July 2025 Newsletter
✨ ED-itorial Notes✨
New month, new thoughts—get the inside scoop from our Executive Director in this just-launched section.
As we move through this season, I’ve been thinking a lot about the idea of defiance and how it shows up in our work with children, in our advocacy, and in the quiet ways we hold onto hope.
When we are working with young children, families sometimes worry that a kiddo is being defiant. Purposefully ignoring adults, refusing to do what’s being asked, or pushing back with their words or actions. Often, our role is to help families look deeper. Is the child developmentally ready for this task? Do they need support with emotions during transitions? What might they be trying to communicate?
And sometimes, especially lately when I’ve felt a little sassy myself, I wonder out loud: Do they have a point? A real, good reason to say, “Actually, no. I’m not going to do that”? There is a time and place for saying no. For setting a boundary. For refusing. That’s a skill we want kids to have for their safety, their confidence, and their future.
This kind of defiance—the kind rooted in self-awareness and self-advocacy—feels especially important right now. Because when we zoom out, there are things that all of us are, and should be, defiant about.
Not giving up on hope.
Not forgetting that a more inclusive world is possible.
Not staying quiet when we see our friends and neighbors hurting, afraid, or alone.
I asked my staff this week how they were getting through, and one of them reminded me of the “seeds we are planting in a garden of hope.” That image stayed with me.
Because maybe the most powerful kind of defiance is not about resistance for the sake of it, but about believing in something better and moving toward it with hope.
A Celebration of Creativity and Inclusion at PCDA’s 2025 Talent Show
On June 14, PCDA’s stage came alive with an extraordinary display of talent, courage, and heart. From singing and dancing to storytelling and instrumental performances, our young people reminded us all why inclusion and opportunity matter so much.
The Talent Show is more than just a performance. It’s a celebration of each participant’s unique strengths and a chance for families, friends, and staff to come together in support. This year’s show was particularly special as we welcomed new faces and cheered on returning stars, all of whom embraced the spotlight with confidence and pride.
We’re deeply grateful to everyone who helped make the evening possible, including our incredible volunteers, staff, and families—and especially to the generous sponsors who made this event shine:
Thank you to our 2025 Summer Talent Show Sponsors:
💙 Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes
💙 Woodsmall Law Group
Your support helps create meaningful opportunities for self-expression, connection, and celebration for every young person who steps onto our stage.
If you missed the event or want to relive the magic, we invite you to explore the highlight reel and full photo gallery above captured by Kyle Ellis. Each image reflects the joy, pride, and creativity of the night. We can’t wait to see what next year brings!
Reflecting on Disability Pride Month and the Latest Autism Data
Every July, we celebrate Disability Pride Month, a time to honor the identities, voices, and lived experiences of people with disabilities. It is also a time to reflect on the progress we’ve made toward inclusion and the important work that continues.
This year, Disability Pride Month coincides with a significant update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
1 in 31 children in the U.S. have now been identified with autism spectrum disorder.
This number is more than a statistic. It represents real children who deserve to be understood, families working through complex systems, and a growing community in need of support. It reinforces the importance of making sure children and families have access to care that is not only available, but meaningful and responsive.
At PCDA, we believe in care that respects the whole child. That means recognizing their strengths, honoring their individuality, and valuing their relationships. Our approach is interdisciplinary and relationship-based, grounded in connection and trust. We are not just working toward milestones; we are helping children feel safe, confident, and seen for who they are.
Disability Pride Month reminds us that disability is a natural part of human diversity. Pride means embracing each person’s way of thinking, moving, and engaging with the world, and recognizing it as valuable.
As more children are diagnosed with autism, our responsibility grows. We will continue to meet that need with compassion, partnership, and care that builds true belonging. Whether a child is 1 in 31 or 1 in a million, they deserve to feel supported and celebrated.
At PCDA, community means everything, and our volunteers bring that spirit to life. This month, we’re proud to highlight Kyle Ellis, a skilled photographer who generously donated his time and talent to document our Summer Talent Show: A Celebration of Creativity and Inclusion.
Kyle’s photos don’t just capture performances — they capture moments of joy, pride, and connection. Each image tells a story of courage and self-expression, reflecting the heart of what PCDA stands for.
Volunteers like Kyle play a vital role in our mission. They help us share our story with the world and remind us that it truly takes a village to support our children and families.
We’re so grateful to Kyle for being part of this special evening and for sharing his talent with our community. You can see more of Kyle’s work on his website and follow him on Instagram at @thisiskyle.
📆 Mark the Day: PCDA Events on the Way!
Virtual Coffee Corner ☕
Next hangout: August 1 @ 9am
Add this to your calendar!
Join me—Kristine, your Development Manager—every First Friday of the month from 9:00–9:30 AM for a casual virtual hangout!
Join Our Village
Donations
Every gift makes a difference.
When you give to PCDA, you’re helping children and young adults with autism and developmental differences access the care, connection, and confidence they deserve. By becoming a monthly donor—starting at just $10—you invest in the long-term impact of our programs and ensure families continue to receive the support they need.
Thank you for being part of our community.
Gifts In Kind
Help us stock up on what matters most.
From Floortime sessions to individual and group programs, the right tools can make all the difference. Your in-kind support helps our youth stay engaged, connected, and growing.
To see what’s needed most, take a look at our current Wish List.