Dancing With the Stars

By Rick Rader, MD, Editor-in-chief, HELEN Journal

The English writer, Alan Watts, was fond of reminding us that, “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”

HELEN: The Journal of Human Exceptionality has always been sensitive to ensuring that its “dancers” (readers) have the right “music” they could boogie to.

HELEN Journal was founded and guided by clinicians who had “health and wellness” as the epicenter of their interests, skills and focus. We believe that to reach their aspirational goals, all people, including people with disabilities, need optimal health to pursue a rewarding and enriching life.

“HELEN Journal will very soon be the official publication of PAOH. But we will still have close ties with the AADMD, along with a host of other respected and influential national disability organizations.”

It was really no surprise that our readership went beyond clinicians, therapists, researchers, teachers, academics and providers. When it became apparent that parents, families, self-advocates and policy makers were following HELEN Journal, and in fact were also submitting articles, it was obvious that we had found our sweet spot.

That sweet spot will soon be under the umbrella of the organization PAOH (Parents & Advocates for Optimal Health).  HELEN Journal is proud to be the official publication of PAOH.

We will continue to have close ties with, and recognition by The American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD) as well as a host of other prestigious, respected and influential national disability organizations.

Our readership, authors, collaborators and supporters will continue to provide health-based content, but we will also include articles that describe, define and demystify the day-to-day realities of the lived experience. We want more stories from parents, self-advocates, students, disruptors, projectionists, and of course visionaries.

So, HELEN, YOUR Journal of Human Exceptionality, invites you to the dance floor, whether you boogie, tango or swing.