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April 2023

Apr 19
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On the Road with AFO

By Autism, News

The Autism Foundation of Oklahoma is excited to announce a new statewide outreach and support strategy for 2023.

On the Road with AFO is an opportunity for the AFO team to share resources and support counties throughout the state. We look forward to meeting and highlighting entities in different counties for how they serve Oklahomans with autism and other disabilities. By creating meaningful relationships with local agencies, we aim to help accelerate resource connections and positively impact Oklahoma’s autism population.

Most importantly, AFO looks forward to meeting and learning from families and individuals across the lifespan to better provide needed resources and support in their area of the state.

How can you help?

Currently, AFO is looking for local or state organizations, businesses, schools, daycares, institutions, individuals, support groups, etc., that would be interested in meeting with us in your area of the state. As county Liaisons/Ambassadors, you would help our team learn of and highlight the supports and resources currently available within your community. We also aim to understand how our organization could best support the people and places we visit. We believe gathering information throughout the state can help give each county the voice it deserves.

Are you interested in having AFO visit your county and/or organization/business? We’d love to hear from you!

For more information, please contact Carley Marissa Dummitt at cdummitt@autismfoundationok.org

Apr 05
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Autism Foundation of Oklahoma Partners with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to Make 988 Mobile Crisis Units Sensory-Friendly

By News, Press Release

 For Immediate Release 

Media Contact: Carley Dummitt, Marketing & Community Outreach Coordinator 

Email: cdummitt@autismfoundationok.org 

Phone: 727-366-0947 

Autism Foundation of Oklahoma Partners with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to Make 988 Mobile Crisis Units Sensory-Friendly 

[Oklahoma, City, OK] – The Autism Foundation of Oklahoma (AFO) is proud to announce its partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) to make their 988 mobile crisis units sensory-friendly. With help from a national grant, ODMHSAS has ordered 60 sensory kits for each mobile crisis unit in the state. Additionally, AFO will provide training and technical assistance to ensure that crisis responders are equipped to provide appropriate support for individuals on the autism spectrum. 

Research indicates that autistic individuals without an intellectual disability are seven times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers, and those with an intellectual disability have double the risk. Most alarming, one in five females with autism and ADHD have attempted suicide at least once. These statistics, in conjunction with the CDC’s newest prevalence of 1 in 36 children in the U.S. being on the autism spectrum, demonstrate the need for tailored outreach and services for this population. 

“By making their mobile crisis units sensory-friendly, ODMHSAS is taking an important step towards providing appropriate care for individuals on the autism spectrum during a mental health crisis. AFO is honored to support this effort and applauds Commission Carrie Slatton- Hodges for her forward thinking to improve mental health outcomes for individuals on the autism spectrum,” said Emily Scott, Executive Director of the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma. 

Dr. Crystal Hernandez, ODMHSAS facility Executive Director and national autism expert, states, “Today is yet another moment marking the shift in how we address mental health for our autistic community with co-occurring conditions. I am incredibly proud of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services’ efforts, serving as a leader in integrating care for all needing mental health support and services. With alarming rates of suicide and mental health crisis, we must continue to step forward and serve.” 

The Autism Foundation of Oklahoma’s mission is to improve the quality of life for Oklahomans with autism and their families. AFO’s programs provide education, advocacy, professional development, and individual and family support for Oklahoma’s autism community. To learn more, visit www.autismfoundationok.org. 

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