https://smile.amazon.com/Communication-Alternatives-Autism-Perspectives-Nonspeaking/dp/147667891X/ref=sr_1_3?crid=IWSV94NC5QJ4&dchild=1&keywords=communication+alternatives+in+autism&qid=1612971768&sprefix=communication+alternati%2Caps%2C175&sr=8-3

01/22/2021

Teachers and therapists, never underestimate your students! 💜

“I was kind of like why in the world did I put ‘rise’ in my poem five times,” she said, referring to her usage of the word in her poem.

01/15/2021

Why 2020 was craptastic for my family and other families we know! Can you relate?

Autistic individuals "no matter their age did not receive online or adapted services in place of most services. Among those who did, however, families indicated that there was minimal benefit... three-quarters of parents said they felt extreme or moderate stress because of the disruptions to their lives."

A new survey finds that the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted autism symptoms to worsen and "significant, ongoing disruptions to therapies" for those on the spectrum.

01/09/2021

Why access to communication is everything.

12/21/2020

I realize IQ tests are controversial, but a few interesting things were reported from this study:

1) IQ scores for autistic kids increased significantly between the ages of 12 and 23 compared to neurotypical peers (in other words, keep those expectations for learning high into early adulthood!)
2) "autism symptoms" remained unchanged during this time period (in other words, autism does not go away AND the student keeps learning and developing)
3) "IQ gains were greatest among those who had a history of early regression in language" (in other words, early developmental regression is not a life sentence to an impediment in learning ability)

Presume Competence!

IQ is generally expected to remain stable over time, but new research suggests that the measure increases significantly for those with autism during adolescence and early adulthood.