Jules Edwards

Autism advocacy prioritizes inclusion, but what does real inclusion mean for a diverse community? Often, inclusion means we are welcome to join existing spaces while leaving our identities at the door. We'll explore how we can foster an inclusive community that honors our differences, including embracing the intersections of race, ethnicity, nationality, LGBTQIA+ identity, and co-occurring disabilities. The best part of neurodiversity is the diversity!

Employment is a relationship-based endeavor. Any company's greatest asset is the people who are investing their time and energy in working towards the company's goals. A culture of inclusion is an investment into those work relationships.

Culturally responsive care includes designing and adapting support to meet the needs of diverse communities. Predominant treatment methodologies are rooted in a worldview that may be incompatible with many cultures, and may even replicate historical traumas. This session examines how we can integrate Indigenous knowledge (referencing a Relational Worldview) with modern support strategies to develop culturally responsive and comprehensive supports for young autistics. By sharing cultural values alongside collaborative problem-solving strategies, attendees will learn to integrate concepts that honor the people they serve and effectively support learning and behavior difficulties.