Author: Dr. Leah Phaneuf

Approximately 1 in 54 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and as many as 1 in 4 adults has some form of disability. Regardless of whether a person has a hidden or physically visible disability, societal barriers continue to exist, preventing successful inclusion of all. Heather: “Inclusion…it’s a neurotypical problem that became my problem. If I don’t fit in, as I am supposed to, I put a giant target on my back. It’s exhausting.” Heather’s Mom: “I have often felt that my ‘ask’ of society…