In this conversation, Nicole Casey discusses the importance of centering autistic voices in therapy goals for autistic children. She highlights a 2024 study that reveals the most accepted therapy goals as identified by autistic adults, emphasizing the need for a neuroaffirming approach that prioritizes safety, autonomy, and communication. The conversation covers five key areas of focus: decreasing self-injurious behavior, honoring refusal, supporting self-help skills, emphasizing multimodal communication, and addressing aggression as a stress response. Casey also calls for the abandonment of harmful practices in therapy and encourages listeners to advocate for neuroaffirming practices.

• Autistic voices should guide therapy goals.
• The 2024 study provides valuable insights for therapy.
• Centering lived experiences is crucial in therapy.
• Therapy goals should prioritize safety and autonomy.
• Self-injurious behavior requires understanding and support.
• Teaching refusal is a protective communication skill.
• Self-help skills should align with the child's interests.
• Multimodal communication must be honored, not just allowed.
• Aggression is often a stress response, not defiance.
• Harmful practices in therapy must be identified and eliminated.

 

 

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