Receiving ABA and the Need for Research in Older Adults, with Ryan Litchfield

2021-05-13

Discover what’s possible when support includes all ages. Ryan Litchfield is an autism and disabilities self-advocate from Massachusetts. Diagnosed with autism at the age of two, Ryan underwent Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Since his high school days, Ryan has been sharing his life journey with various agencies, communities, and organizations, and he is known by people around him to have a “fighting spirit.” With a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies and a Certifica...

Discover what’s possible when support includes all ages.

Ryan Litchfield is an autism and disabilities self-advocate from Massachusetts. Diagnosed with autism at the age of two, Ryan underwent Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Since his high school days, Ryan has been sharing his life journey with various agencies, communities, and organizations, and he is known by people around him to have a “fighting spirit.”

With a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies and a Certificate in Aging Services, Ryan specializes in older adults with disabilities, guiding and supporting them to pursue their goals while promoting compassion, empathy, and kindness. Ryan has also had several blogs published in the Organization for Autism Research (OAR).

In today’s conversation, we discuss:

The services Ryan received growing up
His perspective on ABA therapy
How autism affects his life
Communication breakdowns in social situations
The need for research about older adults
How professionals can provide better support for their clients

To learn more about Ryan Litchfield and his work, please visit his website ryansvoice.blog.

Resources:

https://ryansvoice.blog/2019/03/09/gerontological-research-needed-to-gain-a-further-understanding-of-autism-in-older-adults/

https://ryansvoice.blog/2020/09/20/autism-and-mental-illness-connected-or-distinct-vlog-2/

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