Synergy Autism Center: Family Based Support

09/03/2026

Just in case anyone was wondering (which I think most people here know this already).... research is catching up with what we already know....

"It is entirely possible for someone to understand everything that is being said to them but be unable to respond because the motor and language networks are anatomically separate. This is an uncontroversial statement in neuroscience, and it means we should never conflate the ability to speak with the ability to understand. And yet, the default assumption is that if an autistic individual is nonspeaking, they have an intellectual disability."

New brain imaging research challenges assumptions about minimally speaking autism and reveals hidden language understanding.

08/02/2026

Longest hike so far this summer. Rio was a trooper and when he got tired, he welcomed going in the backpack! 🎒

07/26/2026

Some of my favorite people came to visit the mountains where we live. ♥️ Both are in special education and are amazing professionals I’ve known for over 30 years!!!

07/25/2026

SUCH a fabulous morning with our ASO/Synergy Parent Group LIVE & IN PERSON!!!!

07/23/2026

Beautiful day to head to camp Odakota!

Camp was GREAT! 90 campers, 50 counselors, a few volunteers, including me. Boffer making, boffer battles, autistic based meals (nothing touching, commonly loved items), quiet spaces, D&D groups, HUGE water slide plus pool, open fields and gorgeous mountains, tons of space and amazing vibes!!!!

Thank you for having me, !
Thank you for inviting me and urging me to check it out, Jonathan Chase!

07/12/2026

Thigh burner today. 4 miles switchbacks up and back. Phew. 😮‍💨

Stretching out of the comfort zone. Hoping to do this into my 70’s. Prepping for a great week with clients!!! Can’t wait!

07/09/2026

Got to enjoy another lovely day out in nature at The Kiwani’s Camp! The only thing wrong was that I couldn’t stay longer! Louise Kirz

07/07/2026

The Pearl Street Farm run by Embrace Compassion’s amazing Jen Bridges is as wonderful as I had been told. They provide opportunities for all (including those with disabilities) to volunteer, gain employment and team building skills, and feel a sense of true purpose. Thank you, Jen, Ben, and Henry for welcoming me! Jennifer Bridges Norman James Williams Louise Kirz

07/05/2026

Grateful for a beautiful hike in the Salmon Huckleberry wilderness with my sweet partner. I do my best thinking on the trail. Getting ready for a great week discussing when to nuzzle yourself vs nature vs nudge….rather than sending yourself into chaos trying to be something you are not (nor really wish to be). Nuzzle is going inward, tending to your wounds. Nurture is caring for self in basic ways: eating, sleeping, hydrating. And Nudging is growing in manageable ways that don’t throw your nervous system out of whack so far that you sling shot back to needing to nuzzle for a while.

06/04/2026

Grateful for a reason to get out of our grief for a few hours and deliver my books to Bookshop Santa Cruz. ♥️ My mom and I had a lovely day together with the dogs. Back to consulting regarding autism next week.