April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to celebrate and recognize the autistic community. Easterseals PORT Health is dedicated to empowering those we support so they can live, learn, work and play in their communities. As part of this commitment, our Autism/Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) team is ensuring the team is trained in neuro-affirming care strategies. This approach prioritizes client perspectives by recognizing them as active partners in shaping their services and focusing on personally meaningful outcomes. As a result, Easterseals PORT Health is excited to share information about what “neuro-affirming” means, as it may not be familiar to everyone!
Autism/ABA Team Members
“Neuro-affirming,” short for “neurodiversity affirming,” comes from the neurodiversity movement. It means recognizing and accepting that people’s minds work in different ways, which is a normal part of human diversity. Rather than promoting “correct ways to think or behave”, neuro-affirming care embraces differences and values diverse perspectives. Instead of “fixing” Autism, neuro-affirming care appreciates Autism as a meaningful part of human diversity.
Easterseals PORT Health incorporates neuro-affirming principles into our ABA practices that include:
- Prioritizing the autistic individual’s experience: Valuing their strengths, preferences, communication styles and validating/affirming neurodivergent traits.
- Promoting autonomy and self-advocacy: Empowering autistic individuals to make choices about their own lives, including the services they receive.
- Creating inclusive environments: Adjusting language, expectations and approaches to reduce stigma and honor diverse ways of thinking and being.
By embracing neuro-affirming practices, Easterseals PORT Health is creating a more inclusive, respectful and supportive environment for the individuals and families we support. This Autism Acceptance Month, we’re proud to continue learning, growing and celebrating neurodiversity together! Learn more out about our Autism/ABA services at eastersealsport.com/autism-and-aba-services
ABOUT US
Easterseals PORT Health is a trustworthy, compassionate partner providing exceptional disability, behavioral health and addiction treatment services to help our neighbors live their best lives. Purpose, dedication and empathy drive our in-person and telehealth service delivery. Our diverse and inclusive 2,600 member team provides more than 10.2 million hours of meaningful support to 40,200 kids, adults and families in 11,000 home, facility and community locations across North Carolina and Virginia. Learn more at eastersealsPORT.com.
