Apr 05

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 Carley Dummitt News, Press Release No Comments

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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Mar 14

Love0

By Carley Dummitt News No Comments

Understanding Disabilities in American Indian & Alaska Native Communities.

AFO board member Crystal Hernandez, Psy.D., MBA, worked with the National Council on Aging Inc. (NICOA) to update their toolkit “Understanding Disabilities: In American Indian & Alaska Native Communities”.

The toolkit — “Understanding Disabilities: In American Indian & Alaska Native Communities” — contains information about disabilities, tribes and resources. You will find suggestions for improving services, providing protections, and utilizing resources in local tribal communities for people with disabilities.

https://www.nicoa.org/programs/technical-assistance-and-resource-center/disabilities/

Mar 08

Love0

The Autism Foundation of Oklahoma Provides Autism Training for CASA in Ada

By Carley Dummitt News, Press Release No Comments

Media Contact:

Carley Dummitt

Marketing & Community Outreach Coordinator

Autism Foundation of Oklahoma

Email: cdummitt@autismfoundationok.org

Phone: 727-366-0947

[Oklahoma City, OK] – The Autism Foundation of Oklahoma (AFO) is providing autism training for the 22nd Judicial District CASA in Ada, OK, on March 9^th.

During the training, CASA volunteers will learn about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including the latest research, common characteristics, interaction advice, and how to utilize AFO’s sensory kits.

“At CASA, the children we advocate for have experienced trauma and may have other conditions such as autism. Learning as much as possible about the issues these children may deal with can help educate us on how to advocate for them more effectively. It’s often difficult for a doctor to diagnose a child’s behavioral issues because trauma, such as PTSD, and autism symptoms often mimic each other or are interconnected. It takes a deeper awareness of autism, types of trauma, and what triggers behaviors for a CASA Volunteer to make sound recommendations to the Court and DHS.”

AFO’s mission is to improve the lives of Oklahomans with autism and their families. The nonprofit provides autism training to professionals of all types in Oklahoma, including healthcare providers, childcare workers, employers, and justice system professionals.

“We are thrilled to partner with CASA in Ada to provide this training,” said Chandee Kott, Public Health and Safety Program Director for AFO. “Our goal is to provide education, resources, and support for individuals and families affected by autism. This training is just one way we can positively impact our community.”

For more information about the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma, please visit www.autismoklahomaok.org.

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