WHYY: Organization Highlight

On September 20, 2024, WHYY’s The Pulse episode focused on
Navigating Autism in School. The episode explored why many autistic kids
struggle at school, and what parents and experts say could make a
difference. In one segment of the piece, Developmental pediatrician Wendy
Ross, Director of the Jefferson Center for Autism and Neurodiversity in
Philadelphia, detailed the kinds of school environments that work best for
kids with autism, and discussed some of the barriers and challenges that
get in the way.

Another segment of the episode featured a little-known condition that
affects a subset of autistic children known as Pathological Demand
Avoidance, or PDA. Reporter Liz Tung talked with one mother about her
grueling, two-year journey to find the right preschool for her autistic
daughter and make sense of what PDA would mean for her education and
future.

WHYY received the following two touching notes of thanks from mothers
which describe the impact of this episode on them and others:

From: A.J.; Sent: Monday September 23, 2024, 3:09 PM To: Maiken Scott
Subject: PDA piece Hi Maiken Thank you so much for your piece on
Autism in Schools last week and particularly the segment on PDA. My 12-
year-old daughter was diagnosed with PDA in March and has been home from school since then after years of a rollercoaster with school refusal.
Discovering PDA was a HUGE lightbulb moment for our family, and I
believe it’s probably a lot more prevalent than we realize so journalism like
yours is so important. Everyone in my PDA groups, especially the local
Philly one, were singing its praises. All the best to you.

From: M.S.; Sent: Saturday September 21, 2024, 2:36 PM To: Maiken
Scott; Subject: Thank you Dear Maiken I’m writing today to say thank
you. I am the mother of a late-diagnosed autistic teenager. Seeing the
“mainstream” media bring awareness to an issue that does not get talked
about enough was so gratifying. Listening to the episode and finding that
you took on “PDA” meant an enormous amount to me. I also recently
learned that PDA is a defining part of my daughter’s autism profile and got
there through a lot of my own trial and error and not through any of the
autism supports that led to her diagnosis. Figuring out how to navigate this
new diagnosis with a child who is legally an adult is hard enough, but a
PDA profile offers its own unique challenges. It is exceedingly difficult to
find information about it and almost universally misunderstood especially by
doctors and even people who are well-trained in autism support. I cannot
thank you enough for covering this important topic on your show. I am
going to look more closely at all of the experts you interviewed as I
continue to look for support for my daughter. I have no doubt that your
reporting will help many people. Keep up the great work!

These quotes from listeners are examples of how WHYY’s commitment to
behavioral health reporting plays a crucial role in promoting mental health
awareness and access to necessary services, while also serving as a
platform for community engagement and education.
WHYY impacts the community with its local and national behavioral health
reporting in several significant ways:
1. Increased Awareness: WHYY’s reporting highlights various mental
health issues, helping to educate the public about the importance of
mental health and the challenges many individuals face.

2. Resource Connection: WHYY’s reporting often provides information
about available local resources, services, and support systems,
making it easier for individuals to access help when needed.
3. Advocacy for Change: By covering systemic issues and policy
challenges in behavioral health, WHYY can advocate for
improvements in mental health care and support, influencing public
policy and funding decisions.
4. Community Engagement: WHYY frequently engages with the
community through events, discussions, and forums that encourage
dialogue about mental health, fostering a supportive environment for
individuals to share their stories.
5. Stigma Reduction: By presenting personal stories and expert
insights, WHYY helps to reduce the stigma associated with mental
health problems, encouraging more people to seek assistance
without fear of judgment.
6. Informing Policy Decisions: Investigative reporting can shine a light
on gaps in the mental health system, prompting policymakers to
address these issues more effectively.
7. Support for Vulnerable Populations: WHYY’s reporting often
focuses on marginalized communities, addressing the unique mental
health challenges they face and fostering a better understanding of
their needs.
The Thomas Scattergood Behavioral Health Foundation’s generous and
pioneering support of WHYY’s behavioral health reporting serves as a
crucial resource in promoting mental health awareness, enhancing the
community’s understanding of behavioral health issues, and driving positive
change in mental health care and support.