Episode #164: Accepting Different Opinions About Autism with Rachel Stotts

*Alexa play Get Along by Kenny Chesney*

Rachel Stotts wrote the article, Accepting Different Opinions About Autism in the Nov/Dec issue of ASHA Leader. It is bright positive energy in a space that really needs it. She is an SLP and a mother of 4.  Rachel’s passion for autism is so important professionally and personally, as she has her adult autistic son at home. 

Rachel shares her thoughts on the controversy surrounding the autism puzzle piece. For her, autism is a puzzle—figuring out all the right support, services, and needs. When it comes to different opinions and information, she reminds us to listen, stay informed, and evaluate based on our values and knowledge.  One person, one therapy, one anything—it just doesn’t work in the autism population. 

There is always someone offended, a trending opinion, or a hot button topic. So how do we navigate all of the information and opinions online and on social media? 

-Remember who you are in this industry for: It’s not about likes and validation; it’s about making a difference in the child’s life.
-Be cautious about the content you’re consuming.
-Find community away from negative online spaces.

Unfortunately, not everyone is going to see eye to eye on interventions, but as long as we support people and the people supporting the people, we can find positivity and make a difference!

#autism #speechtherapy

Today’s Guest:

Rachel Stotts is an Associate Professor and Clinical Supervisor in the Speech Language Hearing Sciences department at Minnesota State University, Moorhead (MSUM). She has been a speech-language pathologist for 27 years and earned her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from MSUM in 1998. She has presented at the local, state, and regional levels on several topics related to autism spectrum disorders and engaging college students with individuals with special needs. Rachel is also a mom of four, three girls, and a son. Her son Reese is diagnosed with intractable epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, and global developmental delays. He is 29 and lives at home with Rachel and her husband, Rick.

What’s Inside:

• ASHA Leader Article: Accepting Different Opinions About Autism by Rachel Stotts.
• Thoughts on the Autism Puzzle Piece.
• How to navigate online information.
• Finding support from negative spaces.

Mentioned In This Episode

• ABA SPEECH Connection Membership
• Join the bootcamp here

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