Episode 4 - Dena Gassner, PhD - Advocacy, Inclusion and Internalized Autism

As the conversation around autism gets mainstreamed, some people become more understanding when they recognize stereotypical behaviors in public, but what happens when autism is not as noticeable from the outside?  Dr. Dena Gassner shares what many families experience, simultaneously navigating school systems for her autistic child (who presented in a more classic way and diagnosed early) while also integrating her own diagnosis (which came much later due to the internalizing nature of her autism). Dena shares the three stages a person goes through when they receive a late diagnosis, the importance of learning how to advocate for your sensory needs, and the disappointment of having your behaviors misunderstood just because you don’t present as expected externally. Dena shares valuable insights on the IACC and what is most important to focus on when forging the road ahead for autism research, services, policy, and support. LINKS: Connect with Dr. Dena Gassner Join the Center for Understanding Facebook group Learn More: AJ Drexel Autism Institute’s Social Connections and Treatment LabInteragency Autism Coordinating CommitteeJordan Zimmerman’s CommunicationFIRST