On the Spectrum: A Neurodivergence Panel Discussion with Badass Women of Wichita

On The Spectrum: A Neurodivergence Panel Discussion

The mystery of a neurodiversity misdiagnosis is difficult to solve, thanks to its sneaky overlapping symptoms with other conditions. With no magic lab test or brain scan in sight for a foolproof diagnosis, many go through their lives without understanding why they function differently. To add to the confusion, most medical testing is done on men, so women often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed because of the way autism shows up differently in them.

In this informative panel discussion, we’ll unpack the complexities of how neurodivergency shows up differently in women, the complications of missed diagnosis, and adjusting to perceptions.

Panelists:

Tami Allen, Co-Executive Director for Families Together, Inc.

Tami Allen is the Co-Executive Director for Families Together Inc. and Project Director for the Family-to-Family Health Center. She has had over 38 years of experience working with Families Together as a voice for children and youth with special health care needs.

With a family of 8 children and many grandchildren, Tami and her husband, Terry, have a deeply personal understanding of special healthcare needs. Their son Skylar, 42, is a young adult with special health care needs, including cerebral palsy, and Tami has been instrumental in developing his health care plan and independent living services. This experience has fueled her advocacy work in transitioning from school to adult services, employment and Independent Living, advocacy and policy-making, and parent and family engagement within the community. She also strongly advocates for Supported Decision Making and Family-Centered Health Care. She is also a LifeCourse Ambassador and Coach.

Tami has served on several advisory boards, including The State Independent Living Council of Kansas, Kansas Assistive Technology Advisory Board, Living Independently in Northwest Kansas Board, Oral Health Kansas, Kansas Vocational Rehabilitation Advisory Board and National Collaborative on Supporting Families.

Dr. Treva Etsitty, Autistic Autism Specialist

Dr. Treva Etsitty is an Autism Specialist with a Doctorate in Educational Psychology. Certified as a Trauma Resilient Professional and Autism Specialist, she integrates trauma-informed practices into her work. With over two decades of experience in child development and five years in psychological research, Dr. Etsitty’s focus is on building resilience and offering neuro-affirming support for autistic individuals. As an autistic individual herself, and a parent of three autistic and two ADHD children, her work is deeply personal and driven by a passion for advocating inclusive, trauma-sensitive care. She actively promotes resilience-building, prioritizes the strengths of neurodivergent individuals, and works to create environments that honor and support their natural ways of being. She has contributed to research on maladaptive metacognitions and addiction, and she is committed to developing tools and programs that cater to the unique needs of autistic individuals. In addition to her professional work, she is dedicated to ongoing learning and helping others thrive.

Her research, including work on maladaptive metacognitions and addiction, reflects her broad interests in understanding complex behaviors. Dr. Etsitty is currently involved in projects that aim to develop reliable tools for better supporting autistic individuals. She values collaboration and clear communication, finding motivation in continued learning and helping others thrive. In her personal time, she enjoys exploring diverse scientific fields and is always seeking ways to balance her self-care alongside her professional commitments.

Kelli Grant, Director at Brain Balance

Kelli Grant, lead director at Brain Balance in Wichita, will bring her knowledge of qualitative research methods and social systems and her lived experiences to this panel discussion. Brain Balance helps children who struggle behaviorally, socially, and academically through a holistic and integrated approach customized to meet each child's needs. Kelli is passionate about helping others discover their full potential and has previously worked as a private coach in public service and business. She has master’s degrees in criminal justice and sociology and has taught at Wichita State, Kansas Newman, and Kansas State.

A.J. Locachio, Founder and Executive Director at UmbrellaUS

AJ Locashio (she/they) is a consultant who helps organizations become more inclusive. AJ is also the founder and executive director of a non-profit organization and a board-certified coach. AJ is known for their ability to tackle diversity issues with humor and resilience. AJ is neurodivergent and has a lot of experience working with other neurodivergent people. AJ believes that everyone should feel like they belong in the workplace, regardless of their background or abilities.

This event is open to the public, and everyone is welcome. The registration fee is $10 at the door or in advance.

We are meeting at Flying Pig Improv at 3203 E. Douglas Ave. from 6 to 8 PM. (Location may change.)

Sponsored by Optometric Billings Solutions, optometricbilling.com, (316) 722-2021 and Flying

Pig Improv, flyingpigimprov.com, (316) 833-1889

Our Sponsor

Thank you to our sponsor, Optometric Billing Solutions! At 10501 W. Hampton Lakes in Maize, OBS is a woman-owned, nationally recognized insurance billing company for optometrist clinics in 43 states. It was named by Wichita Business Journal as one of the best places to work in Wichita, based on confidential employee job satisfaction surveys.

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