JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC) invites self-advocates of developmental disabilities, advocates and anyone interested in learning more to online discussions with autism self-advocate J.R. Reed at 3 p.m. CT Monday, May 16 and 3 p.m. CT Monday, May 23. This is a two-part “Learning with MODDC” Zoom webinar series. J.R. Reed is also a cognitive behavioral therapist and certified life coach.
Understanding Neurodiversity, Neurodivergence and the Medical Model
Monday, May 16, 2022 at 3 p.m. CT
Those interested in attending, should register in advance here: bit.ly/ReedMay16
Disabled or Dis-Abled? How our Environment and Choices Affect Us Daily
Monday, May 23, 2022 at 3 p.m. CT
Those interested in attending, should register in advance here: bit.ly/ReedMay23
Reed is a late-diagnosed autism self-advocate who spent his first 45 years as a square peg forced into a round hole. Since being diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, now Autism Spectrum Disorder, he has taken his freelance writing career of more than 20 years and focused on autism and developmental disabilities.
Known for a casual interactive style of speaking, Reed shares his experiences of growing up without an autism spectrum, as autism as it is known today was not diagnosed until a decade after he graduated high school.
Reed champions Autism Acceptance, wants true Neurodiversity to become a reality and works with transitioning families and late diagnosed adults.
Reed writes for Medium, The Mighty, Different Brains, and other publications. His weekly live podcast, Mental Health Happy Hour Live, looks at mental health from a positive perspective, and his YouTube show, Not Weird Just Autistic looks at the realities of living as an autistic person today. Reed, along with co-host Toni Boucher, host a monthly live stream, Living an Authentic Life in 2022, on the first Friday of every month.
The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC) is a federally-funded, 23-member, consumer-driven council appointed by the Governor. Its mandate under P.L. 106-402, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, is to assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have access to needed community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity and integration in all aspects of community life. To learn more or to get involved, visit www.moddcouncil.org.