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Biography
Hannah Jones is a licensed clinical psychologist based in Virginia and provides services to clients in 40+ states via telehealth. Jones values the uniqueness of intersecting identities and honors her patients as the experts of their experience.
Jones sees neurodiversity as an important aspect of diversity overall. "Each of our brains are uniquely special, and our strengths lie in that uniqueness." says Jones. She believes it's essential to affirm that neurodivergent brainpower is not going to be found in anyone else, and is just as necessary as everyone else's for humanity to be its best.
Education
PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Regent University
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Regent University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Howard University
Certifications
Area of Expertise
Jones specializes in neurodiversity, child and adolescent development, cultural responsiveness, and trauma-informed care. She recognizes the need for well-informed, client-centered approaches to assessment, intervention, and support for all kinds of neurodevelopmental needs.
Modalities
Affiliations
Research and Publications
Embracing Autism Acceptance Month: Moving Beyond Awareness to Inclusion and Understanding
April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to champion autistic voices and to embrace the strengths and diversity of the autistic community.
Originally, Autism Acceptance Month was known as Autism Awareness Month. It was first conceived by psychologist Dr. Bernard Rimland in 1970, and then officially designated as a national awareness month in April, 1988.
In 2011, however, the Autism Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN), in collaboration with the autistic community, began commemorating Autism Acceptance Month instead of Autism Awareness Month. Autism Awareness Month focused more on the condition’s deficits, or even as something to be “fixed,” but Autism Acceptance Month proudly emphasized autism as an identity.
As someone with an autistic daughter, I’ve seen the benefits of an “acceptance” approach firsthand, rather than approaches that minimize her neurodivergent traits. She thrives in inclusive environments where her self-stimulatory behavior (or “stimming”) is welcomed.
“Acceptance shifts the default from ‘the autistic person should adapt’ to ‘the people and systems around them share the work of making life accessible,’” explains Marie Masse, who was diagnosed with autism at age 36.
This article will cover what Autism Acceptance Month is and provide clarity around why it was changed from Autism Awareness Month. We’ll also delve into, with the help of several autistic voices, what acceptance actually means in daily life, and how to embrace and encourage real inclusion every month of the year.
