The Positivity Spectrum

Shutdown is a type of meltdown. While it may not appear as dramatic to the outside world, to the autistic person, it is every bit as impactful.

Masking isn’t just for autistics. We all are expected to do things or show up a certain way to things.

Autistics have their limits.

Eye contact is hard for autistics. But expected in neurotypical conversation.

Senses are heightened in autistics. But senses can also be diminished. It is a delicate dance.

When I watch Jacob talk passionately about a YouTuber or tell me a story for the 473748th time, I have to remind myself that passion and autism go together. And that being passionate is never a bad thing. Passion makes us who we are.

Meet our newest board member Renee Stromski! We are thrilled to have her on our team. With her background in social work and her practice as a special education attorney, she is going to be an integral part of our Legal Clinic and TPS services as we approach the one year anniversary of our founding. Renee Stromski is a passionate disability rights advocate. With a background in psychology and social work, Renee approaches her legal practice with empathy, creativity, and a deep commitment to ensuring students with disabilities receive the services and support they need to thrive. As a Special Education Attorney at Abdnour Weiker, LLP, she represents students across Ohio in matters ranging from IEP advocacy to systemic complaints, ensuring that schools are held accountable and that students with disabilities have meaningful access to learning and support. She is also certified to serve as a surrogate parent for students with disabilities through Ohio’s State Support Team Region 3. Renee earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology in 2016 and her Master of Social Work in 2018 from Nazareth University. During graduate school, she participated in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program, which inspired her to attend law school to strengthen her voice as an advocate. Renee graduated magna cum laude from Cleveland State University College of Law in 2021 and was awarded the Dean's "Learn Law. Live Justice." award for her commitment to public service. Outside of work, Renee and her certified therapy dog, Finley, volunteer at local libraries, community colleges, after-school programs for LGBTQ+ youth, and preschool programs for toddlers with disabilities, fostering connection, comfort, and inclusion for individuals of all abilities and backgrounds. For more about our board, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/dagCXUBi

Sound advice on challenging the. Communication barrier between autistics and neurotypicals.

Exciting Announcement! Our team has been diligently crafting a new initiative! Beginning in August 2025, we will start providing complimentary legal aid to eligible families. By collaborating with law students from nearby schools, autism specialists, local lawyers, and numerous others, we aim to offer IEP advocacy and special needs trust services to those requiring support. In today's world, this mission holds greater significance than ever as too many autistic children are missing out on the essential support services they need and are legally entitled to. We urge you to join our movement, contribute, volunteer your time and efforts, as we will require all the assistance and backing possible to successfully launch this program!

Conversation is difficult. The end.