Toluwa Balogun is a second-year medical student at the UC Irvine School of Medicine. He is also a PRIME-LEAD ABC scholar and an intern with the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment Disorders. His career interests include Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, Pediatric Neurology, Dermatology, and Pediatric Otolaryngology.  Being a parent of a neurodiverse child often comes with unique challenges and responsibilities. The term neurodiverse, used to recognize and respect the importance and naturalness of your child’s …

Written by: Cecilia Rideout In the vibrant tapestry of our Empowering Women of Color group, each achievement resonates as a triumph not just for the individual, but for the community as a whole. Today, we celebrate one such milestone – a member who recently earned her associate’s degree in psychology, liberal studies, and social and behavioral sciences. Ms. Shanae Stump’s journey exemplifies resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to empowering herself and her community. For …

Written by Cecilia Rideout A Seattle native turned Southern California resident, is a dedicated mother to two girls aged 6 and 1.5.  Cecilia serves as a Parent Partner with the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders and is a founding member of the Empowering Women of Color Parent Support Group. Actively engaged in her school district’s special education community, she strives to disseminate knowledge to empower as many families as possible.  It brings us immense …

Written in collaboration with The Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders and PRIME LEAD-ABC Dear families and community partners, Happy New Year! We are taking this opportunity to introduce our team, our resource website, and our upcoming events. We are a group of medical students, parents, and clinicians dedicated to increasing access and improving care for children and families of color.  The Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders (CAND) is a pediatric program of UCI …

For many families, the Thanksgiving holiday is a time for family, food, and fun. But for those with children on the autism spectrum, this season can bring up some major anxiety. Unfamiliar faces, disrupted routines, and the variety of sights, smells, and sounds can be overwhelming for kids with sensory challenges. Fortunately, you are not alone! Here are some top tips from parents and experts to help your holiday dinner go as smoothly as possible.