#DSM School for Excellence

[townpostin]

Parents Protest Fee Issue at Jamshedpur School

School management denies exams due to unpaid fees, parents seek resolution. Parents of two students met the district education superintendent in Jamshedpur on Wednesday, led by Umesh Kumar, president of the Jamshedpur Parents Association. JAMSHEDPUR – The parents of Raj and Yana Gupta, siblings studying in the 12th grade at DSM School for Excellence, sought intervention from the district…

[poisonpercy]

Ok, I’ve been thinking about how pjo is a disability story and how wottg did such a horrible job handling it. There’s been plenty said about how wottg equates Percy’s poor grades, due to school struggles thanks to his ADHD and dyslexia, with his intelligence. I don’t feel like I need to elaborate more on that because plenty already have. Instead, I want to talk about Annabeth.

So in wottg (and cotg), we are constantly told that Annabeth excels in school. But when it comes to how her academic success correlates with her having ADHD and dyslexia, they're basically nonexistent. At most, they are brought up to show disbelief, as in "despite having both ADHD and dyslexia, Annabeth gets good grades, unlike Percy." Obviously, I'm summarizing, but that sentiment is expressed more than once. There's no talks on how Annabeth's disabilities effect her, but the original pjo books do make mentions of how she struggles. I feel like it's still important to actually show how having ADHD and dyslexia interacts in Annabeth's life. And this can be done in regards to Annabeth getting good grades!!

Just to expand more on ADHD before I get into everything. There are 3 subtypes of ADHD. When someone's diagnosed, it's not just ADHD, but also the subtype. These subtypes are as followed (also here's the DSM-5 criteria for ADHD if you're interested):

Predominately inattentive type -> when enough symptoms (6 or more) of inattention, but not hyperactivity-impulsivity, were present for the past 6 months

Predominately hyperactive/impulsive type -> enough symptoms (6 or more) of hyperactivity-impulsivity but not inattention were present for the past 6 months

Combined type -> when enough symptoms of both criteria inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity were present for the past 6 months

With those in mind, it's important to note that research has found that girls are more likely to have the inattentive type of ADHD. Additionally, ADHD tends to be underdiagnosed in girls, and a potential explanation for this is differences in core symptomatic presentation between males and females. Research suggests that females are more disposed to internalized symptoms, such as inattentiveness and disorganization, and present with fewer symptoms of hyperactivity and other disruptive external behaviors. Males with ADHD are prone to more externalized hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, such as motor hyperactivity, rule-breaking and overt aggression, which results in greater likelihood of being identified and referred for clinical assessment (Morley & Tyrrell, 2023).

When it comes to academic performance, ADHD is significantly associated with poor academic functioning across the lifespan, from school readiness to going to university. However, there is evidence to suggest that females with ADHD do not present with academic difficulties until they reach higher education. Girls with ADHD may work harder at school to mask their symptoms and meet parent/teacher expectations. But, in higher educational settings, such as university, it becomes increasingly difficult to cope with the struggles of ADHD amongst other lifestyle changes, such as moving away from home and taking on greater personal responsibilities (Morley & Tyrrell, 2023).

The authors I’ve been referencing (Morley & Tyrrell) did research and they found that many of the symptoms which affected participants academic functioning correspond with the literature review of ADHD in university students presented by Sedgwick (2018), including inability to focus, easily distracted, boredom, and lack of motivation. However, despite struggling with these symptoms and despite the wealth of literature which suggests that ADHD is associated with poor educational outcomes, most participants in the study concluded by Morley & Tyrrell stated that they did not perform badly when they were at school (ages 5–16).

I would like to briefly stop the academic talk and say that this is Annabeth. As far as we’ve seen, she does good in school. Do I necessarily agree that Annabeth should get good grades? The answer is complicated. On one hand, I don’t care. On the other, Annabeth didn’t attend school from the age of 7 (when she ran away) to 12 (she went back, presumably, at 13 when she reunited with her dad). I would imagine CHB didn’t focus too much on keeping up with each camper’s grade level, so Annabeth, by all accounts, would be missing fundamental years of schooling and it would be hard to catch up. All of that is beside the point. The point being, Annabeth’s ADHD doesn’t lead to poor academic performance which reflects the experience many girls with ADHD have.

Intense feelings of low self-esteem resonated throughout participants’ experiences. Poor self-esteem is very common amongst females with ADHD (Holthe & Langvik, 2017; Quinn, 2005), triggered by feelings of failure and “not being good enough.” Low self-esteem has a knock-on effect on an individual’s social, academic, and psychological functioning. Participants explained that having low self-esteem negatively impacted many different aspects of their life, including body image, eating habits, confidence at school, romantic relationships, and close friendships (Morley & Tyrrell, 2023).

With all that being said, I do think there are ways to show how Annabeth's ADHD effects her, besides making a passing comment that she was it. In terms of school, it would be interesting to explore how entering higher difficulty course might make it harder for Annabeth to cope with the struggles of ADHD. Maybe have her struggle with time management and disorganization because of the increased work load. In classes that she isn't interested in, maybe she can be inattentive and miss out what the teacher is going over or what work is being assigned. If you don't want to go the academic route, Annabeth's ADHD can very easily impact her social and psychological functioning. While Annabeth is prideful (it's her fatal flaw after all), she could struggle with self-esteem, and it can correspond with her trying to measure up to what it means to be a child of Athena. As in, no matter how hard she tries, she feels like she is failing with her godly gifts. Socially, Annabeth might struggle to maintain relations with classmates and teachers, or she might have difficulties with group work. Even more so, to get back on the academic track, maybe Annabeth is good at masking her ADHD which makes it hard for her to get the help she needs from teachers because they underestimate the problem(s) she is having.

Anyways, this is all just suggestions on how Annabeth's ADHD might present, especially since Rick seems to dismiss her diagnosis. I would also like to see more of Annabeth struggling with her dyslexia because we do know that she has trouble reading thanks to The Lightning Thief. Attending a mortal school, like she is now, probably presents a lot more challenges for her when it comes to reading and writing since it's unlikely that SODNYC is handing out books and assignments in Ancient Greek.

Idk, I hope this gives something for people to think about in regards to Annabeth and ADHD. Granted, I am not a professional (hence all the sources) nor do I have ADHD, but ADHD presentation is males and females is just so interesting. I learned about the differences for the first time when I was a senior in high school when a classmate of mine did a presentation on the topic during my college writing class. Then when I was a sophomore in college, I took abnormal child psychology which went more in depth on ADHD. That's where I learned about the 3 subtypes and how girls more commonly have inattentive type. Also, in case you were wondering, combined is the most common type of ADHD. Anyways, that's it. That's my post.

[transmutationisms]

Re: babygirlification of Kendall, have you written anything abt how the show handles the archetype of The Addict? I've found Kendall really compelling bc of it, particularly from the dsm/psych diagnostic critique lens that sees capitalism as responsible for perpetuating addiction thru escapist consumption. Do you agree that that's something the show is doing intentionally?

wow thank you so much for sending this—i've been wanting to put together my thoughts on addiction in succession for a while now.

capitalism in the 21st century, and therefore also on succession, is neoliberal in nature. although the show makes reference to overtly disciplinary institutions (the psychiatric hospital; military school), the mechanisms of control the characters are subject to tend to operate on more insidious, subtle, coercive lines. waystar is not a factory with a strictly rule-bound production floor; it's a media corporation, operating across numerous social and political domains and selling propaganda. it operates not through overtly punitive measures, but through largely seductive ones: stoking and then satisfying people's desires, guiding them ideologically whilst making them believe they're making such choices freely.

there's an element of this type of coercive, yet often covert, control in logan's relationship with kendall as well. kendall is allowed to ride a motorcycle—clinging to the back of logan's bodyguard. he's allowed to go up to the roof—being surreptitiously surveilled, and then prevented from killing himself by the installation of a glass wall. he has access to virtually unlimited money—bearing in mind that most of it is tied up in things like stock options that are essentially under logan's control. on one level, kendall can go anywhere he wants; he can look down at the city from the literal apex of his father's empire; he's a billionaire. but, for all of this freedom and mobility, we can see that in fact his choices are constrained and his movements coerced. logan employed a more overtly disciplinary hand when kendall was a child, but as an adult the means of control tend to run more along psychological lines, manipulating kendall's desires and limiting his field of movement while making it appear that he's freer than ever.

this is very much in line with the mechanisms of control favoured in cyberspatial capitalism, which operates by addicting its users: to sensory stimulation, to pleasure, to the endlessly deferred rewards of endless self-improvement. certainly disciplinary institutions still exist, but in addition there are also more subtle methods of keeping people in line, often relying on the financial threat of debt and the reward of addictive pleasure, or at least removal of withdrawal pains. even as the child of a literal billionaire, kendall is very much a 'debtor-addict' in this mould, as his father wields financial control over him and uses kendall's endless desire for paternal approval in order to keep him hooked.

to me the connection to kendall's coke use is clear. cocaine is the businessman drug par excellance. kendall uses it when he's trying to step into this version of hypermasculine dominance, like in 'prague' when he decides to team up with sandy and stewy or in 'vaulter' when he's ordered to shut vaulter down. coke is part of his endless attempt to self-improve, to self-optimise and ultimately to gain both his father's respect and the material, financial rewards of success in the corporate world.

where cocaine is concerned, then, The Addict as instantiated in kendall is not an aberrant individual with a unique disease, but the logical outcome of the control society's demand for self-improvement and corporate profitability. kendall's coke use is pathologised because he does it excessively and potentially dangerously, yet the logic motivating this drug use is all around him and is considered normal and unremarkable. so wrt coke, The Addict on succession is merely an extreme expression of the psychology of the control subject, pathologised for this extremeness even as the underlying affective and structural demands driving this behaviour go unchallenged.

a more directly escapist form of consumption is kendall's use of downers (seeking ketamine in the first half of 'prague,' asking for weed and oxy in 'austerlitz,' etc). these drugs are not meant to enhance his business performance or masculinity, and don't speak to his addictive need for paternal approval except insofar as he may seek them out when he's particularly miserable and doesn't want to think about it. in regards to these drugs, The Addict represents a failure in the neoliberal system of control, insofar as his drug-taking does not enhance his productivity but hinders it. for kendall this is not his primary mode of substance use, obviously, because so much of his fundamental drive is about his desire to prove himself at waystar and ultimately to inherit.

in both types of drug usage, though, kendall's addiction is a direct result of the affective and material demands exerted by a neoliberal control society. capitalism encourages consumption generally, and specifically it encourages kendall's literal drug consumption as a means of endless self-optimisation when it comes to cocaine. although the other characters on the show perceive his drug use as an individual and pathological moral failure, the show is quite clear in drawing these links between capitalism, control mechanisms, and the logics of consumption that create and drive kendall's addiction.

[shawandareneeobeymd]

The Lancet Psychiatry Looks at Black Mental Health in the US

In December of 2023, The Lancet Psychiatry journal published three literature reviews on the state of Black mental health in the United States, as well as an essay written by Black Americans on their lived experience in confronting systemic racism. Together, these papers comprehensively analyze the impact and effects of racism across a half century.

The authors were led by Ayana Jordan, MD, PhD, a physician scientist who serves as Barbara Wilson Associate Professor in the NYU Grossman School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Jordan is also community engagement pillar co-lead at the NYU Langone Health Institute for Excellence in Health Equity.

According to Dr. Jordan, the issue is multifaceted and challenging to solve. Centuries of racism and dehumanization, rooted in diaspora and slavery, have exposed many Black Americans to mental illness risk factors that include exposure to violence, police brutality, elevated homelessness, and living in poverty-stricken neighborhoods.

Compounding this, the current health care system tends to dismiss such backgrounds and thus invalidate the exposure to risk factors that many Black Americans face. Perceiving the system of care as both inequitable and not culturally informed, Black people are significantly less likely than their white counterparts to seek out mental health care.

The issue is no less acute in the medical community, with Black people historically excluded from taking leadership positions in health care research. Of those receiving US National Institutes of Health funding for independent research, fewer than 1 percent are Black Americans.

The authors also take a close look at the way in which myths of “whiteness and white supremacy” impact how mental health and mental illness have been framed. Differences in rates of substance use and mental illness are often utilized as evidence in propounding cultural and/or biological distinctions. What is lacking in this one-sided debate is a coherent explanation of the avoidable and unjust systemic economic and social policies that created such inequities.

An example of this inequity centers on the classification system, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), used in conceptualizing mental illness in the academic community. DSM-5 situates mental illness as an issue defined by the behavior and physiology of the individual, and then works outward to incorporate race. This approach ignores the underlying impact of racism, and being racialized as Black, on mental health and reinforces prevalent systemic biases.

In working toward a set of solutions, the authors highlight the need for more community-based participatory research. This involves Black community members, as well as scientists, working together to improve Black Americans’ mental well-being. This inclusive approach is unique in encouraging the active participation of those with well-rounded cultural knowledge that can be of most use in supporting those with mental problems. When Black people have a voice, new and more nuanced models of care and intervention can be proposed, evaluated, and implemented.

On a practical level, the authors urge the launch of a large-scale study that will identify publicly available datasets spanning economic factors, political districting, and environmental exposure as they relate to racism. At the same time, such a study will integrate individual-level data in areas like emotional well-being and use this as a basis for further analysis. The achievable output will be a risk index that presents and quantifies exposures to racism, and provides a tool for understanding how this impacts emotional well-being and mental health.

[alientitty]

on a sort of related tangent about me and my life, somewhere in the 2nd half of the 2000s I became aware of this definition of "gifted students" which was things like "high sense of justice, excels in areas of interest while doing poorly in other areas" and other things which basically sound like the "desirable" traits of "aspergers" as defined in the dsm-iv or something. this more "holistic" definition was in effect at my school district, in part because iq tests are culturally biased and 50% of the student population were english learners and/or immigrants. (though im sure some places use the qualitative approach in tandem with tests)

from my sideline view of educational research it seems like this framing is still around, and I imagine it did/still does catch kids who display the "right" autism traits. but if it's the "wrong" traits you get a file saying you've got "doesn't behave disorder" or premature diagnoses of bipolar disorder, bpd, etc down the line. much to think about

[enlighteningcareers]

Top MBA Colleges in Delhi: Your Path to Success

Introduction

In today's competitive world, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) has become more than just a degree; it's a ticket to career excellence. Delhi, the vibrant capital of India, offers a plethora of opportunities for MBA aspirants with a diverse range of colleges and universities. Choosing the right institution for your MBA is crucial, as it can shape your future. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top MBA colleges in Delhi and help you make an informed decision about your educational journey.

Why Pursue an MBA in Delhi?

The Thriving Business Hub

Delhi is not only the political capital of India but also a thriving business hub. It hosts the headquarters of numerous multinational corporations, making it an ideal place to pursue an MBA. The exposure to real-world business scenarios and networking opportunities here are unparalleled.

World-Class Faculty

Delhi's MBA colleges boast a pool of renowned professors and industry experts who provide valuable insights and mentorship to students. These faculty members have a wealth of experience that can greatly enrich your learning experience.

Diversity of Specializations

Whether you're interested in finance, marketing, human resources, or entrepreneurship, Delhi's MBA colleges offer a wide range of specializations. You can tailor your MBA program to align with your career goals.

Placement Opportunities

One of the primary reasons for pursuing an MBA is to enhance your career prospects. Delhi's MBA colleges have robust placement cells that facilitate interactions with top recruiters, ensuring excellent job opportunities for graduates.

Top MBA Colleges in Delhi

Now, let's dive into the list of top MBA colleges in Delhi, each renowned for its unique strengths and offerings.

Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Delhi

IIM Delhi stands tall as one of the premier MBA institutions in India. Known for its rigorous curriculum and outstanding faculty, it consistently ranks among the top B-schools in the country. The institute offers various MBA programs, including PGP, Executive MBA, and more.

Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), University of Delhi

FMS Delhi is celebrated for its affordability and excellent ROI. With a legacy dating back to 1954, it has consistently produced business leaders. FMS offers a range of full-time and part-time MBA programs.

International Management Institute (IMI)

IMI Delhi is known for its international exposure and industry collaborations. The institute provides a holistic learning experience with opportunities for global internships and student exchange programs.

Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) - Centre for Management Studies

JMI's MBA program focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship. It encourages students to think outside the box and develop entrepreneurial skills, making it an excellent choice for future business leaders.

Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Noida

Although not in Delhi per se, SIBM Noida is worth mentioning for its proximity and reputation. It offers an array of MBA programs and emphasizes holistic development through various clubs and activities.

Delhi School of Management (DSM), Delhi Technological University

DSM, affiliated with DTU, offers MBA programs with a strong technical and managerial focus. It bridges the gap between technology and management, preparing students for the evolving business landscape.

Amity Business School

Amity Business School is renowned for its state-of-the-art campus and emphasis on practical learning. The institute offers a wide range of MBA specializations and has a strong track record of placements.

Conclusion

Choosing the right MBA college in Delhi is a significant decision that can shape your career trajectory. Each of these institutions offers a unique experience, so consider your interests, goals, and preferences when making your choice. Rest assured, pursuing an MBA in Delhi opens doors to endless opportunities in the corporate world.

FAQs

FAQ 1: How do I apply to these MBA colleges in Delhi?

The application process varies for each college. Visit their respective websites for detailed information on admission criteria and application deadlines.

FAQ 2: What is the average placement package for MBA graduates in Delhi?

Placement packages vary depending on the college and specialization. On average, MBA graduates from top Delhi colleges can expect competitive packages ranging from 8 to 20 lakhs per annum.

FAQ 3: Are there scholarships available for MBA students in Delhi?

Yes, many colleges in Delhi offer scholarships based on merit, financial need, and other criteria. Check the college websites and admission brochures for scholarship details.

FAQ 4: Can I pursue an MBA in Delhi as an international student?

Absolutely! Delhi's MBA colleges welcome international students. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and complete the necessary documentation for admission.

FAQ 5: How can I get in touch with the placement cell of these colleges?

You can find contact information for the placement cell on the respective college websites. They are usually responsive to email inquiries and can provide guidance on placements.

In your quest for success, choosing the right MBA college in Delhi is the first step towards a brighter future. Each of these institutions offers a unique experience, so consider your interests, goals, and preferences when making your choice. Rest assured, pursuing an MBA in Delhi opens doors to endless opportunities in the corporate world.

[collegebuddy07]

What are the Best and Most Affordable MBA colleges in Delhi?

Although there are many MBA colleges in Delhi that offer a quality education, not all of them can afford to provide it.

Here is a list I pulled from My College Buddy of the top and most affordable MBA colleges in Delhi.

Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) - FMS is a prestigious business school in India that is affiliated with the University of Delhi. The full-time MBA program is offered by the school. It is well-known for its excellent placement opportunities and rigorous academic curriculum. It is one of the most affordable MBA programs available in India, with a two-year fee of INR 1.92 lakhs.

Department of Management Studies, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (DMS IIT Delhi)- DMS IIT Delhi is another highly-ranked business school in Delhi. The school offers a full-time MBA program that is well known for its emphasis on innovation and research. The two-year fee is INR 9.60 lakhs. This makes it slightly more costly than FMS, but still very affordable in comparison to other MBA programs.

International Management Institute (IMI) - IMI, a private school of business, offers a full-time MBA degree. It is well-known for its industry connections and outstanding placement record. The two-year fee is INR 16.95 lakhs. This is slightly higher than DMS IIT Delhi and FMS IIT Delhi but is still very affordable in comparison to private MBA colleges.

Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management - LBSIM, another top-ranked private school in Delhi, offers a full-time MBA degree. It is well-known for its strong emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship. It costs INR 14.80 lakhs for the two-year program. This is slightly more than FMS, but still very affordable in comparison to private MBA colleges.

Delhi School of Management (DSM) - DSM is a business school that is affiliated with Delhi Technological University (DTU). The full-time MBA program is offered by the school. It is well-known for its emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship. It is one of the most affordable MBA programs available in Delhi. The two-year fee is INR 3.98 lakhs.

Bharati Vidyapeeth’s Institute of Management and Research - BVIMR, a private school offering a full-time MBA degree, is known for its unique MBA program. It is well-known for its strong emphasis on leadership and management skills. It is more affordable than private MBA colleges because the fee for the two-year program costs around INR 7.00 lakhs.

Fortune Institute of International Business (FIIB) - FIIB - FIIB, a private school of business, offers a full-time MBA degree. It is well-known for its strong emphasis on global business and management. It is more affordable than private MBA colleges because the fee for the two-year program costs around INR 9.25 lakhs.

These are the top and most affordable MBA colleges in Delhi. These colleges all offer top-notch academic programs, highly qualified faculty, and excellent placement opportunities. Students have the option to choose the college that suits their career and budget. And if you want to know detailed information or comparisons about distance colleges, courses, fees, and admission process, in Delhi or any other state then you can just go through My College buddy its an extensive search engine for parents, Students, and the ones who want to know more about colleges.

[odisomii]

The Top 5 Mirror Dash Cameras Available On The Market

With more and more people being required to keep a record of their driving, there has been an increase in the demand for mirror dash cams. What are they good for? A whole bunch of things, actually. From insurance claims to proving your innocence in a police chase, these cameras have a lot to offer drivers. Here are the five best mirror dash cameras available on the market today.

The 5 Best Mirror Dash Cameras Available On The Market

There are a number of mirror dash cameras on the market that are perfect for capturing footage of your car while you're driving. Here are the five best options available: 1. GoPro Fusion The GoPro Fusion is our top pick for a mirror dash camera due to its excellent video quality and range of features. This camera can capture high-quality videos at 1080p or 720p, and has an impressive field of view that makes it great for capturing footage from all directions. Additionally, the Fusion has several cool features, such as night vision and a waterproof housing that make it ideal for Driving Safety Monitoring (DSM) applications. 2. Trimble RoadKeeper If you're looking for a camera with more advanced features than the GoPro Fusion, the Trimble RoadKeeper may be a better choice. This camera is capable of capturing stunning 4K videos at 30fps, and has a wide variety of options for data storage and sharing. Additionally, it can track speed, direction, and other vehicle information in real-time, making it great for safety applications such as driving school or fleet monitoring. 3. BlackVue DR650S-2CH If you're looking for a mirror dash camera with less expensive options than either the GoPro Fusion or the Trimble RoadKeeper, the BlackVue DR650S-2CH may be a good option for you. This camera captures HD videos at 30fps and has an

Pros and cons of each mirror dash camera

The pros and cons of each mirror dash camera can vary depending on the specific model. However, many of the cameras offer features that are valuable for capturing footage of accidents or criminal incidents. Some key pros of using a mirror dash camera include the ability to see both the driver and front passenger in the frame, making it easier to identify who is responsible for an incident. Additionally, some models have motion detection capabilities that will start filming automatically when movement is detected in the vicinity of the camera. Some potential downsides to using a mirror dash camera include limited storage capacity and a shorter battery life than other types of cameras. Additionally, because a mirror dashcam records footage in front of the vehicle, it may not be as reliable when it comes to recording events that take place behind the car, such as collisions or thefts.

Conclusion

Looking for the best dash camera out there? Check our top 5 mirror dash cameras on the market! With these cameras, you'll have everything you need to keep an eye on your driving and make sure nothing untoward happens while you're behind the wheel.

[just-a-bookish-reader]

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly - Autistic Representation

Autism - “A serious developmental disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact. Autism spectrum disorder impacts the nervous system.The range and severity of symptoms can vary widely. Common symptoms include difficulty with communication, difficulty with social interactions, obsessive interests, and repetitive behaviors. Early recognition, as well as behavioral, educational, and family therapies may reduce symptoms and support development and learning.” - Mayo Clinic

I don’t usually, nor do I plan on beginning any educational posts in the future - this is simply (hopefully) a one time thing. Though I highly highly doubt it will be. But this I absolutely need to discuss. I feel that I am qualified to do so as well as I’ve been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (specifically Asperger’s Syndrome when the DSM IV was still around) since I was 6 or 7 years old. So I have lived just about one and a half decades with it. Well at least with it diagnosed. Truly I’ve lived with it for all 20 years and 11 months of my life. 

In this post I plan on discussing mainly books, but also referencing to movies and tv shows as I deem necessary. I will also give suggestions of excellent books with autistic representation at the end of this post bolding, and italicizing the ones written by autistic authors. 

Now, without further ado, let’s jump right on in. 

The Ugly

We are starting with the worst of the worst - not so I can upset people over their faves but so that you can anticipate the best at the end of this post. I am going to stick to one major example for each category until the last one. As far as “The Ugly,” I am going to be referencing The Maid by Nita Prose. 

While it is never officially stated that she is autistic, there is enough insinuation that the lack of a label is almost offensive. If you are going to write a current day, “realistic,” murder mystery thriller, then you should be labeling your characters. And don’t do that “oh I don’t want to put them in a box.” Sometimes people have to be. If I hadn’t been labeled I wouldn’t have gotten the accommodations I needed in High School or College. That being said, there are some aspects here that seem accurate. The desire for a routine life, reading too far into certain conversations, missing out on social cues. I can certainly be glad they didn’t pull the counting toothpicks or burning down houses stereotypes. Outside of that, it just felt wrong. I can’t put a finger on it, and I reiterate that in the review. I think many of my complaints are similar to others, but the neurodivergency nearly felt fictional and I almost wished she’d at least watched the ABC Freeform tv show Stitchers, because while the condition Kirstin has isn’t autism, there certain gaping similarities that are discussed in the show (there’s an episode where she “stitches” into an autistic man’s brain and figures out how he died in 4 seconds because his brain was so similar to hers), that it has been my favorite show for a very long time. 

The Bad

Mind you, this example I DNFd rather quickly - as I had learned my lesson with other books. The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi. I went into this book extremely excited after hearing it featured not only a Jewish main character (I am half jewish myself) but that character was also autistic. When I got to her introduction I have never seen so many stereotypes and contradictions in one page. She is mentioned to basically be an arsonist, and love numbers. She is said to only like the “pale bland sugar cookies” and doesn’t know how to ask for more other than standing right behind Laila with an empty tray. But she was smart enough and socially adjusted enough to attend university until her arson. How on earth does that make sense? It felt like they were trying to infantilize the condition, which... feels not great. There are many autistic people out there who can love flavorful foods, love colors, and know how to cook or ask for more. Those same people may not feel comfortable at university, be scared of fires or be terribly at math and love words instead. Autistic people are extremely variable, and while I didn’t finish the book, there was clearly a reason as to why. 

The Good

Finally! The good! About damn time. Well, this is a slightly amusing story if you can believe it. So the same morning I finally decided to shelve The Gilded Wolves, I picked up Seraphina by Rachel Hartman. It was at the top of my physical TBR cart as it is a book that I am borrowing from my mom, so I need to finish it soon so I don’t forget to give it back, so I just leaned over and started it. Not only was the immediate prose gorgeous, but soon I discovered that the dragons are absolutely based on autistic people. In this case, it not being a specific label is understandable (same as above) because it is extremely high fantasy. Omran is described as loving difficult mathematics instead of just numbers and hating itchy clothing and is shown to miss social cues, such as greeting before launching into conversation. In one of the memories that Seraphina gets to see of her mother, she discovers that her mother was obsessed with her music, and seemed to know quite know how to word the feeling of deep love.  Not enjoying metaphor, but not elaborating exactly why. Yes she does still compare kissing Seraphina’s father to equations but its only one thing she compares it to - she still compares it to “seen the numbers behind the moon and stars, behind mountains and history, art and death and yearning, as if my comprehension is large enough that it can encompass universes from the beginning to the end of time.” (p. 91)

Even if it is not the author’s intention to make the dragons an entire species of autistic people, I’d prefer an accident like that to the aforementioned purposeful attempts at neurodivergent characters. 

More (will be updated as I discover more)

Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson

[hyperlexichypatia]

Reminders About Autism

 It's time again for a few friendly reminders about autism! Yay!

Friendly Reminder 1: Autism and Asperger Syndrome are literally the same thing. "Asperger Syndrome" is a (no longer used in the US) category of autistic people whose childhood speech development was not significantly delayed. "Autistic Disorder" was the category for autistic people who had childhood speech delays. That's it. That's the only difference.

Anyone who tries to claim that there is any other difference between "autism" and "Asperger Syndrome" (such as "'Aspies' excel in school but 'autistics' don't," or "'Aspies seek out socializing but 'autistics' don't") is either making it up, or unquestioningly repeating something someone else made up.

Autistic people are diverse -- some learn to speak at roughly average ages, some learn to speak late (or not at all). Some do well in a traditional classroom, others don't. Some have other learning disabilities, others don't. And all of these factors are COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT OF ONE ANOTHER.

Please note that I hate everything about the DSM, diagnostic criteria, and the entire concept of classifying neurodivergences as "disorders," but when you perpetuate these falsehoods or the idea that "functioning levels" are a thing, you're actually being MORE pathologizing than the DSM, which is saying something.

Friendly Reminder 2: Autism does not "manifest differently in girls/women." Autistic girls/women are not "more empathetic" or "better social mimics" than autistic boys/men. Again, autistic people are diverse. Some are pretty good at mimicking allistic people, some aren't so much. This has no relationship to gender. However, sexist professionals will interpret the exact same characteristic differently based on the perceived gender of the person they're assessing. (Also, autistic people are significantly more likely to be transgender, genderqueer, or gender non-conforming than allistic people, so a whole lot of the "autistic girls" and "autistic boys" being assessed are being misgendered in the first place.)Friendly Reminder 3: While autism is not classified as a "mental illness," this is kind of a useless thing to point out, and is not the reason that autistic people deserve rights/ acceptance/ not to be murdered. We deserve those things because we're people. Psychiatrically disabled/ "mentally ill" people deserve those things too (they also deserve not to have their neurodivergences called "illnesses" unless they choose to conceptualize them that way). Differentiating autism from "mental illness" is also pretty ineffective distancing, because have you ever met an autistic person who wasn't also psychiatrically disabled? Me neither.

[ofhouseadama]

Are you nervous about getting the adult autism assessment? Do you think the professional diagnosis will make a huge difference? Asking bc I think I have autism too and am nervous about pursuing a professional diagnosis bc I'm afraid they'll think I'm fine just because I can make eye contact. Honestly feeling inspired to challenge that bc I see you trying to get it done but I apologize if this is too much for tumblr.

At this point I'm interested in it solely because it would allow me to ask for formal accommodations (the same with a PTSD diagnosis) at work.

I'm not overly nervous about it because I know I likely have some form of neurodivergence, either from C-PTSD (which isn't in the DSM-5 but is generally considered a developmental disorder/brain injury at this point) or from autism or some combination thereof. My new therapist within like, thirty minutes of meeting me and starting the intake session was like. Okay okay cool cool you know there's something going on, I don't have to bring it up to you and you don't have to reckon with it.

I know I am a prime candidate for having a missed diagnosis because I was a girl born in the early nineties who excelled in school in every gifted and talented program I was chucked into, and therefore any symptons or presentations of my neurodivergence weren't a "problem" and I was capable of masking through school and social interactions due to learning how to walk on eggshells at home. I didn't have many social deficits because I gravitated to the other neurodivergent kids and nonwhite kids. The main way autism manifests in my life is through sensory and auditory processing needs, a need to stim to regulate, a need for repetition and routines to emotionally regulate, and of course--hyperfixations. I can also trend towards being overly literal.

From what I understand, an adult autism assessment is very different from a child autism assessment, but I'm not super familiar with either. I just know from taking the RAADS-R that uh. Something is afoot. Coupled with the fact that when I build in autism accommodations into my life that I am able to better emotionally regulate and function and have fewer instances of distress. I'd be interested in working a therapist I trust on how to better accommodate my needs, and if she thinks an adult assessment would give her better or more complete information to work off of, then I'm not opposed to it.

[allyactually]

mental illness isn’t a trend

I am about to hurt some feelings with this one but honestly, I am sick of it and it needs to be said and talked about. I heard once that everyone has a mental illness or everyone has anxiety.. Something like that. Let me be the first to tell you just how untrue that is. I can almost guarantee not everyone struggles with a mental illness. Why would you want to? Why would you actually want to speak that over yourself? Mental illness is NOT a trend. It is NOT something to gloat about. It’s not something to be ashamed about but it’s also not something we should be walking around gloating about. It’s real. It’s scary. It’s messy and it’s a freaking struggle. The ones who genuinely struggle with a mental illness are tired of not being taken seriously because of this trend.

Tiktok diagnosing

Oh tiktok. We love it there. We love scrolling and self-diagnosing because a “mental health professional” says that because we can’t pay attention in school that we have ADHD or because we sometimes space out that we have BPD. No- if you do not see a psychiatrist or a PCP about these issues, please don’t allow an app to diagnose you. I remember about a month ago I was scrolling and this lady said `` put a finger down if you have intrusive thoughts” . Well I put my finger down because girllll do I have intrusive thoughts. 10 fingers later, I have autism. I’m not saying that to be funny.. This girl really said that. Rare mental disorders like borderline personality, bipolar and dissociative personality disorders have dedicated hashtags with billions of views attached to them when in reality these disorders have been professionally diagnosed to less than 3% of the global population, according to multiple studies from the National Institute of Mental Health. So this is clearly becoming an overwhelming issue. “Social media can absolutely influence individuals, especially when symptoms feel similar, and without much explanation or formal assessment,” said April Krowel, a licensed clinical neuropsychologist at The Brain Center. “My practice has seen an uptick in people of all ages requesting appointments because of something they saw on TikTok, specifically.” Have you tried to get an appointment lately? They are out months and my psychiatrist specifically says it’s because of this trend. 

Mental Health vs Mental Illness

Let me be clear, Not Everyone Suffers From Mental Illness, But Everyone Has Mental Health that should be prioritized. As the CMHA writes (2018), 1 in 5 Americans experience a mental health issue every year. However, every single one of us (5 in 5) have mental health. A person can have a mental illness and have excellent mental health. Conversely, someone without a mental illness can have poor mental health. According to Mayo Clinic (2018), mental illness refers to a wide range of mental health conditions – disorders that affect your mood, thinking, and behaviour. All mental illnesses are diagnosed by psychologists or psychiatrists (two of the many types of mental health professionals) based on a set of criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). The CMHA (2018) defines mental health as a state of being, including aspects such as your self-esteem, distress, and stress levels. It also encompasses how you feel about yourself, others, and the world. Thus, one individual may have good mental health on some days, and worse mental health on others. This person may or may not have a mental illness. 

Let me back track from statistics because they are BORING and we need personal examples. 

First, let me show you what poor mental health + no mental illness

Outwardly i show:

I have a good GPA

Great job

Several friends

What is also happening:

I am working nonstop

I have a million things on my to do list

I have no tolerance for personal imperfections and am also a bit of a doormat for others

I’m finding it difficult to trust people, and am afraid of revealing any imperfections.

Inwardly i feel

Massive self-imposed pressure to “stay competitive”

Cycles between frustration and contentment

Envious of most people around me and discontented with where I am at

Next, i will show you good mental health + mental illness

Outwardly i show

I am maintaining physical health by working out regularly and eating healthfully (mental and physical health are connected!)

I am nurturing my friendships and coping with the natural drifting that is occurring with some of my friends

I am usually bright and upbeat, but I definitely do have dips from time to time

What is also happening (and notice how these points are things you can learn and build even without a mental illness):

Much more often than not, I talk to myself with self-acceptance and self-validation through difficult experiences and challenging emotions

I have built the ability to notice when I am feeling or thinking ineffectively, and have become much better at processing my experiences in a more effective manner

I am letting go of the desire to control my circumstances and others around me. I am only responsible for the energy that I bring to the table; what others do with it is entirely up to them

Inwardly, I feel (and this is currently; it is not always the case!):

filled and very content with myself not only where I am currently at

Gratitude for the many gifts that the universe has given me in my life

Much more grounded in my own values, goals, and passions

Lastly, bad mental health + mental illness

Outwardly, you would see:

Someone who seems to be really struggling

“I don’t really see her much anymore”

Some clinginess to friends, boyfriend

What is also happening:

Extremely burned out

Sleeping through most of the day

Trying my best to seek support from loved ones but still finding it difficult to accept help

Suicidal ideation

Seeing a psychiatrist for the first time;

Inwardly, I feel:

freaking terrible – anxiety is through the roof, self-berating is constant

Very supported by my friends and family, but finding it difficult to accept the support (“I don’t deserve their support”)

Emptiness

Hopelessness and helplessness

These are very different but feel similar. Everyone has mental health that they need to prioritize - mental illness or not. It’s just time that we learned the difference between the 2. So that one becomes the trend (prioritizing your mental health) and the other (mental illness) does not. I wish people would understand the severity of dealing with a mental illness. Making someone feel like their issue isn’t important is a problem. Self diagnosing is a problem. It is however important to discuss the topic and bring awareness like I am doing now. If you believe you have  a mental illness- please go seek professional medical opinions. It is important to take your brain into priority. 

Prioritize yourself and take care of yourself. You are the only you that will ever be.

[theseniorsenior]

This Weeks Post From Diagnosis and DSM-5

Both parts of this question bring countertransference for me to the max. For any prospective counseling peers who have completed one or more classes with me in the past, some of what I write will seem like “old hat.” I’ve focused on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in many forums with a deep-felt emotion and burning desire to learn. As an educator, I thought I had grasped learning theory and discipline for years. I was living deceived.

That was before I married late in life, and God blessed my wife and me with a son whose mental health history would be full of surprises. At four, he was diagnosed with sensory deprivation. Hence, weighted blankets, bouncy balls to sit on, etc. At seven, professionals scored him on the ADDES-4 (Attention Deficit Disorder Evaluation Scale – Fourth Edition), and he scored out two standard deviations from “normal” and began medication for ADHD. His standardized test scores jumped.

He had attended a small Christian school in our community but entered public middle school – and my class and hallway in sixth grade. I was immediately concerned with his lack of interaction with most of his peers. At the same time, a knowledgeable speech teacher confronted his mother and me, encouraging us to have him evaluated for autism. His testing included the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), where he earned a score similar to what had been called Aspergers before the DSM-5 but now integrated into the autism spectrum.

What I wasn’t ready for – and what the question asked – would be his post-high school travails, both with autism and with ADHD. Supposedly our school system had transition services to meet requirements. It was just that - for the system to say they had met requirements. What’s more, the junior college where he enrolled insisted they provided services for learning and socially disabled kids of all kinds.

We found that our son had fallen off the cliff upon high school graduation. First of all, I recently discovered that while middle and high school specialists and resource room personnel encourage parents, praising the child, and talking about the child’s progress, some manifestations of the child/adolescent’s disorder don’t manifest themselves before young adulthood. That youngster may have increasing needs, not less. The years after high school have been the most trying for his mother and me.

Second, his long-time peers accepted some oddities, as “Oh, that is just him.” Now potential bosses and friend interests, both men and women, ignore him, or at least they do to his perception. What’s more, he is uncomfortable with them because he doesn’t understand why they think he ought to dress less weirdly, shower more frequently, etc.

Third, as we live in a rural state, professionals that understand an ASD/ADHD comorbidity are rare. While he’s had some excellent general licensed practical counselors, one failed to recognize his ASD and concentrated on the ADHD, and the other still struggles with his lack of social graces and seeming ingratitude when he is working with emotions or perceives some personal need that simply must be more important than anyone else’s need.

Fourth, the junior college’s assertion that they stood ready to help came with a caveat: all he has to do is come get it. They might as well ask him to fly to the moon. Some months ago, he gained employment with an excellent local firm. We gave him a canceled check to give to the business office to implement direct deposit of his checks. He refused to do it due to dealing with increasing numbers of people. Eventually, he quit working because he said the anxiety of an open floor (up to 100 people working in the same room) was overwhelming.

In closing, my wife and I have done enough peer-reviewed research through the Chadron Library to know that what we face is not unique. 50 – 75% of high functioning autistic young adults are unemployed (Smith et al.,2015). A majority are living with a parent or other adult figure. Like our son, they can fail to read cues from possible romantic interests properly. Further, the cues they read correctly are often from individuals similar to themselves, which can amplify the needs of both individuals.

Transitioning to the second question, Sokolova et al. state that “recent research recognizes considerable clinical, genetic, and neuropsychological overlap between ASD and ADHD, and within the DSM-5, ADHD can now be diagnosed in conjunction with ASD” (p. 1595, 2017). As a result, an individual with such a comorbidity needs strategies for treatment with two very debilitating disorders.

According to Kress and Paylo, Cognitive Behavior (CBT) “helps [ADHD clients] develop the skills necessary to effectively navigate its accompanying symptoms.” (p. 435, 2019). In treating ADHD, CBT focuses on enhancing attention span, memory, impulse control, problem-solving skills, emotion regulation, social skills, and organizational skills. An interesting side-note for me is that this description could easily be applied to autism, as we described above. In either case, CBT counselors help clients apply these skills in various life situations.

The three most common struggles for ADHD clients are organization, time management, and planning. They must also learn self-talk strategies to help them stay focused. As an aside, I think I have used this strategy for years, and didn’t realize what I was doing.

In any event, disorganization, always being late (or occasionally early), going through life with no sense of planning can lead to a very adverse self-view. Therefore, the CBT counselor will work in several areas. These include:

· Increasing organization and planning skills by a documentation system, deconstructing major assignments, and creating action plans

· Reducing distractibility by increasing awareness of the need for a break, dividing larger tasks into chunks, using timers and alarms, and writing down directions as they occur.

· Increasing problem-solving skills by learning techniques to aid in deconstructing the task.

· Learning and applying cognitive restructuring techniques by identifying and challenging self-critical thoughts and beliefs

· Reducing procrastination by applying problem-solving techniques in problem areas.

· Improving communication skills by implementing active listening, learning to intercept and interpret the social cues of others

· Learning and applying anger and frustration management techniques, including learning stress reduction strategies and engaging others energetically, not obnoxiously. (Kress and Paylo, 2019)

What I’ve written about CBT and ADHD could help many young people in the public school setting. However, as a counselor friend states cynically, “Students are not treated till they bother adults.” Therefore, many ADHD and ASD young people miss the chance to participate in treatment the text describes as a tenet of CBT for ADHD. Hopefully the future will allow the expansion of this kind of therapy for both neurodevelopmental groups.

References

Kress, V. E., & Paylo, M. J. (2019). Treating those with mental disorders: A comprehensive approach to case conceptualization and treatment. Pearson.

Smith, M. J., Fleming, M. F., Wright, M. A., Losh, M., Humm, L. B., Olsen, D., & Bell, M. D. (2015). Brief report: Vocational outcomes for young adults with autism spectrum disorders at six months after virtual reality job interview training. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(10), 3364–3369. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2470-1

Sokolova, E., Oerlemans, A. M., Rommelse, N. N., Groot, P., Hartman, C. A., Glennon, J. C., Claassen, T., Heskes, T., & Buitelaar, J. K. (2017). A causal and mediation analysis of the comorbidity between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 47(6), 1595–1604. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-017-3083-7

[addictedtostorytelling]

i forget what episode, but in an early season Nick & Warrick are bothering Greg in his lab and make a joke/crack at his expense that mentions Greg's medication? Harmless fun, or could Greg potentially need/be on meds (ADHD maybe?)? its only mentioned once so it caught me off guard as to how much weight the audience should put into one line

hi, anon!

in my view, while the line itself is a throwaway (in the sense that i don't believe that warrick is speaking knowledgeably about greg taking medication), the fact that it is doesn't preclude the possibility that greg might be on medication nonetheless.

the episode in question is 03x10 "high and low."

in the scene you mention, nick and warrick are hanging out in the dna lab, getting in greg's way, bickering with each other, and generally being obnoxious; fed up with their knucklehead antics, greg tries to push them out the door—literally, in nick's case, as greg unseats him off a chair he's sitting on to force him to move his feet.

both nick and warrick are surprised by greg's brusqueness.

as a parting jab, just before greg hustles him into the hall, warrick quips, "have you taken your medication today?"

greg doesn't answer, and the scene ends there.

now.

because of the tone and context of this exchange, i'm 100% certain that warrick isn't asking his question in a genuine way—i.e., this is not a case where warrick knows that greg is neurodivergent or mentally ill and takes medicine to stabilize his moods and/or control his behaviors and so is asking him about it in a "hey, buddy, are you okay? did you maybe miss a dose?" concerned kind of way.

rather, this is warrick making fun of greg.

essentially, he's insinuating that greg's attitude is getting out of hand, so he needs to "take a chill pill" to settle down.

it's an "are you crazy, sanders?" type of dig.

honestly, it's just the kind of mean-spirited crack that warrick wouldn't make if he knew that greg did take medication of that sort—because then it would be too low a blow; too much of a "punching down" deal—so to me the fact that he does make it tells us that he has no reason to believe that greg is actually on medication.

of course, just because warrick most likely doesn't have any knowledge of greg being on medication doesn't necessarily mean that greg isn't.

this case may be one where warrick says something jokingly (and in ignorance) that actually ends up having more truth to it than he realizes.

greg very well could have adhd—and i know that a lot of fans, particularly including those who have adhd themselves, headcanon that he does.

certainly, if he did, it might explain some of his tendency to flit from activity to activity, his chronic boredom in the lab, his excellent multitasking abilities, etc.

of course, since greg has no diagnosis that we're told of in show canon, we never actually see him taking any medication, and the topic of him even potentially doing so is never revisited again at any point throughout the series, it's really up to the individual viewer to decide if they think he does have adhd (or any other neurodivergence or mental illness) and take medication or not.

if one does think he's on medication or even that he used to be*, then this scene takes on new significance, as what warrick means as an offhanded joke probably ends up hitting a bit close to home for greg, potentially hurting his feelings.

* if greg did have adhd, he would have most likely been among the first wave of gen xers who got diagnosed with the disorder under its new name (changed from hyperkinetic impulse disorder to attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity, as per the dsm-iii) during the early 1980s. most probably, he would have been prescribed ritalin, which was the most common drug used to treat the disorder at that time, when he was in grade school. since back then, and even up through the 90s, adhd was considered solely a childhood condition, he, like many other adhd people his age, may have been taken off of his medication around the time that he went to high school, or at least by the time he went to college. it is therefore possible that even if he does have adhd, he is not actively taking medication for it in 2002, when the episode in question takes place, even if he could still potentially benefit from taking it.

of course, it's also 100% possible to read this scene as warrick making a jab that has no basis in truth, if one believes that greg isn't actually on medication and never has been.

it just depends on one's druthers.

anyway.

thanks for the question! please feel welcome to send another any time.

[psychology-job-bank]

Research Coordinator for Longitudinal Program in Late-Life Suicide at the University of Pittsburgh

The Longitudinal Research Program in Late-Life Suicide with the University of Pittsburgh is seeking to hire a full-time lead clinician/coordinator to begin late-spring/early summer 2021 (flexible start date).

https://careers.upmc.com/jobs/6417512-research-coordinator

Our research lab seeks to understand the interacting risk and protective factors related to biological and psychosocial factors of aging that lead to the elevated suicide rate in late-life. We conduct a longitudinal study of late-life suicide attempters, which provides a unique opportunity to evaluate the predictive value of these risk factors on prospectively assessed suicidal behavior. In addition to our detailed clinical characterization, we use neurocognitive assessments, game theory experiments, and decision process measures to understand how cognitive abilities and decision making contribute to suicide risk.

More information about the lab’s research can be found at gsuicide.pitt.edu.

An ideal candidate will hold a master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, or a related field, or equivalent work experience, and have working knowledge of clinical mental health assessment. They will possess excellent time management and organizational skills and will demonstrate flexible and creative thinking skills.

Our Research Coordinator will:

Oversee day-to-day research operations and manage our multidisciplinary research team

Assist in annual report submission to funding agencies

Plan and schedule lab events and research meetings

Collaborate with other investigators in the department

Providing guidance and training to the research staff with matters of clinical assessment and suicide risk, including when to follow suicide risk protocol and contact the study psychiatrist or emergency medical services

Administer and train staff members on clinical assessment including the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders, and Beck Scale of Suicide Ideation.

If interested, there are potential opportunities for data analysis and publication. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to apply for further graduate studies, such as a doctoral program in psychology, neuroscience, or medical studies. Minimal length of commitment is two years to allow for maximal benefits on both sides (i.e., more substantial experience for RA, and greater time-in-lab before applying to graduate or medical school).

Required Application Documents:

(1) Cover Letter/Personal statement. Including why you feel you could be a strong lab lead clinician/coordinator, and what interests you about potentially becoming involved in the PROTECT research lab.

(2) CV

If selected for further consideration, we will ask you for references.

For further information or to apply, please see https://careers.upmc.com/jobs/6417512-research-coordinator or email Cortnee Williams (williamsca4@upmc.edu)

[spectrumdiversitycommunitycenter]

LGBTQ+ History: Barbara Gittings

Barbara Gittings, who came from Austria when she was 18, is one of the faces of the early LGBT movement, fighting for the end of federal employment discrimination, promoting literature portraying LGBT characters in a positive light, and petitioning the American Psychological Association to remove homosexuality as a mental illness. 

The daughter of a US diplomat who returned to the United States at the start of WWII, she was rejected for induction into the National Honor Society at her high school, despite being an excellent student, due to the staff’s reservations about her character, due to her having “homosexual inclinations.”

At Northwestern University, rumors started going about that her and a close friend were lesbians, leading Gittings to attempt to understand her sexuality. She started to see a psychiatrist, who offered to “cure” her, and she might have tried had she been able to secure the money, but her father thought there was nothing a psychiatrist could do that a priest couldn’t.

She started going to the library and trying to find literature about being gay, but pretty much all that she found were books about abnormal psychology that named homosexuality as deviancy and odd generalizations about gay people. Did you know that at one point, it was thought none of us could whistle and that we all loved the color green? Anyway, Gittings couldn’t find any of what she was looking for, which was any sort of positivity surrounding homosexuality.

And so she set out to create her own. She created a New York the Daughters of Bilitis, the first lesbian civil rights organization in the United States, in 1958. She would often reach out to psychiatrists, psychologists, newspaper editors, and others to attend their meetings to get the conversation started about gay people and how we aren’t the monsters we’d been made to be. Between 1963 and 1966, she served as editor for The Ladder, the organizations magazine. It was apolitical, but it was powerful and re-introduced homosexuality into literature.

Until it wasn’t apolitical anymore. Upon hearing how gays and lesbians were talked about by speakers at conventions, she changed the face of The Ladder, adding a “Lesbian Review,” changing drawings to photos of real lesbians, and publishing articles on more controversial topics, such as remarks on women who don’t get involved in politics and whether it is better to push for public action or to educate about homosexuality.

She became involved in the early years of the first gay caucus in the American Library Association, attempting to get more positive gay literature in libraries across the US. During this time, she hosted a same-sex kissing booth, of which she said "We needed to get an audience. So we decided, let's show gay love live. We were offering free—mind you, free—same-sex kisses and hugs. Let me tell you, the aisles were mobbed, but no one came into the booth to get a free hug. So we hugged and kissed each other. It was shown twice on the evening news, once again in the morning. It put us on the map." Then, in the early 1970s, she was instrumental in the push to remove homosexuality from the DSM. When the news broke, a Philadelphia headline read: “20 Million Homosexuals Gain Instant Cure!” with a picture of Gittings to accompany it.

Due to her contributions, the American Library Association named an award after her; every year, the best gay or lesbian novel is given the Barbara Gittings award. That is not the only award bearing her name; there is a GLAAD activist award as well, and at her memorial service, executive director of National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Matt Foreman, said that the community owes her “everything.”

Image sourced from: https://exhibits.lib.berkeley.edu/spotlight/queer/catalog?f%5Bexhibit_tags%5D%5B%5D=barbara+gittings