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Kris McElroy is a freelance writer for several platforms including:

MyUmbrella, https://myumbrella.co/author/krismcelroy/
The Mighty, https://themighty.com/u/krismcelroy84/
Rooted in Rights, https://rootedinrights.org/author/kris-mcelroy/
Sivana East, https://blog.sivanaspirit.com/author/tjourneyscoach/

Four Parents, Four Takes on Safety | Organization for Autism ResearchReady…Set…Plan! by Crystal Sanford Ready or not…here comes summer! It’s almost time for family vacations, dipping our toes in the sand or pool, and savoring late-night sunsets. But for some, summer doesn’t bring excitement and anticipation. Unfortunately, for some parents of autistic children, summer only brings more anxiety and fear of the unknown. Autistic individuals

Leveling the Playing Field for Autistic Parents | Organization for Autism ResearchIt's 5:45 in the morning, and her feet patter into the room. She gets into the bed, rests her head next to mine on the pillow, and yells “Ruff” right in my ear. “Ruff, wake up, Daddy, Ruff." Yep, dogs are still one of her favorite animals. I turn and say, “Ruff, good morning, Kenz.

We Need to Remember Disabled People in Disaster PlanningDo you have the support you need in case of an emergency?

Parent/Child Programs Need to Be Accessible to Parents With Disabilities"In the middle of the first class, my heart sank."

7 Tips for Coping on Days When Your Inner Critic Is Extremely Loud"I never expected to learn how to cope and interact with my inner critic."

Advocate for Yourself | Organization for Autism ResearchMaya Angelou, an African-American civil rights activist, poet, and memoirist, wrote, “I learned a long time ago the wisest thing I can do is be on my own side, be an advocate for myself and others like me.” That short sentence captures what is so important about self-advocacy. When we can speak up for our

The Power of Black Disabled Representation During Black History Month - Rooted in RightsEach February, the United States celebrates Black History Month. It is a month that brings about many different emotions for me, ranging from excitement and pride to pain, grief, and frustration. It’s a time when school systems read books by African American authors, create special projects, and learn about the history, accomplishments, and adversities of … Continued

Navigating the Autistic Parent Journey: Tips for Everyday Living | Organization for Autism Research“Gotta get up, gotta get going…” This beginning of The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh theme song often plays in my head. My response is usually “Ugh, I’m tired and not ready.” It can be hard as an autistic parent to not start the day feeling daunted, but my bright-eyed autistic child is definitely

7 Tips for Dealing with Sensory Overload from an Autistic DadBy Kris McElroy If someone would have asked me to rate my anxiety and excitement on a scale of 1-10 when I found out I was going to be a dad in May of 2020,

20 Things People Didn’t Realize They Were Doing Because of Autism"At the time I was just called a stuck-up introvert..."

8 ‘Types’ of Stimming That Help Autistic Adults"Stimming is how I process not just my environment, but my internal experience too."

Authentic Disability Representation in the Movie 'Run'Disability representation matters and has been a long-time advocacy issue in the film industry, as actors without disabilities are far too often cast for roles of characters with a disability. As a person with multiple disabilities, I get excited when I see different disabilities represented in

Taking Care of My Mental Health During This Pandemic Holiday Season - Rooted in RightsThe holidays can bring about emotions ranging from happiness and excitement to stress, grief, and loneliness. Figuring out how to navigate the many different elements of the holidays can be complicated, but it’s even more so this year as the COVID-19 pandemic surges. I find myself trying to hold on to moments of joy, embracing … Continued

Four Ways to Improve Crisis Intervention Services for the Disability Community - Rooted in RightsContent note: includes discussion of mental health crises and police brutality In 2012, my own fear of the police due to previous trauma impacted my ability to call the crisis response team for a friend who was having a mental health crisis. My trauma informed my belief that if I called them, they would send … Continued

Navigating Virtual Employment Services During the Pandemic - Rooted in RightsNavigating the dynamics of difference within the world of employment as a person with multiple disabilities has been a struggle since the moment I prepared to enter it at the age of 16 in 2001. I didn’t become aware of accommodations, self-advocacy skills, or my rights regarding employment as an individual with a disability until … Continued

5 Examples of Autistic Representation That Made Me Feel Loved"These representations in the media create visibility."

How to Honor Transgender Day of Remembrance and Care for Your Mental Health"The day honors the memory of the transgender and nonbinary lives lost during the year due to acts of anti-transgender violence, suicide and undetermined ways."

I Stand With You Elliot Page"His words reminded me of traveling my own journey."

9 Self-Love Reminders for My Identity on This World Kindness Day 2020"I am excited to celebrate the transformative power of kindness ... during a year filled with so much pain and grief."

5 Important Mental Health Takeaways From the 'This Is Us' Premiere"I'm used to having these issues glossed over..."

Finding and Reclaiming Who I Am: a Biracial Black Transgender Man with Multiple Disabilities - Rooted in RightsContent note: includes discussion of COVID-19, police brutality toward Black people, murder of unarmed Black people, transphobia As I was moving my arms back and forth next to my wife in our very first protest, chanting Black Lives Matter, two beautiful strong brown-skinned African Americans in the midst of COVID-19 and racism pandemics, I was … Continued

Reflecting on ADA 30 While Reckoning with COVID-19 and Racism - Rooted in RightsContent note: includes mentions of COVID-19 and police brutality toward Black people 2020 brought us the COVID-19 pandemic and shed a stark light on the pandemic of racism. The impact of both these pandemics continues to grow and serve as reminders of centuries of slavery, oppression, violence, and discrimination. This year also marks the 30th … Continued

13 Things to Know About Getting Diagnosed With Rheumatoid Arthritis"You are not on this journey alone."

You're Not Alone If You Freak Out When You're in a Healthy Relationship"When all we know are unhealthy, toxic and abusive dynamics, being in a new relationship can be scary, even if it's a good one."

12 Things I Wish People Knew About Navigating Life With Multiple Disabilities“I have disabilities that are visible and invisible; all of them impact me.”

JCPenney Unveils Inclusive, Trendy, Adaptive Kids' Clothing LineWould these clothes help your child?

Dismantling the Negative Messages that I have Internalized About MyselfBy Kris McElroy I found out I was autistic when I was 30 years old after over two decades of misdiagnoses, misunderstandings, and maltreatment. The diagnosis

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