The Autism Advocate

Welcome to The Autism Advocate, ANNA’s monthly newsletter! We hope this will be a helpful source of information about upcoming events, tips for caregivers, community resources and more. We would love to hear your feedback and ideas for future editions!

ANNA Announcements

Research Study Opportunity

UMass Chan Medical School is currently enrolling for a longitudinal research study for children who are 6-8 months old and are younger siblings of children with autism. Children participating in the study will receive language support sessions and developmental monitoring, while continuing to be eligible for services outside of the study. Participation can be done remotely or include home visits, and families will receive multiple gift cards throughout the study. Interested families can request more information by calling (774) 479-6025 or emailing [email protected].

Ask ANNA

Do you have something you’d like to ask the ANNA team? Please submit your question here and we will answer it in a future newsletter!

Let’s Talk About Neurodiversity

Here at ANNA, we are committed to delivering services and supports that are neurodiversity-affirming, and we recognize that this is a continuous process with lots of opportunities for learning! This month, we’re exploring the importance of neurodiversity-affirming language.

Neurodiversity-affirming language

The words we choose can reflect how we think, and they also actively shape our mindset and the mindsets of those around us. With that in mind, it’s worth considering how we can talk about autism and neurodiversity in an affirming way.

One common example is the choice between person-first language (“child with autism”) and identity-first language (“autistic child”). Many autistic people prefer identity-first language, as it reflects that autism is a core part of who they are and not something separate or negative, but perspectives vary. The most respectful thing we can do is ask individuals what they prefer.

It’s also important to move away from language that frames autism as a tragedy or burden. Saying a child “suffers from autism” implies that their neurotype is a problem to be fixed, rather than a difference to be understood. Similarly, describing a child as “high-functioning” or “low-functioning” can be misleading and dismissive of the complexity of their experiences. A more helpful approach is to describe specific strengths, needs, and support strategies.

Some everyday language also deserves a closer look. For example, rather than assuming a child is being “lazy” or “difficult,” consider that they may be overwhelmed or having a hard time. Instead of labeling behaviors as “attention-seeking,” we can recognize them as “connection-seeking,” which can enable us to provide more compassionate support. The words we choose matter, and using neurodiversity-affirming language helps ensure that our children are seen, heard, and valued just as they are.

Support Your Child’s Development

Meaningful connection is a key component of supporting any child’s growth, and it’s especially important for autistic children. Connection builds trust, helps children feel safe, and creates a foundation for learning and communication. Instead of focusing on getting a child to behave a certain way, we can prioritize building a relationship where they feel seen and accepted. That might mean getting on the floor with them and joining their play, following their lead, or simply being present without applying pressure for them to do things in a certain way.

It’s important to remember that connection can look different for each child. Some may connect through eye contact or hugs, while others might do so through shared interests, parallel play, or quiet time together. What truly matters is that the child feels understood and accepted in ways that are meaningful to them, and when children feel connected they are more able to regulate, engage, and communicate. Prioritizing connection sends the message that the child doesn’t need to change who they are in order to be loved.

Staff Spotlight

Faith received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Salve Regina University in 2021, and then worked as a behavior technician across a variety of settings including in-home, clinic, school, and social skills groups. In 2023, Faith received her Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from Northeastern University and became a BCBA shortly thereafter. Since receiving her BCBA certification, Faith has been providing in-home and clinic-based ABA services in the Greater Boston area, collaborating with families to serve individuals with autism between the ages of 2 to 24.

Faith’s journey began with the inspiration of growing up alongside a sibling with autism, and that personal connection continues to drive her passion for this field. Her experience fostered deep empathy and passion for helping others, which led her to pursue work directly supporting families and individuals with autism. Faith is proud to be part of a company whose mission aligns so closely with her own values – creating positive, lasting change through compassionate, individualized care.

In her free time, Faith enjoys going to Pilates, traveling, and spending time with her family!

Featured Resource

Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line

The Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line is a free and confidential resource for finding and accessing services and supports. Trained staff members are available to speak with callers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and every conversation includes clinical follow up to ensure that your needs are met. They can help connect individuals and families with mental health services, childcare resources, crisis support, referrals to services such as speech and OT, and much more. Real-time interpretation is available for 200+ languages. Learn more here – Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line

Recommended Reading

We’re Not Broken by Eric Garcia

Eric Garcia’s We’re Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation offers a fresh perspective on what it truly means to be autistic. Drawing on his own experience and interviews with a diverse range of autistic individuals, Garcia challenges outdated stereotypes and emphasizes that autism is not something to be fixed, but a vital part of identity.

The book combines policy analysis, personal stories, and reporting, while covering topics such as education, healthcare, work, housing, and intersections with race, gender, and LGBTQ+ identity. Garcia highlights how systemic failures, not individual limitations, often create barriers, and makes a case that autistic people deserve a central seat at the table when decisions are made. This book has been described as a “love letter to autistic people” and serves as a powerful call to reshape the autism narrative.

Caregiver Affirmation

“I don’t need to have all the answers.”

When trying to support your child, it’s natural to feel pressure to have everything figured out. Try to remember that your presence matters more than perfection. Showing up for your child with love, patience, and an open mind, means you're already doing something incredibly impactful for their sense of safety and connection. You’re letting your child know they’re not alone, and that they’re safe being exactly who they are.

You don’t need to have all the right words, the perfect response for every situation, or know everything about services and supports that are available. You can just do your best to ensure that your child feels seen, supported, and accepted. Together, you will learn as you go and the journey will be unique to your family and child. So take a deep breath – what you’re doing matters, and it is enough.

We’d love to hear about your experiences with ANNA! Leaving a Google review is a great way to help other families learn about our services. If you have a moment, you can share your thoughts by clicking this button. Thank you for being part of our community!