The Harris Center Blog

Welcome to the Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD Blog, your source for topical white papers that delve into key areas of interest and concern, that provide valuable insights, practical strategies, and expert perspectives on mental health and IDD. Thank you for joining us on this journey of knowledge and understanding.

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Neurodiversity
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Embracing Neurodiversity: Understanding and Supporting Differences in Neurological Functioning

Neurodivergence refers to the natural variation in human neurological functioning. It encompasses a wide range of neurological differences, including but not limited to conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette syndrome, and bipolar disorder. Individuals who are neurodivergent may process information, perceive the world, and interact with others in ways that differ from what is considered typical or neurotypical.

Celebrating Diversity: Dispelling Myths About Autism
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Celebrating Diversity: Dispelling Myths About Autism

 

We live in a world of opportunity. You can be whatever you want to be, a doctor, a singer, an engineer. People with autism hold those roles too and they are thriving.

Autism is often misunderstood. Individuals with autism are on the spectrum and each individual is unique and has their own story.

Empowering Abilities: The Harris Center's Coffeehouse, CapeABLE Coffee and Support Programs for Individuals with IDD
Services
Empowering Abilities: The Harris Center's Coffeehouse, CapeABLE Coffee and Support Programs for Individuals with IDD


A fresh cup of coffee, inviting company, and a place to come together with people who all have the same goal – to grow. That’s the experience people have at the Coffeehouse at The Harris Center.

“Coffeehouse is a great environment for participants to learn life skills. The program teaches social skills, communications skills, entrepreneurial and employment skills to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) and persons with autism,” said Charles Kerlegon, Director, IDD Services Division at The Harris Center.