Throughout the month of April, we are celebrating National Volunteer Month. We’re expressing our gratitude to all individuals who donate their time and resources to local or national efforts. In this spotlight are three Magellan Health employees who explain why they volunteer and what organizations are most important to them:

• Stephen Towns, director of project & program management, Magellan of Virginia
• Matthew Podjeski, vice president, Human Resources
• Barb Borowy, administrative assistant II

Continue reading to learn more about how Barb, Stephen, and Matthew donate their time:

What volunteer work do you participate in and for what organizations?

Stephen: In 2016, I launched a church campaign to help remove the stigma of mental illness among Black Americans. I began lecturing and teaching classes throughout the faith-based community to eradicate the demonization of those with a mental illness, inform our community on suicide prevention, and offer alternative solutions for substance abuse.

Shortly after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a government-sponsored food program approached me, seeking a partnership with our ministry to distribute food to our community. In August 2020, we began distributing over 36,000 pounds of food to our community every Saturday morning. At our peak, we had several Saturdays where we gave away over 72,000 pounds of food in less than three hours! The community embraced our ministry, and in March of 2021, we secured the building where we currently reside. Last month, we graciously accepted an award for a grant to sponsor a program I created, “Eat Well – Be Well,” which allows us to distribute $400 of fresh fruits and vegetables bi-weekly to a senior community we adopted. Helping to overcome the health disparities of aged people of color has been a tremendously joyful experience. We hope that if even in a small way, we can positively move the bar for the health of this community.

Matthew: I volunteer at Canterbury Enterprises, an organization that provides meaningful and nurturing onsite employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Our entire focus is on creating a supportive, engaging, and respectful workplace for folks whose abilities may not align with traditional workplaces. At Canterbury, our associates are part of a team, they are proud of the work they do, and everyone is dedicated to making it the best experience for each of our associates, as well as for their families. It has been fascinating learning the intricacies of running a sheltered workshop and navigating the legislative, accreditation, and business development opportunities involved, while never losing focus on those we serve – the employees who work at Canterbury.

I am also on the board for Clare’s House. Similarly, when my friend Terry Economos told me her vision for helping seniors and people who are challenged to keep their beloved family dog at home, I knew I wanted to dive in. Clare’s House walks dogs for people who cannot; we take beloved family dogs to visit their owners in assisted living and in rehab facilities. We offer fostering for those temporary periods where the owner is not able to care for their dog. We take dogs to groomers and help pay for medications and surgeries for folks who would otherwise consider relinquishing their beloved furry friend to a shelter. Clare’s House partners with VA centers and other facilities to support their residents to house their family pets if they cannot.

I also have the pleasure of providing leadership and support for the passionate group of Magellan employees who affiliate with the Maryland Heights (St. Louis), MO office, and volunteer to lead awareness and fundraising efforts for our highlighted local charities. Each year, these employees to select the charities to be highlighted for the year. The planning team initiates communication campaigns, onsite volunteering activities, and general awareness. In 2022, our employees touched the lives of many people in our communities, raising over $28,000 in donations.

Barb: Although I continue to actively support NAMI Maryland and the Maryland Food Bank locally, I’m currently focusing my efforts on donating to organizations, rather than in-person volunteering.

How did you get involved with this organization and volunteering in general? How long have you been volunteering?

Stephen: In 2016, I accepted the invitation to lead the Glen Allen VA chapter of Magellan Cares where I created the first onsite volunteer fair. Our Magellan Cares team engaged our coworkers to attend and commit to volunteering. The fair resulted in over a hundred employees signing up to volunteer at participating organizations.

Matthew: I started at Canterbury in 2015 where my friend served as the executive director. I shared with my friend that I was interested in volunteering and knowing I work in Human Resources, he recommended I join the board of Canterbury. I started volunteering at Clare’s House in 2020, the Women’s Safe House in 2002, and Room at the Inn in 2014.

Barb: I joined the company in 1992 and was quickly asked to join the newly forming Community Affairs Committee. Our focus was supporting NAMI Maryland and United Way of Central Maryland. Once our Columbia presence grew, we added support to American Red Cross with monetary donations and blood drives held at the office, Toys for Tots during the Holidays, Grass Roots (a Howard County organization dedicated to assisting victims of domestic violence), and the Maryland Food Bank. Recently we participated in and obtained a corporate sponsorship for the 2022 Walk to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Additionally, we are currently gearing up for the upcoming 2023 NAMI Walks event.

Why is it important for others to volunteer in their communities?

Stephen: When we can find commonality with others, despite our racial, political, ideological, cultural, or socioeconomic differences, that commonality can overshadow any differences and fulfill our human need for community. When that human need is fulfilled, it motivates us to want to do our part, not just for ourselves, but for others. And, particularly for those who are unable to do for themselves.

Matthew: I hope Volunteer Month serves as the bright light that gets you thinking about how you can help, and whose lives you can touch, at any time of the year.  There are so many people and families in our local communities who struggle in one way or another.

Barb: As Magellan employees, we are fortunate to be able to help and most have a cause dear to their hearts. All small donations add up, and participation in a local event that raises awareness and visibility to an organization that is personally important can be life altering to someone in need.

Is there anything else about what National Volunteer Month you’d like to highlight?

Stephen: Magellan employees are fortunate to work for a company that encourages everyone to volunteer. Many non-profit organizations are dependent on people like us who are willing to volunteer and help others in need.

Matthew: Thank you to those people who had a vision to create a service or pull a group of like-minded people together to help meet those needs. Vision is not enough – to make a vision a reality, organizations depend on people who have similar passions and a desire to make the world a better place for others.

Barb: I, personally, am a huge supporter of the American Red Cross. In most cases, they are first on the scene of natural disasters, man-made disasters, personal disasters, or wherever assistance is most needed. Then there are the blood donation management efforts. It just seems like, whatever is needed, the Red Cross is always there; and I try to be there for them!

Read more about additional volunteer work done by Magellan Health employees in the communities we serve here.

With the start of Autism Acceptance Month in April, Senior Manager of Clinical Care Services Cara Albanese is focused on creating innovative and inclusive ways to better serve the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Albanese, who has been with Magellan for over six years, oversees the Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) operations in the California markets, including ABA Services for some commercial accounts. As manager of a team of eight employees, Albanese and her team review treatment plans and work directly with ABA providers to ensure adherence to the main objectives for their membership and that treatments align with the Magellan Health standards that provide members with the best care possible. Continue reading to learn more about what innovative programs and new initiatives for individuals with ASD Albanese is working on:

What sort of projects are you currently working on?

We started piloting a value-based model for ABA in October in our California market. Magellan is pioneering this type of program for ABA services. Now we are working on evaluating the findings to establish evidence-based practices and drive outcomes-based programs across the ABA industry. Implementing this program will allow us to evaluate treatment planning and delivery to continuously improve care for children with ASD and help the families who care for them.

What are your thoughts on the culture here at Magellan? How does that culture make Magellan the best place to do these innovative projects?

Magellan has a very strong culture of innovation and values our members’ satisfaction. We’re always looking to grow the field and improve data-driven outcomes for our membership. At Magellan, we continue to expand our knowledge and look at autism services across the industry as we continue the growth of our department. We work with a multidisciplinary team giving us insights from a variety of medical professionals. Being able to work with a variety of medical professionals ensures that our members are receiving the best care, as we can provide a holistic and prudent approach to care. Our clinical leadership at Magellan creates a supportive and collaborative environment to think outside the box and increase innovative thinking.

What does Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month mean to you?

The prevalence of autism has continued to rise to a rate of one in 36 children in the United States. Most individuals know someone who has autism or some experience with someone diagnosed with autism. This increased awareness allows us to start to support this population as a community. We can do this as clinicians by modifying and changing the science around ABA to support the current needs of the ASD population and their families. We can continue to increase inclusivity of children and adults with ASD, as they may learn and engage differently. Everyone should be embraced for their individual abilities.

According to the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol contributes to more than 200 health conditions and about 99,000 deaths in the U.S. each year.[1] According to the CDC, one in six adults in the U.S. binge drinks with 25% doing so at least weekly.[2]

April is National Alcohol Awareness Month, which is a time to increase your personal awareness about alcohol abuse and alcoholism and to recognize these disorders, which can be treated.

Magellan Federal’s Senior Manager in the Adolescent Support & Counseling Services (ASACS), Allison Welliver, LMHC, MCAP, shares her insights on why this month is important. Welliver is a licensed mental health counselor and a master’s level certified addiction professional.

Q: Why is National Alcohol Awareness Month important?

Allison Welliver: National Alcohol Awareness Month is important because it brings awareness to alcohol abuse and dependency and allows people to be screened to see where their use of alcohol falls (low, moderate, or high risk for alcohol abuse or dependence). It also allows people to see how their use of alcohol compares to alcohol use by other people of the same age and sex.

Since alcohol is a legal drug, and so often used in social situations and celebrations, it can be difficult to see when alcohol abuse is happening.

Q: What are signs that someone is addicted to alcohol?

AW: Signs of dependence on alcohol can be behavioral/social or physical. Behavioral/social signs include secretive use, heavy drinking, drinking alone, drinking at inappropriate times of the day (in the morning), and continuing to drink despite the negative impact it has on your relationships, job, and health. Physical signs may include developing a tolerance, developing the “shakes” when not drinking alcohol, disrupted sleep, lethargy, or headaches, and needing a drink to alleviate negative symptoms.

Q: What is the connection between this addiction and mental health?

AW: Addiction and mental health problems are frequently comorbid, meaning that they often occur at the same time. It is a question of which comes first – does the mental health problem cause the addiction or vice versa? Many times, people turn to alcohol or other drugs to cope with mental health concerns that they are having. They could use alcohol to cover up depression or other pain underneath.

Q: What are some steps someone should take if they recognize they need help and what does Magellan offer to support someone who is dealing with alcohol addiction?

AW: First, reach out to a therapist. A therapist can evaluate your use and determine what setting is best to treat your alcohol use. Surround yourself with a positive, supportive network who understands that you need help. You may identify support through connecting with your company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), if one is available to you. When contracted with an employer, Magellan offers EAP services to employees and their household members who may question if their use is abnormal, or if they have been having problems related to drinking. EAP services, including counseling, are free and confidential.

Q: Is there anything you would like to add or any resources you want to provide?

AW: There is a free online screening tool that anyone can use to gauge their level of alcohol use. https://alcoholscreening.org/

Additional Resources

• NIH Rethinking Drinking
• Work Stress and Drinking: A Vicious Cycle?
• How to say no to drugs and alcohol
• Maintain Your Recovery During the Pandemic

[1] Helping Your Patients with Alcohol-Related Problems: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/health-professionals-communities/core-resource-on-alcohol?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=jul-2022

[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/binge-drinking.htm

On March 30, we are celebrating National Doctor’s Day where we honor all physicians for their dedication and contributions to the health of their patients. With the healthcare industry becoming more complex than ever with so many advancements, tools, and information, doctors continue to manage the overwhelming responsibility to be able to accurately diagnosis and treat their patients and continue to pave the way to better healthcare options. We’re spotlighting three of Magellan Health’s doctors who each explain why they chose to become physicians, and what are some of the most rewarding and challenging aspects of working in this field:

• Doris Lebischak, M.D., medical director with the California plan, has been with Magellan since September 2020.
• Lyle Forehand, M.D., medical director, has been with Magellan since July 2022.
• Anjali Yeolekar-Dasari, M.D., medical director BH Presbyterian/ Magellan Health (NM), has been with Magellan since June 2021.

Continue reading to learn more from Drs. Lebischak, Forehand, and Yoelekar-Dasari on their experience as physicians:

Why did you become a physician and what is the most rewarding aspect of working in this field?

Dr. Lebischak: There is nothing more important than our health. When you have your health, you have everything. Anything that I do that contributes to collective or individual health makes me happy.

Dr. Forehand: This is what I was born to do. I really think I’m blessed to be doing this, especially after so many attempts when I was younger to do something else. Being a physician is great because I get to listen and improve at that skill as I’ve always talked more than listened. Especially as a psychiatrist, I must be good at hearing what people are saying and what they aren’t saying. The best part for me is when I have helped someone, not because of something I know as a doctor, but because of who I am as a person. Meaning, all the things I’ve done, or thought, or said all added up to who I am in that moment which helped change someone’s life for the better. I think those of us working in the behavioral health fields get that experience more than most – and it’s awesome!

Dr. Yoelekar-Dasari: I was brought up by a family of doctors in India. I would spend my summers helping my grandfather, a general practitioner, who practiced medicine in rural India. It was watching him interact with his patients and in turn the patient’s gratitude towards his work that made a deep impact on me. I started focusing on science and found the discipline intellectually challenging. I wouldn’t be who I am today if it were not to be for my mother’s constant encouragement to achieve my goal of being a physician and a psychiatrist. The field of medicine and psychiatry has allowed me to meet new people and has given me the opportunity to help make people feel better.

What are some challenges you face being a physician and how do you overcome them?

Dr. Lebischak: Becoming a physician was an impossibility when I first considered it. I started as a candy striper and believed that women could only become nurses or teachers. Following others that have braved the path before me (especially my sister) has helped me overcome the challenges. Today the challenge is implementing what we know. We have never had better healthcare, yet our life expectancy is decreasing. Lifestyle medicine can prevent 80% of all chronic medical conditions, including mental health conditions. Our collaborative care model gives us a way to support our members to make those connections and make good decisions to support their health.

Dr. Forehand: Everyone has an opinion about health. The Internet has now bred two generations of people who think they know about medicine as much as their doctors. People aren’t simple, and our problems aren’t easy.

Dr. Yoelekar-Dasari: I have spent my entire career practicing psychiatry in northern New Mexico which is very rural. There are shortages of doctors, psychiatrists, primary care doctors, and specialty physicians. This sometimes puts psychiatrists in positions of being everything to everyone and frequently having to cope with being the sole resource for the community. It is the gratitude from my patients that has kept me going.

Is there anything you’d like to highlight about working in this field? 

Dr. Lebischak: You have no health without mental health.

Dr. Forehand: It’s great to be in any helping profession. I see everyone in similar helping professions from first responders, teachers, to other health professionals as my colleagues. I’m proud to have them as colleagues.

Dr. Yoelekar-Dasari: Since joining Magellan, I have focused on improving services to the population diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In the underserved and rural areas of New Mexico, members with diagnosis of ASD face challenges accessing services leading to poor outcomes. I have worked with my team on providing education on the importance of early intervention and working on improving services to this population.

What does National Doctor’s Day mean to you?

Dr. Lebischak: What a privilege it is to be a psychiatrist. It’s a time to reflect on all those who support us and the goal of mental health.

Dr. Forehand: I understand the first Doctors’ Day was established by the wife of a physician. I can relate to this as this is what means the most to me: that my wife, who has spent decades seeing what I gave up helping my patients and having to sacrifice with me, would honor the choice I made when I became a physician.

Dr. Yoelekar-Dasari: It is a day celebrated to recognize contributions of physicians to communities. In the past I have marked the day by making donations to underserved communities.

Challenges and obstacles create opportunities. Even since before the start of the pandemic, the provider community has dealt with workforce development challenges, especially in the field of behavioral health. As the demand for mental health and substance use disorder services have increased, so have the opportunities for a career in behavioral health for individuals at all experience levels.

Throughout the nation, healthcare workers are experiencing significant levels of burnout due to the pandemic. This once in a lifetime event has impacted the mental health of clinicians and has overly extended the existing provider workforce that was already experiencing a critical shortage. Although this is a widespread problem, rural areas and minority communities are more greatly affected. Many individuals living in these areas don’t have easy access to local primary care or mental health providers.

In Pennsylvania, there are currently a variety of job opportunities available, ranging from clinical, technical, and administrative roles of all experience levels. These roles in behavioral healthcare all provide the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of children, adolescence, and adults.

Watch this video created by Magellan Behavioral Health of Pennsylvania to learn more about the benefits of working in the behavioral health field.

Discussions about mental health in the Black community shouldn’t be limited to Black History Month in February and BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month in July. The conversations and action steps geared toward providing education, support, and resources require a year-round effort.

A recent article published by the Kaiser Family Foundation, shares that although Black people have made great contributions and achievements in the United States, “they continue to face many health disparities that adversely impact their overall health and well-being,” which have been “exacerbated by impacts of the COVID-pandemic, ongoing racism and discrimination, and police violence against and killings of Black people.”

What impact do these factors have on the mental health of individuals in the BIPOC community? Magellan’s medical director Rakel Beall-Wilkins, M.D., MPH shares her perspectives on depression and suggestions on ways to be supportive.

What is depression and what are some signs or symptoms?

Dr. Beall-Wilkins: Depression is a clinical illness characterized by:

• Prolonged periods of low or sad mood.
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities.
• Changes in appetite, sleep or energy levels.
• Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness.
• Thoughts of death or suicide.

Depression can be caused by medical illness, substance abuse, and stressful social, academic, or occupational situations, but it can also develop more readily in individuals who have a family history of depression or other mental health conditions.

Other signs of depression may include:

• Withdrawing from social activities, relationships, or hobbies.
• Escalating drug or alcohol use.
• Declining self-care in the form of poor personal hygiene and grooming.
• Expressing feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and/or helplessness.
• Neglecting to attend to chronic medical conditions or maintain follow-up with healthcare providers.

How does depression impact individuals in the Black community?

Dr. Beall-Wilkins: As of 2020, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 6% of Black American adults and 12.9% of Black American adolescents experienced a major depressive episode within the last year. Despite increasing levels of depression within the Black community, studies also show that Black Americans are less likely than their White counterparts to receive psychotherapy or medications for their depressive symptoms. This disparity is largely attributed to limited access to healthcare coverage and culturally competent behavioral health providers, as well as pervasive cultural stigma.

Is it possible for someone to experience depression that is triggered by external factors and societal issues, such as violence, police brutality, political unrest, and racism? If so, how?

Dr. Beall-Wilkins: Yes, it is possible for depression to develop as a result of exposure to sociopolitical strife. In fact, during the week following the highly publicized death of George Floyd in May 2020, rates of depression and anxiety spiked from 36 to 41% among Black American respondents to the Census Bureau’s 2020 Household Pulse Survey.

Likewise, a 2018 study published in The Lancet found that police killings of unarmed Black Americans resulted in an increase in poor mental health days among Black American respondents. Though they may not know the victims of these circumstances personally, it is very common for Black Americans to collectively internalize the trauma of these events and feel despair over the possibility that a similar fate could befall them or their close family members and friends. Moreover, the repeated nature of these events can elicit sadness, hopelessness, and fear that things will never change.

What are tips for an individual that recognizes they are showing signs of depression?

Dr. Beall-Wilkins:

• Visit your doctor and seek treatment: Regularly follow up with a primary care provider to ensure there are no untreated or undertreated medical conditions that may contribute to the development or worsening of depressive symptoms.
• Stay connected: Stay connected to close friends, family, and spiritual community for support.
• Diet and exercise play a role: Eat a balanced diet and engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day, three times per week.

Resources:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness’s (NAMI) cultural dimensions website for BIPOC/AAPI communities.
• DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Publishing, Copyright 2013 (American Psychiatric Association) 
• Stanford University 
• Anxiety and Depression Association of America 

Throughout March we’re celebrating National Social Worker Month by recognizing the over 600,000 social workers throughout the country who work tirelessly to solve social issues and improve the lives of individuals. Social workers spend every day improving the quality of someone’s life and continuing to advocate for their patients, which can be emotionally draining work that can often lead to burnout. We’re spotlighting three of Magellan Health’s social workers who each explain why they became social workers, and what is the most rewarding and challenging aspects of working in this field:

• Tara Karbiner, director of clinical services, has been with Magellan for 23 years.

• Margarita Dewalt, LSW, Community HealthChoices care manager, started at Magellan late last year.

• Trisha Dryzga, manager, clinical services, joined Magellan in 2016; has been in current role since 2020.

Continue reading to learn more from Tara, Margarita, and Trisha on their experiences as social workers:

Why did you become a social worker and what is the most rewarding aspect of working in this field? 

Tara: I always wanted to assist people when they were most at need and vulnerable.  I have always enjoyed helping people identify what their needs are and then trying to connect them to the right supports and services to meet those needs.  Making a difference in someone’s life can range from helping provide concrete services to just establishing a supportive relationship with them.    The most rewarding aspect is supporting a person in reaching one of their goals and seeing the impact that has on their life.

Margarita: I became a social worker because I wanted to make a difference or a change in someone’s life for the better. I wanted to be a resource or helping hands for those in need. The most rewarding aspect of being a social worker is seeing the impact that you have, big or small. I also enjoy helping others overcome their mental health and social needs by providing them with coping skills or ability to problem solve to live better lives.

Trisha: I grew up interested in behavioral health. In college I majored in Psychology and minored in Sociology. I had a sociology professor who was an LCSW and had an interesting career path. He talked to me about the possibilities in the social work field which piqued my interest. I went straight to graduate school and obtained my MSW in 2004. I find the work to be challenging and rewarding at the same time. The occasional success stories on both the individual and systems levels make the work rewarding. For my current role I find the teamwork aspect to be very rewarding. I am lucky to work with very caring, compassionate people who believe in their work and who take time to support one another.

What are some challenges you face being a social worker and how do you overcome them? 

Tara: The biggest challenges are the gaps within the system of care to best support people- there are deficiencies across all systems and many people go without the basic supports to reach their potential.  I try to brainstorm, and problem solve multiple solutions to the same issue so that we can pursue many ways to get the needs met.  As a social worker you need to never give up but keep pushing the system and advocating for your members to ensure they have what they need to be successful.

Margarita: A challenges I face being a social worker is often the lack of resources for vulnerable people in need. I hope that we can change this by raising awareness and finding opportunities and resources for providers to be able to provide those additional services, supports or programs.

Trisha: There are many challenges in social work, including having enough resources to meet the needs of the individuals we serve, often hearing and seeing some very difficult cases and constantly advocating for additional resources for those in need. In terms of overcoming these challenges I maintain hope that we can build a better mental health system, with increased flow to allow for everyone to access the right level of care at the right time. On days when it’s hard to hold on to that hope – I practice some extra self-care – go for a walk, read, or spend time with family.

Is there anything you’d like to highlight about working in this field? 

Tara: Social workers are compassionate, creative, persistent, and problem solvers.  At times social workers must take on the burdens of the members they support to allow the member some relief from the daily pressures.

Margarita: Working in the social work field has always challenged me to think outside the box and seek opportunities that could really change an outcome for the better.

Trisha: I think the work we do is very important to our society overall; social workers have an array of roles throughout our communities that assist with treatment and accessing resources.

What does National Social Worker Month mean to you? 

Tara: It is validating to have a month that recognizes many of the unsung heroes working daily to support members.

Margarita: National Social Worker month means that I can be a part of something greater than myself and that itself is so rewarding.

Trisha: It means recognizing the hard work and challenges social workers face every day. It brings awareness to the profession and shows that it is valued in our society.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurological conditions that affect brain development and can lead to challenges with social skills, language and communication, learning and behavior. In the United States, 1 in 44 children is diagnosed with ASD, and two percent of adults are estimated to have ASD.

Autism Awareness Month

Autism Awareness Month, observed annually in April, evolved from the Autism Society of America’s first National Autistic Children’s Week in 1972 and the United Nation’s official observance of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, which highlight the need to improve the quality of life of those with ASD so they can lead full and meaningful lives and be an integral part of society.

How does autism awareness help individuals with ASD?

Autism awareness is knowing an individual has ASD and recognizing the signs and symptoms, such as social communication challenges, restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Awareness can lead to acceptance and help with:

• Improved inclusion for people with autism
• Decreased bullying and exclusion
• Greater support in schools, at home, etc.
• A better understanding of ASD in communities
• Better integration of people with ASD into communities, jobs, etc.

Autism Acceptance Month

Today, Autism Awareness Month has evolved into Autism Acceptance Month. Organized by Paula C. Durbin-Westby, an autistic disability rights activist, Autism Acceptance Day was first observed on April 1, 2011 as a way to counteract negative images of autism prevalent in many autism “awareness” media pieces. Autism Acceptance Day and Autism Acceptance Month quickly became popular in the autistic community. In 2021, the Autism Society formally adopted the name Autism Acceptance Month to foster acceptance and ignite positive change in the lives of those with autism and their families.

How does autism acceptance help individuals with ASD?

Autism acceptance means moving past surface impressions; including individuals with ASD in your activities; and helping them to develop and thrive in the community, and connect with others.
With acceptance from others, individuals with ASD have an easier time navigating life’s everyday challenges without the stress of being judged and ridiculed. Autism acceptance can provide individuals who have ASD:

• Adequate validation of their condition and emotions
• Improved self-acceptance, confidence, and mental health
• Better relationships with peers
• Increased quality of everyday life

This increased sense of self-acceptance and compassion will give individuals with autism more confidence to interact openly with peers, take part in group activities and try new things.

How can I practice autism acceptance and inclusion?

We can all take actionable steps that encourage acceptance and inclusion of individuals with ASD in our communities.

• Diversify your child’s bookshelf. Select books with characters of varying abilities, such as ASD. Reading is an excellent way to engage your child in conversations about acceptance and inclusion of differences from a very young age. Three books that focus specifically on ASD are:
  • A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey–This heartfelt story from the perspective of a boy on the autism spectrum who is on the lookout for a friend who shares, listens, and maybe even likes things to stay the same and all in order, as he does, celebrates the everyday magic of friendship with insight and warmth.
  • A Friend Like Simon by Kate Gaynor–This story is about an autistic child who joins a “typical” classroom and faces many challenges. Young readers will learn how to be mindful of and patient with their autistic peers, while also learning about the many ways an autistic child can contribute to a friendship and community.
  • All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism by Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer–Zane the zebra has autism, and he is worried that his friends and classmates will make fun of his stripes, which make him different. As Zane learns having autism is one of the many things that actually makes him special, your child will relate to Zane and realize they, too, have plenty to be proud of.
• Expand your circle. Expanding your family’s network of friendships and activities to include individuals with different abilities, such as ASD, can provide opportunities for all to connect with and learn from others.
• Focus on strengths, not just challenges. Many individuals with ASD exhibit highly focused interests, such as technology or animals. Inviting them to participate in activities or groups that involve their interests creates pathways for individuals with ASD to form friendships. Focusing on the unique abilities of individuals with ASD strengthens their sense of self and achievement.

How can I learn more about ASD?

You can find free resources that increase awareness, celebrate differences and support inclusion on our Autism Awareness website, including a recording of the Magellan Healthcare and Kyo webinar, “What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and how can it help my family?”

SOURCES:

• Applied Behavioral Analysis Programs Guide
• Autism Center for Kids
• Autistic Self Advocacy Network
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
• Chronicle Books
• Dictionary.com
• National Today
• Texas Children’s Hospital
• United Nations
• USA Today