Learning to Listen: Communication as the Foundation of Effective Support

A woman in a pink shirt poining to a screen on an assissted communications device to show something to another woman wearing while sitting next to her.

Communication is the foundation on which relationships are built, and at Jay Nolan Community Services (JNCS), relationships thrive because of the time and dedication of staff. The way an individual communicates is unique to each person. Taking the time to understand each other and building a rapport works to foster meaningful relationships. The Importance of […]

How to Support Autism Services This GivingTuesday

Two women wearing dresses and holding an umbrella with Giving Tuesday and JNCS logo overlaid

Make your calendar! November 30, 2021 is #GivingTuesday! This global day of giving is an excellent opportunity to support the causes you care about most. What is GivingTuesday? GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity. Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an […]

The Benefits of Customized Employment

Jerry posing in his work uniform at his workplace at a movie theater

Every October, we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) by encouraging conversation about the issues around employment for disabled workers. This year’s theme focuses on ‘Inclusion.’ For too long individuals with disabilities were kept out of the workforce. Every day, we acknowledge the prevailing uphill battle for inclusion and recognize the beauty and benefit […]

The Big Guide to Accessible Public Transportation in Los Angeles County

Left: woman in a wheelchair boarding a bus; Right: Freeway leading to the city of Los Angeles

Los Angeles County is a huge metropolitan area with vast distances between the places you want to go. Public transportation can be daunting, especially for people with mobility challenges. In fact, four-fifths of wheelchair users in the US and Canada report that their local public transportation system is difficult to use or get to. We’re […]

Learning the Signs

JNCS staff and supported individuals paying attention during a meeting

Learning the Signs of Autism in Children Have you ever asked “Do I have Autism?” Learning the early signs of autism and seeking intervention services is important for parents and people to know. The most recent research supports that appropriate screening can determine whether your child is at risk for autism as young as one […]

How Common is Autism?

Young girl in a light green shirt pointing to something on a table

How Common is Autism? Autism statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identify around 1 in 68 American children as on the autism spectrum, and 1 in 42 of this stat are boys – an increase of almost 10 times the prevalence in the past 40 years. Careful research shows that this […]

Red Flags And Rules of Thumb for Evaluating Treatments

Supported individual washing her hands in her own home

Be weary of any treatment which makes grandiose claims, using words like “miraculous,” “amazing breakthrough,” “recovery,” or “cure.” Legitimate medical and educational professionals show respect for the uniqueness of each individual with autism and the feelings of that individual’s family, and therefore never indulge in overstatements and boasts about what they will be able to […]

Myself or a Family Member Has Autism

Two JNCS staff and supported individual taking a walk down the sidewalk

Autism Today Today, over 3,500,000 children and adults in the United States are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) along with millions of individuals worldwide. Getting an ASD diagnosis can be daunting; however, knowing that there are options available can optimize one’s lifestyle. On average, ASD support can cost families up to $60,000 a year, […]

What Causes Autism?

Rob examining a computer screen at the office

What causes autism in individuals? It was really not that long ago that the answer to this question would have been “we don’t know.” For the first time, modern research is now delivering answers on autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is complex, and through much research we learned there is no one cause of autism. […]

What is Autism?

Woman at a laptop smiling to someone to her right

When using any source of information about autism, it is vital to enquire what that source considers autism to be. Many ideas about autism are outdated and have been disproven. Many sources demonstrate a condescending attitude that rules out any possibility of learning from and with the real experts: people who have autism. Understanding Autism […]