The Voice of an Advocate is the Voice of a Guiding Light.
Be Inspired! Read About Our Advocates.
Farrah Rios, Parent Advocate
As a parent to a child who is on the autism spectrum, I have spent most of my child’s life navigating the resources and systems in place to support his special needs. My son was diagnosed at 2.5 years old with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) within the early intervention program. I pride myself in being my son’s fiercest advocate and it is a mission of mine to share the information I’ve learned through the years with other parents. In addition to helping to empower other parents I think that I have a lot of valuable experiences to share with professionals that work with those with ASD about where certain improvements can be made. From having my initial concerns dismissed by his doctor, to being told by the first dentist I took him to, that they could not work with a child like him, as well as encountering nurses during a time that he was hospitalized that did not understand anything about ASD or how to best work with my son, there have been too many times that I’ve come across medical professionals who were not adequately informed about this particular diagnosis. Being a long-term trainee in the Downstate LEND program allows me the opportunity to share my experiences as well as learn from other professionals and I believe that being part of the NYSABA community will allow me to do the same in an extended capacity.
As a parent to a child who is on the autism spectrum, I have spent most of my child’s life navigating the resources and systems in place to support his special needs. My son was diagnosed at 2.5 years old with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) within the early intervention program. I pride myself in being my son’s fiercest advocate and it is a mission of mine to share the information I’ve learned through the years with other parents. In addition to helping to empower other parents I think that I have a lot of valuable experiences to share with professionals that work with those with ASD about where certain improvements can be made. From having my initial concerns dismissed by his doctor, to being told by the first dentist I took him to, that they could not work with a child like him, as well as encountering nurses during a time that he was hospitalized that did not understand anything about ASD or how to best work with my son, there have been too many times that I’ve come across medical professionals who were not adequately informed about this particular diagnosis. Being a long-term trainee in the Downstate LEND program allows me the opportunity to share my experiences as well as learn from other professionals and I believe that being part of the NYSABA community will allow me to do the same in an extended capacity.
Kristin Thatcher, Self-Advocate
My name is Kristin Thatcher. I am 33 years old. I was diagnosed with autism when I was 16 years old. I enjoy reading, listening to music, dancing, camping, hiking, writing and so much more. At this time, I am a D.S.P which is a Direct support professional, I work with the governor’s office on a special committee for autism. I am a self-advocate and a lobbyist fighting for change and bring attention to areas that concern autism and the disabled community.
My name is Kristin Thatcher. I am 33 years old. I was diagnosed with autism when I was 16 years old. I enjoy reading, listening to music, dancing, camping, hiking, writing and so much more. At this time, I am a D.S.P which is a Direct support professional, I work with the governor’s office on a special committee for autism. I am a self-advocate and a lobbyist fighting for change and bring attention to areas that concern autism and the disabled community.
© COPYRIGHT 2017. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.