Whitney King, Public Speaker & CEO

IMPACT! This is the word that I am left with after experiencing another wonderful Autism Summit. This annual event, hosted by Virginia Autism Foundation brings together multiple service provers and families.

I was reminded how impactful I have been in the community by so many fellow advocates and families. Seeing children that I have impacted through my social skills groups, thriving and smiling, warmed my heart.

Thank you all for trusting me to refer you to ethical service providers and research best practices that align with your family’s values.

As we prepare to close the recognition of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, I want to mention a topic that is often swept over and that is trafficking. Research indicates that children with disabilities are at a higher risk of exploitation, including trafficking, due to various factors such as lack of support, discrimination, and vulnerabilities. Large festivals and events are a prime location for predators to seek out victims.
As an Organizational Management Professional, I always intrigued by the policies surrounding the safety of each personnel and customers. As festival season approaches, it is important to keep an eye out for suspicious activities and report them to the authorities. Together we can keep children and other vulnerable populations safe.

Check out this video that highlights an attempt to traffic a 13-year old child with Autism.

https://youtu.be/o9jnQSGPPt8?si=IMfKgkbkaBxt4epZ

Depression can happen to anyone.

𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘬 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱.

With the right support, you can get better. ❤️

You only have one 🧠 - take good care of it! There is a lot you can do for a healthy brain:

🏃‍♂️ Keep physically active
🍌 Eat a healthy diet
😴 Get enough sleep
🧩 Stimulate your mind
💟 Look after your heart
⛑️ Wear a helmet

Destination Family Services sponsors the “Touch a Pup” events held at We Rock the Spectrum - Chesapeake! This event occurs on the 3rd Thursday of the month! Download the WRTS app to register!

This month’s disability spotlight is Moebius Syndrome?

What is Moebius Syndrome?
Moebius syndrome is a form of facial paralysis combined with outward, to the side, eye paralysis. Individuals with Moebius syndrome typically cannot make facial expressions, such as smiling, frowning, squinting, or blinking. Speech, eating, and lip movement is also typically affected in people living with this disability.
People with Moebius syndrome also cannot move their eyes out to the side, as you would if you were looking over your shoulder without turning your head. The syndrome has a wide range of presentations and may occur on one or both sides of the face.

Come back in February for a monthly disability spotlight!