Latest news with #ASD
Business Wire
3 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Chris Bryant Named Acorn Health's Senior Vice President of Client Acquisition and Marketing
CORAL GABLES, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Acorn Health, a leading national provider of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), has welcomed Chris Bryant as senior vice president of client acquisition and marketing. 'Chris is a recognized leader in driving record-setting growth and his strong background as a leader in healthcare will enable him to make important contributions to Acorn Health.' Share In this role, Bryant leads national growth and outreach efforts, combining his operational expertise with a personal passion for supporting families. He also oversees marketing operations and Acorn Health's admissions team. 'Chris is a recognized leader in driving record-setting growth and his strong background as a leader in healthcare will enable him to make important contributions to Acorn Health,' said Krista Orellana (Boe), M.A., BCBA, executive vice president of growth and chief clinical officer of Acorn Health. 'He brings a deep personal connection to his work and a strong commitment to expanding access to high-quality care, and we are thrilled to have him with us.' Bryant is a healthcare growth leader with more than 20 years of experience in sales operations, business development and marketing across the post-acute care space, with a focus on pediatric services. He has led growth initiatives, process improvements, business development and value-based care initiatives in previous leadership roles at Amedisys, Gentiva, and Aveanna Healthcare. He holds a bachelor's degree in public and therapeutic recreation from Georgia Southern University. 'I knew after a few conversations with Acorn Health's leadership team that this was a group of people who truly live their mission every day,' said Bryant. 'As a proud parent of a child on the autism spectrum, the opportunity to lead our growth efforts and support other families on their journey was a dream come true. It is the greatest responsibility of my career, and I am eager to support Acorn Health as we connect more communities with the best clinical care in the ABA space.' Along with Bryant's appointment, Acorn Health announces the following senior leadership promotions to drive innovation in autism care nationwide: Krista Orellana (Boe), M.A., BCBA, has been named executive vice president of growth and chief clinical officer. In this role, she leads initiatives to drive overall census growth, strengthen payer relationships and support inclusive access to services across Acorn Health. Orellana joined the organization in 2015 and previously served as chief clinical and compliance officer and clinical director of Northern Michigan operations. She has served on the Michigan Autism Council since 2018 and has been recognized twice as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Michigan by Women We Admire. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and biology from Central Michigan University and a master's degree in applied behavior analysis from Western Michigan University. Scott Semmel has been named senior vice president of payer relations. In this role, he focuses on aligning payer engagement with clinical access and organizational goals. Semmel joined Acorn Health in early 2025 as vice president of payer relations. He serves on the board of directors for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley and as public policy committee chair for the Pennsylvania Homecare Association. He holds a bachelor's degree in biology from DeSales University. About Acorn Health: Acorn Health is accredited by the Autism Commission on Quality and offers both center-based and in-home services nationwide in more than 70 centers located throughout Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia. Founded in 2018, Acorn is committed to providing industry-leading quality clinical care through applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy to give children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) the opportunity to live more independent and meaningful lives. Cases of ASD are on the rise; according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 31 children is living with ASD. ABA therapy, a program endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General, provides individualized plans for each patient based on agreed upon clear, measurable goals with the child's family. Acorn Health uses its proprietary Behavioral Health Index to measure success in ways that are easily understood by families, clinicians and educators. To learn more about Acorn Health, visit and to learn about career opportunities, visit To inquire about ABA therapy at Acorn Health, please call 844.244.1818.
Time Business News
6 hours ago
- Health
- Time Business News
'Clara's Universe': Amanda Brandão's Project Humanizes Spaces for Children with ADHD
Before becoming a project, Clara's Universe was a feeling. It was childhood, it was a challenge, and it was the attempt to find comfort amidst chaos. Created by architect Amanda Brandão during her undergraduate studies, the work carries more than just technical expertise—it carries the memory of a girl who couldn't organize her own room but gradually came to understand that space can be a form of support for those living with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Diagnosed in childhood with both ADHD and GAD, Amanda faced challenges early on that went beyond hyperactivity or trouble focusing. There was also a constant feeling of internal disorganization, reflected in the room she lived in. 'Although the room was beautiful, new, recently renovated—and even painted entirely pink, just like I wanted—I still had a hard time feeling at home there. It wasn't about a lack of care. In fact, my mother applied several ADHD-related methodologies with me, both in my studies and behavior. But when it came to the physical space, everything was still very new. At that time, there was hardly any talk about architectural interventions aimed at children with ADHD or anxiety. There was a lack of understanding about how the environment itself could be a tool for support—and this discovery eventually became the starting point for my project.' This personal insight became the foundation for her final graduation project, which resulted in Clara's Universe —a design that not only incorporates the principles of neuroarchitecture but also engages with psychology and pedagogy professionals to deeply understand what a neurodivergent child needs in everyday life. The project proposes a playful, sensorially balanced, and functional children's environment, where every design choice has a purpose: from a color palette that avoids visual overload to customized furniture that promotes autonomy. Features like organizing niches, clear separations between play and rest areas, and soft transition spaces help create an atmosphere of safety and predictability—essentials for children with ADHD, ASD, and GAD. But perhaps the project's greatest strength lies in its origin. By looking into her own story, Amanda was able to translate subjective experiences into objective design solutions. 'Clara, the character who gives the project its name, is a symbolic representation of many girls like me. Children who want to express themselves but don't know how. Who need structure but find no support in their surroundings,' she explains. The choice of the name 'Clara' was also intentional. It refers to light—to the idea of making visible what often goes unnoticed—such as a child's difficulty in dealing with excessive stimuli or the lack of structure within their own room. More than just an academic exercise, Clara's Universe became a kind of personal and professional manifesto. It marks the beginning of Amanda's journey as an architect focused on child-centered care and has become the conceptual foundation for the projects she now develops. 'This work showed me that it's possible to turn pain into purpose. That I can use my own experience as a tool for listening and empathizing with other families,' she says. Today, Amanda Brandão develops projects that combine aesthetics, functionality, and emotional sensitivity, always with a keen awareness of children's emotional and behavioral needs. With a background that blends technical specialization and strong personal motivation, she advocates for architecture that not only organizes spaces but also offers emotional and psychological support. Clara's Universe remains a reference and inspiration—a reminder that well-designed environments can be more than beautiful—they can be therapeutic, inclusive, and transformative. To follow more projects and learn about the architect's work, follow @ on Instagram or contact her at amandamellobrandao@ TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Forbes
11 hours ago
- Health
- Forbes
Sex Offenders With Autism Face Obstacles In Federal Prison
Autism and Prison Incarceration is challenging for most individuals, but it poses unique and often severe hardships for those with mental health conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). For inmates with sex offense convictions, the prison environment is particularly hostile, marked by frequent bullying, social isolation, and even physical violence. When an individual has both ASD and a sex offense conviction, the combination can be profoundly damaging—amounting to a near-constant psychological assault on someone who may struggle to fully comprehend their offense or the intense hostility they face behind bars. Although the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) formally recognizes ASD as a condition, it lacks specialized programs or staff training tailored to the needs of this population. Inmates with ASD are subject to the same disciplinary rules and expected to conform to the same social dynamics as neurotypical individuals. Many with ASD have spent their lives struggling to fit in, and within the rigid, unforgiving structure of prison, that struggle becomes even more isolating and painful. Prison Culture Prisons in the United States are often informally segregated along lines of race, geographic background, religion, criminal history, and whether an inmate cooperated with authorities. While this division can partly be attributed to people gravitating toward those with similar backgrounds, inmates convicted of sex offenses face a deeper, more severe form of exclusion. They are systematically barred from participating in many aspects of prison life and are often subjected to open hostility and contempt. This widespread animosity presents ongoing challenges for prison management and raises serious concerns about the safety and well-being of those in BOP's custody. Sex offenders make up a substantial portion of the federal prison population—approximately 13.6%, or over 19,000 individuals—ranking just behind those convicted of drug and weapons offenses. Despite their numbers, the BOP does not house them separately from the general population, making peaceful coexistence critical. Many legal professionals recommend that such individuals request placement at facilities offering Sex Offender Management Programs (SOMPs), even if they don't intend to participate, simply for the relative safety provided by 'strength in numbers.' Still, this strategy offers no guarantee against harassment, extortion, or abuse. I spoke to attorney Elizabeth Kelley who specializes in defending those with mental disabilities. She told me that BOP is confronted by major issues when dealing with inmates on the spectrum. First, many inmates on the spectrum may be undiagnosed so their behavior and vulnerabilities are inexplicable even to themselves. This is particularly true of inmates who are middle age and older because the diagnostic tools were not as sophisticated during their childhoods. Kelley pointed out that some of these defendants may not even know their diagnosis with no mention of it in their Presentence Report relied upon by judges to formulate a sentence. Kelley said, 'Because they are undiagnosed, there is likely no mention of their ASD at sentencing and their lawyer could not argue for appropriate placement and accommodations at sentencing. A correction officer may sense that an inmate is different but the reason is not apparent. Hence, ASD is often called an 'invisible disability.'' Show Me Your Papers In federal prison, there is no official system for identifying inmates by the nature of their crimes. In fact, inmates are prohibited from possessing their Presentence Report—the document prepared by U.S. Probation that outlines the details of their offense. There is also no obligation for inmates to disclose their convictions. Nevertheless, upon arrival at a facility, new inmates are often pressured by others to 'show their papers,' a practice used to determine where they fall within the informal social hierarchy of the prison. Two groups are consistently placed at the bottom: individuals who have cooperated with authorities (so-called 'snitches') and those convicted of sex offenses. Sex offenders face immediate social exclusion. They are barred from communal activities such as watching television, one of the few available recreational outlets. They are often required to sit at designated tables in the dining hall and may only interact with other inmates within their group, or only when spoken to by someone outside of the group. Though these rules are not written or official, they are strictly enforced by fellow inmates. Additional restrictions may include limited access to showers or restrooms and being forced to eat or recreate at specific times. Many are subjected to extortion, coerced into depositing funds into others' commissary accounts under threat of violence and assault. In Prison With ASD It is not fair to assume that those with ASD are more prone to being convicted of sex offenses or any other crime. That is simply not true nor founded by any scientific study. However, those with ASD who do commit these crimes have a more difficult time adapting to prison than those who do not. People with ASD may struggle with understanding social cues, interpreting tone or intent, and adapting to unspoken rules—all of which are critical for navigating inmate hierarchies and avoiding conflict. Their behaviors, such as limited eye contact, repetitive motions, or rigid routines, may be misinterpreted by others as defiance, disrespect, or oddity, potentially leading to bullying or violence. Communication difficulties can hinder their ability to advocate for themselves or respond appropriately to orders from staff, increasing the risk of disciplinary action. Additionally, the sensory overload of prison—loud noises, lack of privacy, harsh lighting—can be overwhelming and contribute to heightened anxiety or meltdowns. The lack of specialized mental health support or ASD-specific accommodations within most prison systems further isolates these individuals, making incarceration especially traumatic and destabilizing for them. Inmates who feel threatened in the general population may request placement in Protective Custody (PC) to safeguard themselves. This typically involves being moved to the Special Housing Unit (SHU)—a section of the prison designed primarily for those facing disciplinary action or pending investigations. Unfortunately, inmates in protective custody are subjected to the same restrictive conditions as those being punished: they are confined to their cells nearly 24 hours a day, allowed only one 15-minute phone call per month, permitted to shower only a few times per week, and given minimal access to recreation. Despite being a protective measure, the experience is often indistinguishable from punitive isolation. If returning to the general population proves unsafe, the inmate may be transferred to another facility. This cycle frequently repeats itself, leaving the inmate vulnerable in each new environment. Over time, they may end up incarcerated far from family and support systems as options for safer placements close to home diminish. Families Suffer I spoke with Shawn Barrera-Leaf who is the Executive Director for United Voices for Sex Offense Reform, a group who advocates for fair sentencing and protection of sex offenders in custody. Barrera-Leaf told me, 'Parents, who have helped their child overcome the bullying and isolation of childhood, often feel helpless when they go to bed each night knowing that their son is living in fear and could be on the receiving end of abuses in prison.' There are stories of new inmates who report to prison and are told by BOP staff that it is not safe to go on the yard if they know the general population is not friendly to sex offenders. The inmate is placed in protective custody, SHU, and will sit until they can be sent to another institution, a process that can take months to complete. While movement brings the hope of safety, it also takes a toll on families who wait for word on the conditions of the next prison. Attorney Kelley has worked with many of these families and told me, 'Families of convicted sex offenders are often terrified for their loved ones' safety. Sex offenders are at the bottom of the food chain in prison and a constant target.' The BOP's Position The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) classifies individuals with sex offense convictions using a Public Safety Factor (PSF) designation, which automatically excludes them from placement in minimum-security camps—the lowest custody level. While the BOP employs a point-based system to determine appropriate placement, sex offenders are assigned a PSF regardless of their score. As a result, even those who would otherwise qualify for a camp based on low security points are placed in Low security institutions, representing a significant increase in custody level and restrictions. In addition to finding safe housing limitations, the BOP imposes communication restrictions on many sex offenders. One such restriction is limited or denied access to CorrLinks, the BOP's monitored email system. Advocates like Barrera-Leaf have pushed for change, emphasizing that family contact is vital for inmate well-being and reentry. In correspondence with the BOP, Barrera-Leaf noted that restricting email access "… severely hampers communication for Adults in Custody already struggling with the challenges of incarceration." CorrLinks offers a basic messaging platform that does not support hyperlinks or attachments but is still a crucial tool for staying connected. With phone calls capped at 300 minutes per month and limited to 15 minutes per session, sex offenders who lack email access are left with few options to maintain ties with their families and communities—relationships proven to be essential for rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. As to the unequal treatment of sex offenders in its prisons, Donald Murphy with the BOP's Office of Public Affairs provided a statement, 'As a general matter, the BOP takes seriously our duty to protect all individuals entrusted to our custody, as well as maintain the safety of correctional employees and the community. As part of that obligation, we review safety protocols and implement corrective actions when identified as necessary in those reviews to ensure that our mission of operating safe, secure, and humane facilities is fulfilled.' Judges Recognize the Problem Joshua Fields was an inmate in federal prison who believed he had been incorrectly classified as a sex offender. Life behind bars was pure hell for Mr. Fields who also suffered from mental illness. Judge U.S. District Judge Landya McCafferty held a hearing and asked the BOP to consider removing the public safety factor for sex offender. Neither was done. In his next video hearing, McCafferty appeared on screen beaten and bruised. Upon seeing him, Judge McCafferty made the following statement, 'Mr. Fields made an oral request for the court to transfer him to the Strafford County House of Corrections or alternatively to order his immediate release on home confinement. The court construes his request as a motion for compassionate release.' The court ordered legal counsel be appointed for Fields on an expedited basis for a compassionate release hearing. During the next hearing, Fields was being held at the Strafford County House of Corrections, a place he and the judge believed would be safer. Fields appeared on the video screen with a red face and blackeye, explained that his orbital bone had been fractured by a prisoner at the jail who had discovered through an internet search that Fields was classified by BOP as a sex offender. Judge McCafferty ordered that Fields be released, writing in her Order, 'In this case, the error in Fields's original PSR [Presentence Report] that caused BOP to misclassify Fields as a sex offender is akin to a sentencing error. BOP's subsequent noncompliance with the court order compounded the error and prevented him from completing rehabilitative programming ... the mistake in Field's PSR and BOP's noncompliance with a court order, have made Fields's sentence disproportionately punitive.' At that hearing, neither government prosecutors nor US Probation objected to Fields' request for immediate release from BOP custody. Attorney Kelley told me that everyone in the criminal justice system could benefit from more understanding of the challenges people on the spectrum face in terms of their deficits in communication, understanding, and socialization. 'These challenges,' she said, "are magnified in the prison environment where people on the spectrum can be oblivious to the unwritten rules and the target of bullying.
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Woman survives life-threatening tear due to dislodging of heart closure device
Lucknow: In what could be dubbed as a miraculous surgery, doctors managed to save the life of a 46-year-old woman from Fatehpur after a heart closure device got dislodged, leading to a life-threatening tear in her heart. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The surgery was done at Max Super Speciality Hospital on May 30. Nazma Bano, 46, was unknowingly living with a congenital heart condition — an Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), a hole between the heart's upper chambers — since childhood. On May 29, she underwent a non-surgical device closure to seal the hole in Prayagraj. However, the device got dislodged and slipped into the right ventricle, disrupting the tricuspid valve. A retrieval attempt led to a tear in the left atrial appendage, causing massive internal bleeding around the heart. Her blood pressure crashed, and with no surgical option available locally, doctors urgently contacted Max Hospital. "Such holes can go undetected for years; we've even closed ASDs in patients aged 60. She only discovered it recently when she began experiencing breathlessness. An echocardiogram revealed a large defect with an enlarged right heart," said Dr Vishal Srivastava, associate director, cardiothoracic and vascular surgery at Max Hospital. Dr Srivastava advised immediate drainage of blood from the pericardium and reinfusion to stabilise her for transfer. "She arrived at Max Hospital around 3.30 am in profound shock. As we shifted her to the operation room, her heart stopped. We started internal cardiac massage, and the heart restarted," he said. The surgical team removed the dislodged device, repaired the torn atrial wall, and closed the original defect. The operation lasted over four hours. "She was in shock for nearly six hours—a situation that usually leads to multi-organ failure," Dr Srivastava noted. Nazma was off the ventilator in less than a day and discharged a week later in stable condition. She is now back home and recovering well.
Forbes
a day ago
- Health
- Forbes
A Psychologist Calls Out The Most Harmful Dating Myth About Autism
Love transcends diagnoses. People of all neurotypes, whether on or off the spectrum, are fully ... More capable of being in meaningful relationships. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain processes information. People with autism often experience challenges with social interaction, communication and may engage in repetitive behaviors or routines — symptoms that are routinely misinterpreted and warped into myths about autism. It has been long established that love transcends medical diagnoses. Almost all of us long for love even when our ways of expressing our affection may differ. However, the misconception that neurodivergent people, especially people on the spectrum, are incapable, unable or uninterested in finding and cherishing love hasn't completely left popular imagination. Some people may show their love through words of affection, while others might prefer physical touch. The same goes for people with autism. They may not express their love in the exact same ways many neurotypical people do, but that does not mean their love is not present. Why Do Some People With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Struggle With Romantic Connections? According to U.S. surveillance studies in 2020, approximately 1 in 36 children is diagnosed with autism. Individuals with autism often struggle with social interactions. They may find it difficult to understand others' feelings and intentions, maintain eye contact and adapt to social norms. Here are three key behavioral struggles they may show: While these symptoms can be managed with dedicated effort and care, it isn't difficult to see how they could become an impediment in one's social and romantic life, especially when their condition is misunderstood or stigmatized. A 2024 study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders explored the experience of love and physical intimacy in romantic relationships in people with and without autism. The researchers paid special attention to the language used to describe autism. In line with how many individuals had received a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), researchers deliberately used identity-first language (e.g., 'autistic person' rather than 'person with autism'). It divided participants into two groups: 31 autistic individuals (with an ASD diagnosis) and 26 non-autistic individuals (without an ASD diagnosis, but not necessarily neurotypical). Participants completed an online survey that served two main purposes. First, they were assessed for autism-related traits. Second, the survey included open-ended questions about experiences and perceptions of romantic and sexual intimacy. These questions explored aspects such as the meaning of physical intimacy, personal comfort and satisfaction levels and any barriers participants encountered in intimate relationships to understand the extent of their relational exposure and experience. Here are two key findings of the study that contradict popular misconceptions about autism and relationships. 1. People On The Spectrum Can And Do Enjoy Romantic Connections People with autism have long been stereotyped as emotionally distant or uninterested in romance and sexuality. And if they do desire romance, it's automatically assumed that they will be socially distant in their relationship or will fail to maintain the bond due to a 'deficit' in their relationship skills. Contrary to these outdated beliefs, the study found that autistic individuals not only experience love and romantic attraction, but they also form deep emotional bonds and maintain long-term relationships. The difference might lie in how they express and communicate their desire or understand those of others'. In addition to this, many autistic individuals also explored their gender and sexual identities and, in fact, wanted more access to practical, inclusive sex education. The 2017 Netflix series Atypical captured this 'difference' in expressing and experiencing love with a deliberate sincerity. Sam Gardner, the protagonist, is a teenager with autism, who decides that he'd like to start dating. Initially, his parents are skeptical of him being able to handle a relationship, and he surprises them by going on a successful date with someone his age and handling it the best he can. The series rose in popularity and also garnered critical acclaim, from neurotypical as well as neurodivergent audiences. It was branded as a sensitive and well-intentioned portrayal of a neurodivergent person's experience of love, friendship, family and the challenges of teenage life. This series, and scores of new research all seem to echo the same sentiment: what autistic people need is better support to navigate intimacy and connections, not limits on their exposure. 2. Autistic Individuals Deeply Value Communication Autistic participants seemed to value the same things in a relationship as their non-autistic counterparts: good communication, shared interests or values, mutual respect and personal and relational growth. But one thing stood out: participants on the spectrum emphasized the importance of clear and direct communication significantly more than the non-autistic group. According to them, ambiguity in romantic or sexual contexts is what leaves them confused or anxious. While most people are scared of internal or interpersonal conflict, it can be particularly challenging for those on the spectrum. Uncertainty is especially tough on them as they often lack the intuitive language of non-verbal social cues, struggle to predict what a partner might be feeling and are unsure of the invisible and 'unwritten' social expectations involved in dating. People with autism also face serious gaps when it comes to relationship support due to the challenges of their condition: What might benefit them is being able to talk openly about their needs and boundaries and using non-sexual forms of physical closeness (like cuddling) to build trust and comfort. Planning intimacy in advance can help those who hate the unpredictability that comes with relationships. Knowing what to expect and how to navigate new situations can also help curb their anxiety to some extent. At the end of the day, it is really in experiencing, rather than knowing, that helps people with autism advance in relationships. Having the safety net of communication and mental preparedness can help, immeasurably, with confidence and self-possession. People with autism fall in love like anybody else. But they benefit from added support that meets their unique needs. It's time we stop assuming that neurodivergent people are 'too awkward' or 'too different' to love or be loved. And love, in all its forms, can and should make space for all the differences we have. Being in a relationship can feel different for everyone. Do you feel content in yours? Take this science-backed test to find out: Relationship Satisfaction Scale
