Are you a parent or an individual who’s facing the challenges of aging, with autism in the mix? What about the continual navigation of the ever-changing systems of healthcare and support services? Are you finding it challenging to stay socially and mentally active in the community? You are invited to listen to our guests, as they share their knowledge and insights about themselves or their loved ones with autism, and their journey of navigating life and all the challenges associated with aging.

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Have you ever experienced bullying? Do you remember how you felt? Our latest podcast focuses on bullying towards people with autism and IDD, which is often subtle and may go unnoticed. Our guests discuss several red flags to look for such as emotional changes, withdrawal, physical marks, and shifts in daily routines. Being able to recognize bullying is not always easy for those with autism and IDD. Take a few minutes to listen to the conversation, and learn the necessary steps to navigate the challenges associated with bullying, while building resilience.

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Here’s an idea! Select an activity that you enjoy and carve out a window of time in your day to do it. When you do this, you are allowing yourself to slow down and check in on yourself. Once you are done, you will feel refreshed! Now you are ready to continue with your day. What is this practice? It’s called self-care! It is a simple thing to do daily, and it will provide benefits on many levels. However, reality is that we live in a competitive world that forces us to constantly keep busy. We have turned a simple practice into an overly complicated thing. In truth, it’s incredibly easy to master the practice of self-care. A great way to get started on your self-care journey is by listening to this episode of Autism Conversations, as we speak with three guests on how they maintain a regular practice of self-care in an overly busy culture. Let’s begin!

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We are proud to share this podcast with you, as it provides insight into the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Program for the state of New Mexico. The conversation focuses on how this program has expanded trainees’ knowledge and experience regarding public policy, legislative advocacy and so much more even beyond graduation. The shared purpose of graduates is to continue to make a valuable advancement in advocacy. This podcast essentially highlights how graduates of the LEND Program go on to make a difference in their community. If you are interested in participating in this life-changing program and you live outside of New Mexico, there are 60 LEND programs in the United States. We encourage you to seek a LEND program near you!

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New Mexico LEND Flyer

During this conversation, you will learn about the foundation and history of the New Mexico Access to Behavioral Health for Children Program (NM-ABC). In 2004, it was recognized that there was a massive shortage of pediatric mental healthcare specialists in the country and, specifically, the State of New Mexico. The staff of NM-ABC has been incredibly effective in making a difference. The discussion includes how the NM-ABC staff offers consultations, training and resources, which connect primary care providers with specialists that are experts in the field of mental healthcare. There are 49 of these state programs, two tribal nation programs, five U.S. territory programs and one in Canada. Our hope is that pediatricians from all over the world are able to connect with their own version of this network of Pediatric Mental Healthcare access programs. We are confident that you will agree that your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

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NM-ABC Consultation Service Flyer

NM-ABC Training and Professional Development Flyer

This conversation focuses on numerous ways to support people with disabilities to have access to voting, which is a privilege for all Americans. Enjoy the conversation while learning about the ease of registering to vote, absentee ballot requirements, and accommodations that have been made available online through the local Poll Workers’ guide. Many accommodations were discussed in detail including adaptive voting machines, curbside voting, and transportation to the polls. Specific requirements have also been made available to ensure that voters have privacy and autonomy. All of these amenities are provided so that everybody can insert their ballot to be read and counted. Remember that your voice matters and your vote counts!

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How to Vote in New Mexico

Voting Resources

What do you do if you or a loved one with autism and other mental health needs comes across a situation that is we talk with the lead team of New Mexico START. A New Mexico evidence-based, community crisis prevention and intervention service that provides the necessary supports for individuals to successfully manage challenging life experiences due to mental health conditions.

Join us as we go in-depth with the team’s backstory on what they do to provide services in the disability community. Get personal insights and successes they have encountered through NM START. We believe this conversation will encourage you to reach out if you need a strong support system.

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NM START Referral Flyer

This is a special recording of a panel discussion of the Imagine Autism Virtual Workshop that focused on Adult Life, which was hosted by the Autism Programs at the UNM Center for Development and Disability. Six autistic adults share their own experiences about their diagnosis of autism; life with friends, family and general social relationships. The conversation touches on employment and housing, and what would have been helpful to know when younger.