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

Holiday Closures

Please note that all ANNA centers will be closed on the following dates:

Monday, May 26th, 2025 in observance of Memorial Day

Thursday, June 19th, 2025 in observance of Juneteenth

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! We often talk about the importance of finding neurodiversity-affirming providers, and it’s just as important to reflect on how families can take a neurodiversity-affirming approach at home.

Being Neurodiversity-Affirming at Home

At its core, neurodiversity-affirming parenting is about honoring your child’s differences instead of trying to “fix” them. A good way to start is by observing your child with curiosity, noticing what brings them joy, what helps them feel safe, and how they naturally express themselves. You might notice that they do things differently than other kids, and that’s ok!

Being neurodiversity-affirming means accepting all kinds of communication, whether your child speaks, signs, types, gestures, or uses AAC. It means letting them flap, rock, or spin without shaming or stopping them, understanding that these actions often help kids regulate or show excitement. It also means meeting their sensory needs with practical accommodations like noise-canceling headphones, movement breaks, or fidgets.

Instead of pushing things like eye contact or “quiet hands,” focus on building a strong connection and earning your child’s trust. That connection will do much more for their development and overall wellbeing than teaching them to blend in. It’s also worth asking: is this something my child truly needs to learn, or is it just about looking more neurotypical? Considering this question on a regular basis can help ensure that you are creating a safe, supportive, and affirming space for your child.

Another important aspect of being neurodiversity-affirming is listening to autistic voices. This will help you gain a deeper understanding of your child’s experience. Consider reading books written by autistic authors and/or following autistic advocates online, and let their lived experience guide your parenting.

Remember that neurodiversity-affirming parenting doesn’t mean having all the answers, it simply means being open, supportive, and committed to seeing your child as whole, just as they are!

Support Your Child’s Development

When your child is having a hard time – melting down, not following directions, hitting, or withdrawing – it’s natural to feel frustrated or confused. In these moments, try to remember that behavior is communication. Instead of wondering “How do I stop this?” you can consider “What is my child trying to tell me?” Challenging behavior isn’t about being manipulative or “attention-seeking,” it’s about a child who is lacking the skills to handle what’s happening in that moment.

Consider the concept of “kids do well if they can, not if they want to,” which comes from Dr. Ross Greene’s Collaborative & Proactive Solutions model. This means that if a child can’t meet expectations, there’s likely something getting in the way such as an unmet need or a lagging skill. Perhaps the expectation is not appropriate and needs to be adjusted, or maybe the child requires support to gain the skills needed to meet the expectation.

For example, if a child throws a toy when it’s cleanup time, they are not just acting out. They might be struggling with transitions, overwhelmed by too many demands, or unsure of how to ask for more time to play. Instead of reacting with a consequence, try getting curious: “Was that cleanup too fast?” “Did you need a warning?” “Should we do it together next time?”

Approaching behavior this way does not mean that you’re ignoring or condoning the behavior. It means that you’re partnering with your child to solve the underlying problem. You’re teaching them the skills they need by showing up with empathy, patience, and the belief that they want to do well.

Staff Spotlight

Ciara has been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 2020, and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2024. After losing her job in a different field due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Ciara decided to accept a position as a behavior therapist providing early intervention services in clients’ homes. Through this experience, she developed a passion for collaborating with families and service providers to foster children’s development. While pursuing her Master’s Degree in ABA, Ciara worked as a behavior therapist in public schools, through which she gained experience supporting students with various developmental differences.

Ciara works at ANNA because she appreciates the naturalistic, family-centered approach! She is dedicated to providing therapy that emphasizes collaboration with caregivers as well as a child’s care team, and that promotes the generalization of new skills.

A fun fact about Ciara is that she holds dual Irish citizenship and has travelled to Ireland annually since she was born!

Featured Resource

Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is the state agency in Massachusetts that supports individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism, across the lifespan. For young children, DDS can provide things like flexible funding, family support centers, and help planning for the future. Applying early can open the door to helpful resources and support throughout your child’s life.

You can learn more and apply here - https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-developmental-services.

Recommended Reading

The Reason I Jump

The Reason I Jump is a powerful memoir written by Naoki Higashida, a nonspeaking autistic person. Through a series of short essays, Naoki offers insight by answering questions people often have about autism such as why he flaps his hands, avoids eye contact, or seems to ignore others. He explains that many behaviors that are often misunderstood as defiance or disinterest are actually ways of coping with sensory overload, anxiety, or difficulty with control over his body. The Reason I Jump is an essential read for anyone looking to better understand the experiences of autistic individuals, particularly those who communicate in unconventional ways.

Caregiver Affirmation

“Meeting my child’s needs starts with compassion, not comparison.”

We can all get caught up in milestones, charts, or what other kids are doing, especially with constant pressure from schools, family, and even social media. Take a deep breath and remember that your child isn’t broken or “behind.” They’re on their own path and your job isn’t to push them to keep up, but to understand what they need to thrive.

Try approaching your child with compassion, by viewing their unique needs through a lens of empathy and acceptance. Consider what’s hard for them and how they can be supported, rather than thinking about why they may not be doing the same things as other kids their age. This allows you to build trust, connection, and safety, which is the foundation for growth. Comparison adds pressure, while compassion creates space for your child to progress in their own way.

Remember that your child’s development doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. The most meaningful growth often happens when you meet them exactly where they are, with patience, love, and understanding.

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!