Resources in California

In community life

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that can continue into adulthood. Attention regulation, working memory, organization and impulse control may affect following schedules, long instructions or busy group activities; this is not a lack of effort.

Ways to include people

• Use short written steps, clear schedules and optional reminders.
• Offer movement breaks, flexible participation and a lower-distraction space.

In community life

Autistic people may experience communication, social interaction, sensory input and changes in routine differently. Some use speech, some use alternative communication, and support needs vary widely.

Ways to include people

• Share the schedule and sensory conditions in advance; provide a quiet space and predictable choices.
• Respect communication devices, stimming and preferred language. Do not require eye contact or touch.

In community life

AuDHD is a community term for co-occurring autism and ADHD, not a separate formal diagnosis. A person may need both predictability and movement or novelty; competing needs can make crowded events, transitions and organization tiring.

Ways to include people

• Ask which supports work together instead of assuming one diagnosis explains everything.
• Combine a clear plan with flexible breaks, quieter options and room to change participation.

In community life

Down syndrome is a genetic condition involving extra chromosome 21 material. Learning, communication and health needs vary. People with Down syndrome have their own preferences, goals and skills; do not assume dependence or treat adults as children.

Ways to include people

• Offer plain-language information, visual steps and enough time to respond.
• Support independent choices, accessible activities and a chosen support person when wanted.

In community life

Dyslexia, intellectual disabilities, brain injuries and other cognitive disabilities can affect reading, memory or processing in different ways. Communication style does not measure a person’s value or right to participate.

Ways to include people

• Provide plain language, audio or visual alternatives and one step at a time.
• Allow extra time, repeated information and supported decision-making chosen by the person.

In community life

Walking, standing, balance, dexterity or reaching may be affected. Mobility aids support independence; not every wheelchair user is unable to stand, and not every person who needs a seat has a visible disability.

Ways to include people

• Describe step-free routes, surface conditions, accessible restrooms, parking and seating.
• Keep paths clear and provide reachable counters and flexible seating; ask before helping.

In community life

People may need different ways to receive spoken or visual information. Some Deaf people use sign language and identify with Deaf culture; individual communication preferences differ.

Ways to include people

• Provide accessible digital text, high contrast, image descriptions and spoken descriptions of key visuals.
• Ask about captions, interpreters, assistive listening and lighting; do not assume lip-reading is enough.

In community life

Conditions such as epilepsy, chronic pain and long COVID can affect energy, stamina or participation and may fluctuate. Someone appearing well does not mean they are symptom-free.

Ways to include people

• Offer seating, rest breaks, flexible arrival and departure, and remote participation when possible.
• Describe flashing lights and environmental conditions in advance; follow a person’s agreed emergency plan rather than inventing one.

In community life

Anxiety, depression, PTSD and other mental health conditions can affect concentration, energy or comfort in crowded settings. Do not assume someone is unsafe or unable to contribute.

Ways to include people

• Offer predictable information, quieter participation and an easy way to leave and return.
• Respect privacy and boundaries. Accommodation is not a substitute for professional care when needed.