by The future of neurodiversity and neurodiversity-affirming care was the topic of a conference hosted over the weekend by Mentoring Autistic Minds, a local nonprofit organization that advocates for a nation that values neurodiversity.
Both autistic and non-autistic thinkers from a range of organizations with neurodiversity-friendly histories attended the conference, which was held at the Balboa Park Club. Academic researchers offered their findings and strategies for delivering more affirming care, while neurodivergent people shared their experiences.
Because neurodiversity is making headlines once more. Sharing the viewpoints of neurodivergent people is more crucial now than it has ever been. Furthermore, sharing research on neurodiversity-affirming treatment is more crucial than ever, Mentoring Autistic Minds noted on Instagram, elucidating the rationale behind the conference’s subject.
David Rivera, a current University of California, Berkeley undergraduate, started Mentoring Autistic Minds in 2022. Rivera is studying in political science with the goal of becoming a lawyer and starting a practice that represents students who are neurodivergent.
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Although the first Minds Conference took place in 2024, Mentoring Autistic Minds frequently offers workshops, dinner parties, and group meetings.
Speakers at the conference on Saturday included Dr. Lawrence Fung from Stanford, Elena Tiffany from Disability Voices United, Edward Huang from Mentoring Autistic Minds, Andrea Davis, a psychologist on the clinical advisory board of Positive Development, Teresa Girolamo, an assistant professor at San Diego State University, and Martin Slyngstad, the founder of Spirit Autism.
The conference tackles the urgent need to unite community people, families, and scholars. Girolamo stated in a statement that it was a pleasure to present at the conference, particularly as an autism researcher who has been diagnosed with autism.
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Huang shared his experience as a premed student with autism as part of a speech that explored what it’s like to be neurodivergent. Instead than addressing autistic behavior, Slyngstad promoted a shift away from care that represses it.
Researchers also presented their results. Girolamo talked about the significance of taking the lead from autistic individuals and families, while Fung examined the distinct advantages that neurodivergent minds offer rather than their drawbacks.
During the conference, U.S. Representative Scott Peters also gave virtual remarks.
