Current Initiatives
Find out more about our current community outreach and support initiatives below. We look forward to adding more opportunities soon!
Social Justice and Self-Advocacy in Mental Health Services Webinar
Friday, April 18
Noon - 1:15 P.M. EDT
Virtual via Zoom
Join us for an insightful webinar with Taylor Underwood as she delves into the diverse presentations of autism. Taylor will discuss neurodiversity-affirming language and address unique social justice concerns impacting the autistic community, including perceptions of stimming, masking, and expressions of empathy. Additionally, she will explore mental health issues such as trauma, depression, and suicidality, offering strategies for autistic individuals to self-advocate within mental health services.
This webinar is hosted by the Neurodiversity Coalition in honor of Autism Empowerment Month.
No cost, but registration is required.
Taylor (she/her) is a 4th-year doctoral candidate in Counseling Psychology at Indiana University. She is a neurodivergent student, researcher, counselor, and instructor. As a senior member of the CARAFE Lab at IU, Taylor’s research interests include gender disparities in diagnosis and neurodiversity-affirming clinical practices. Her clinical interests include neurodivergence in adulthood, trauma, anxiety, counselor training and education, and intersecting cultural identities.
Students on the Spectrum (SOS) Club and Faculty/Staff on the Spectrum (FSOS) Group
The Indiana Resource Center for Autism at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community sponsors two groups on the Bloomington campus of Indiana University: Students on the Spectrum (SOS) and Faculty/Staff on the Spectrum (FSOS).
All Indiana University students, faculty, or staff who identify as Autistic are welcome. These are primarily self-directed groups that help individuals stay socially connected, become effective self-advocates, and explore supports and activities on campus and in the community. Events are scheduled with club members only, and in conjunction with the Neurodiversity Coalition and the College Internship Program. SOS and FSOS are not counseling programs.
The Students on the Spectrum (SOS) Club will be taking a break for the summer. Meetings will resume in the fall, and we'll share more details once future meeting dates are scheduled. Have a great summer!
Future meeting details will be shared soon!
Caregiver Support Group Virtual Meetings
The former Hoosier Moms Support Group will continue through the summer under a new name: Caregivers Support Group. Join us to connect, share, and find support within a welcoming community. All Hoosier caregivers of Autistic children and adults are welcome!
Meetings will be held on virtually on the first Wednesday of each month at 12:00 P.M. Eastern.
Upcoming Meeting Dates:
- May 7
- June 4
- July 2
- August 6
The virtual meeting link will be shared closer to each meeting date.
Neurodiversity Coalition at Indiana University
We are excited to partner with the Neurodiversity Coalition, a student group at Indiana University Bloomington. Their mission is “to promote and foster a culture of inclusivity for neurodivergent individuals on the university campus and within the greater community.”
For more information, view the Neurodiversity Coalition Padlet.
Parent Listerv
Our parent listserv is an email listserv where we share information, resources, and tips specifically geared toward parents/caregivers of Autistic individuals. If you are interested in being added to our listserv, please contact us.
Accommodations
The Indiana Institute on Disability and Community is committed to providing equal access to this event for all participants. If you have questions about accessibility or have a request for alternative formats or other accommodations, please contact IRCA at irca@indiana.edu or 812-855-6508. The deadline for accommodation requests is three weeks prior to the meeting/event/workshop in question.