About Larissa

Larissa Minner (she/they) is a passionate advocate, speaker, researcher, and thought leader in the field of neurodevelopmental disabilities and related differences. With a focus on fostering accessible and neuro-affirming environments, Larissa is dedicated to reducing systemic discrimination and health inequity for individuals with disabilities. With a focus on fostering accessible and neuro-affirming environments, Larissa is dedicated to reducing systemic discrimination and health inequity for individuals with disabilities. Through their extensive experience as a trainer, consultant, and researcher, Larissa empowers organizations and communities to create inclusive spaces and cultivate understanding and acceptance of neurodivergent individuals. Their expertise extends to areas such as autism, ADHD, disability inclusion, trauma-informed practices, and universal design. With a unique combination of storytelling, humor, and expertise, Larissa delivers immersive learning experiences that leave a lasting impact.

Larissa's dedication to driving positive change extends to her roles as a trainer, consultant, and content creator, where they collaborate with organizations, develops programming and educational materials, and shares their insights and experiences through various platforms. 

She train organizations and school first responders on strategies that cultivate an accessible and inclusive neuroaffirming environment. Larissa created neuroaffirmative programming as well as educational materials for multiple organizations. Larissa's passion is providing organizations with strategies that aims to reduce systemic discrimination and health inequity for those with disabilities. As an ACT LEND (Leadership in Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) alumnna at the University of Texas at Austin (UT), Larissa immersed herself in the study of autism and other disabilities. During her LEND practicum at Disability Rights Texas, she created and was the solo speaker in three impactful videos on self-advocacy.

In addition to her work as a trainer, Larissa is actively involved in research. She focuses on conducting studies that aim to reduce health disparities for neurodivergent individuals and those with related disabilities.  Currently, Larissa serves as the principal investigator of her SHAPE in Healthcare Study at UT, focusing on accessible and person-centered healthcare environments. Her research project has received recognition, including winning the People's Choice Award at the University's Interprofessional Health Showcase in 2023 and presenting at the national AIR-P Research Day conference in 2023. In November 2023, Larissa Minner won the AUCD 2023 CORE Trainee Research Award for her S.H.A.P.E. in Healthcare study. 

Larissa co-developed and leads the University of Texas at Austin Texas Center For Disability Studies's research advisory committee called Weaving Inclusion Together in research Hub (W.I.T.H.), a committee comprised of adults with developmental disabilities and family members of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Larissa is a part-time research professional at the University of Texas at Austin's Texas Center for Disability Studies where she is involved in multiple research projects for individuals with developmental disabilities. 

Larissa also has created multiple accessible training manuals including co-developing a training manual with a team for accessible mental health care for autistic adults. 

Larissa's commitment to advocacy extends beyond speaking, research, and training. They actively participate in the Texas Center for Disability Studies Community Advisory Committee, shaping policies and giving input on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Larissa promotes accessibility as the co-secretary for the Council on Leadership in Advocacy, a national organization, under the Association of University Centers of Disability (AUCD).

Larissa is a sought-after speaker, trainer, and consultant, collaborating with organizations like the Autism Society of Texas, Autism Society of America, Milestones, PayPal, the University of Texas, and SAFE Austin. They developed programming and educational materials, spreading crucial information about neurodivergence. Their expertise and insights have positively impacted individuals and communities, fostering supportive environments and providing case management and a sense of belonging through initiatives like the Austin Adult Neurodiversity Support Group and the PMAC peer mentoring program for autistic adults.

As an enthusiastic content creator, Larissa shares her expertise, experiences, and insights through platforms like YouTube. Her unique approach involves creating educational videos that explore topics such as autism, ADHD, and mental health through the lens of an original fictional world. By incorporating humor, science fiction, and fantasy elements, Larissa makes complex concepts accessible and easy to understand.

With her dedication, expertise, and influential work, Larissa Minner continues to drive positive change in the field and continues to encourage others to join her in creating a more inclusive and accessible world.