Different Thinking.

We see this as a perfect starting point with a new diagnosis, regardless of age. We aim to validate and explore experiences - linking you to Autistic voices, research, and mentors. We explore differences, strengths, and support needs using a framework from the Autism Self-Advocates Network. We try to tackle The Double Empathy Problem by discussing misconceptions about autism, and by exploring problem solving approaches that take Autistic social and learning styles into account. We support families in disclosing an autism diagnosis to their child, something we feel is a moral and medical obligation.

This domain is for Autistic people who would like to improve their ability to communicate personal, learning, sensory, and emotional needs and wants. We teach a self-advocacy framework and process developed by Autistic researchers, and support clients through the developmental stages of self-advocacy.

This domain is for Autistic clients who want to make and keep authentic friendships and relationships with family members. We teach Autistic and neurotypical people about social styles on both sides of the spectrum to create better mutual understanding. We discuss Autistic masking, and emphasize the importance of creating safe social environments through interest-led groups and neurodiverse-only spaces, including the internet. We discuss the practical aspects of decoding neurotypical communication. For minimally or non-speaking individuals, we teach alternative ways to communicate using Rapid Prompting Method.

Sensory support needs are an accessibility right. We establish individualized Sensory Profiles, and discuss the strengths and support needs that come with sensory differences. We explore how sensory inputs affect interactions, learning, and energy. We work towards increasing repertoires of sensory strategies and opportunities to work, play, and live in sensory friendly environments. We provide coaching for educators and employers regarding sensory accommodations and considerations.

It is very difficult being neurodiverse in a world designed for neurotypical people. It requires a tremendous amount of energy to handle the different sensory, social, motor, and cognitive demands of everyday life. Most Autistic people wrongfully assume they should be able to “handle it all” because they see other people managing it all day and are frequently told they need to “self-regulate.” There is not enough support provided to manage the ableism, shame, and burnout - to discover the things that drain you or amp you up, and how others can help co-regulate. We try and help Autistic individuals manage their spoons.

Every parent we talk to comes with the same concern - what are they going to do when I am not around anymore? Whether you call it “life skills” or “adaptive functioning”, what it really boils down to, is teaching the skills needed to get through day-to-day life. Dressing, grooming, meal preparation, shopping, using public transit, using personal information safely, engaging in leisure and hobbies, navigating the internet for information, handling an emergency, using a phone or email to schedule and keep track of appointments. The list goes on and on. Interestingly, they are the tasks that the school system seems to completely miss! OTs specialize in breaking down these tasks and teaching strategies in manageable chunks to improve autonomy and joy in everyday life.

Fitness is one of the foundations of human well-being. It is the Great Regulator. It is as effective as medication for anxiety, depression, and attention differences. Yet most Autistic people aren’t supported in finding meaningful movement opportunities or in learning purposeful movement patterns when their bodies don’t listen to their brains.

Regardless of ability, sexual health and relationships are a fundamental aspect of well-being and self-identity. Unfortunately, due to the taboo nature of this subject, many people experiencing neurodiversity are never taught the “hidden rules” that govern appropriate interactions and boundaries. What is okay to do, and not okay to do, is often unclear but enforced strictly when someone makes a mistake. Our Sex Ed approach, guided by the Organization for Autism Research, explicitly teaches about privacy concepts, relationship boundaries, and sexual health and safety concepts. We’ve also supported people with fun stuff like puberty, asking someone out, dating, and hard stuff like bringing up difficult conversations and breaking up with someone!

Financial literacy is not a buzzword, it’s a life skill. We systematically tackle the 13 indicators of financial independence for neurodiverse people.