{"id":228,"date":"2026-07-23T17:28:31","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T17:28:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/indiancountrygrassroots.org\/nfv\/?p=228"},"modified":"2026-07-23T19:40:42","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T19:40:42","slug":"autism2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/indiancountrygrassroots.org\/nfv\/autism2\/","title":{"rendered":"Autism and Gender Diversity (UNM)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Tara Lynn Tsosie<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

July 13, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On July 13, 2026, I attended the NM START Clinical Education Training on Autism and Gender Diversity through the UNM Center for Development and Disability. The training provided an opportunity to learn more about autism, gender diversity, and the experiences that autistic and gender-diverse individuals may face in their families, schools, and communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before attending this training, I had some knowledge of autism and gender diversity, but I realized there was still much more for me to learn. Working in social services, I believe it is important to continue educating myself so that I can better understand the people and families I serve. This training reminded me that every person has their own experiences, strengths, challenges, and needs, and that we should never define someone only by a diagnosis or a label.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the biggest things I took away from the training was the importance of looking at the whole person. When supporting someone with autism or someone who is gender diverse, it is important to understand their strengths, interests, relationships, and individual experiences rather than focusing only on the challenges they may face. A person should be seen for who they are and treated with dignity and respect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The training also helped me think about how difficult it can be for young people who may feel misunderstood or unsupported. Some youth may struggle with anxiety, depression, bullying, isolation, or feeling like they do not belong. When someone does not feel accepted or safe, these challenges can become even more difficult. This made me think about the importance of having supportive families, schools, healthcare providers, mental health professionals, and community members who are willing to listen and learn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another important lesson for me was the need for communication and support systems. Families should not have to navigate these experiences alone. It is important for parents and caregivers to have people they can turn to for information and guidance. Schools and service providers also need to understand how to communicate respectfully with individuals and families and connect them with appropriate resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As someone who works with families in rural and tribal communities, the training also made me think about the barriers that many families face when trying to access services. On the Navajo Nation, families may live many miles away from healthcare providers, mental health services, and specialized programs. Some families may not know where to find information or may have difficulty accessing services because of transportation, limited providers, or a lack of resources in their communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I believe that education needs to reach families where they are. Information about autism, gender diversity, mental health, and suicide prevention should be available in rural communities and presented in ways that families can understand and feel comfortable discussing. It is also important that services are culturally responsive and that providers understand the communities they serve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The training encouraged me to think about resources that could be helpful to families and individuals who may need additional support. Some resources that may be beneficial include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n