What is an autism-friendly city and how does one go about declaring an entire city to be autism-friendly?
Thursday night, October 25 at 9 pm Eastern/6 pm Pacific, on our weekly Mental Health Social Interest Group call, my guest is Dr. Linda Barboa.
Dr. Barboa is Co-founder of Stars 4 Autism, author of more than twenty books on autism and the author of the book, Blueprint for an Autism Friendly City: How Battlefield Became the First Autism Friendly City in Missouri. Call information is below.
But to answer the above question, as someone on the spectrum with Asperger’s Syndrome, it would look like a place where I was understood and accepted, even though they knew I was different.
It would be a place where people knew the difference between a meltdown and a tantrum (even an adult tantrum) and accept it for what it is.
It would also be a place where those of us who are non-verbal would be understood for using different methods of communication and not looked at as some big dummy who can’t talk.
It would be a place where discussions would be full of, “Why?” Or “Can you explain that to me?” because discussions would be taking place between those on both sides of the spectrum.
That’s a really important one for those off the spectrum to learn. We crave knowledge and use it to make our decision. If we ask why or ask for more information, we’re not questioning you; we simply want ore information to understand it better.
That’s what I’d like to see in an autism-friendly city. What would you like to see?
—
What did you learn from it all that you can share with other readers? (Be sure to include your “AHA!” moment!)
We want to read your point of view. When you’re ready to submit, click one of the colorful boxes, below.
◊♦◊
Mental Health & Wellness
Thursdays at 9 pm Eastern Time/6 pm Pacific
Get together with a group every week to share insights and create real social change about the stigma attached to mental health.
RSVP: Mental Health & Wellness Calls
◊♦◊
The Good Men Project is different from most media companies. We are a “participatory media company”—which means we don’t just have content you read and share and comment on but it means we have multiple ways you can actively be a part of the conversation. As you become a deeper part of the conversation—The Conversation No One Else is Having—you will learn all of the ways we support our Writers’ Community—community FB groups, weekly conference calls, classes in writing, editing platform building and How to Create Social Change.
◊♦◊
Here are more ways to become a part of The Good Men Project community:
Request to join our private Facebook Group for Writers—it’s like our virtual newsroom where you connect with editors and other writers about issues and ideas.
Click here to become a Premium Member of The Good Men Project Community. Have access to these benefits:
- Get access to an exclusive “Members Only” Group on Facebook
- Join our Social Interest Groups—weekly calls about topics of interest in today’s world
- View the website with no ads
- Get free access to classes, workshops, and exclusive events
- Be invited to an exclusive weekly “Call with the Publisher” with other Premium Members
- Commenting badge.
Are you stuck on what to write? Sign up for our Writing Prompts emails, you’ll get ideas directly from our editors every Monday and Thursday. If you already have a final draft, then click below to send your post through our submission system.
If you are already working with an editor at GMP, please be sure to name that person. If you are not currently working with a GMP editor, one will be assigned to you.
◊♦◊
Are you a first-time contributor to The Good Men Project? Submit here:
◊♦◊
Have you contributed before and have a Submittable account? Use our Quick Submit link here:
◊♦◊
Do you have previously published work that you would like to syndicate on The Good Men Project? Click here:
Join our exclusive weekly “Call with the Publisher” — where community members are encouraged to discuss the issues of the week, get story ideas, meet other members and get known for their ideas? To get the call-in information, either join as a member or wait until you get a post published with us. Here are some examples of what we talk about on the calls.
Want to learn practical skills about how to be a better Writer, Editor or Platform Builder? Want to be a Rising Star in Media? Want to learn how to Create Social Change? We have classes in all of those areas.
While you’re at it, get connected with our social media:
◊♦◊
However, you engage with The Good Men Project—you can help lead this conversation about the changing roles of men in the 21st century. Join us!
Do you want to talk about how to have richer, more mindful, and enduring relationships?
◊♦◊
We have pioneered the largest worldwide conversation about what it means to be a good man in the 21st century. Your support of our work is inspiring and invaluable.
The Good Men Project is an Amazon.com affiliate. If you shop via THIS LINK, we will get a small commission and you will be supporting our Mission while still getting the quality products you would have purchased, anyway! Thank you for your continued support!
—
Photo credit: Photo Courtesy Stars 4 Autism
