Neuro-Affirming Parenting Support
The perfect starting point for parents seeking child-centered ABA alternatives—strengthening family bonds and creating a peaceful home. Parenting consultations are available for families and individuals of all neurotypes.
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My Approach to Neurodivergent Parenting
At Raising Brain, I focus on understanding behavior as communication, not changing it. Instead of using ABA or behavior-modifying techniques, I take a holistic approach that goes beyond conditioning and token reward systems, which can often be energy-draining and stressful for children. Instead, I work with you to uncover the root causes of behavior, helping to address your child's needs or teach essential skills they may be missing. My approach is inclusive of all neurotypes, offering support for both neurotypical and neurodivergent families.
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I do not support the ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) methodology. My approach is centered on respect, individuality, and creating supportive environments. Here are some key differences in how I work:
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Zero use of ABA practices, including positive reinforcement or conditioning
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Zero use of desensitization or exposure techniques
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Zero neuro-normative goals, such as promoting masking, suppressing monotropic interests, or addressing anxiety through coercive methods
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Zero focus on training neurotypical social skills
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In addition, the perspective provided is informed by a Nurse with a Certificate in Neurodiversity Affirming Practice and a neurodivergent mom of two neurodivergent children. This combination of professional expertise and personal experience offers valuable insights to help parents and teachers better understand what behavior is communicating and how to respond with empathy and clarity.
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A well-rounded plan for neuro-affirming support typically includes the following components:
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1. Individualized Assessment: Conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the child's unique traits, sensory needs, and behavior patterns, informed by current research and insights from an autistic adult who is also a parent of neurodivergent children.
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2. Customized Goal Setting: Collaboratively setting specific, achievable goals based on the child's strengths and challenges.
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3. Supportive Strategies: Implementing techniques and methods such as sensory accommodations, communication supports, and routine adjustments.
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4. Understanding Behavior as Communication: Interpreting behavior as a form of communication to identify underlying causes and develop proactive strategies to address and support these needs.
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5. Sensory Diet Development: Creating a personalized sensory diet tailored to the child's specific sensory needs, based on insights into sensory processing and regulation.
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6. Resource Provision: Offering access to relevant resources, including educational materials, local support groups, and professional recommendations.
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7. Ongoing Evaluation and Adjustment: Review the plan's effectiveness through follow-up appointments and make necessary adjustments to ensure the strategies remain effective and supportive, with ongoing input.
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8. Family Support: Providing guidance and training to family members on implementing neuro-affirming practices in daily routines and interactions.
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This approach ensures that the plan is tailored to the child’s individual needs and is informed by the real-world insights of the neurodivergent community.
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Initial Consultation & Evaluation.... For our initial 60 minute consultation, we’ll review your intake form together, dive deeper into the details of your concerns, and discuss your daily routine and the behaviors you’ve been observing. This will give me a clear picture of your situation. At the end of the session, we’ll decide together on the frequency of our follow-up appointments, based on your needs and goals. Some parents prefer weekly check-ins, while others choose bi-weekly or monthly sessions. After our first meeting, you’ll have a better sense of what works best for your family.
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Follow-up visit ..... Follow-up appointments are 60 minutes..
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I also offer Homeschooling & Neuro-Inclusive Space Design Consults​
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If you would like to schedule a consultation please fill out our intake form below:
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October 25th, 2024 - Neuro-Affirming Parenting Consultation​
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Working with Ashley has been an absolute game-changer for me as a parent. She has a unique way of making things so much easier to understand. One of the simplest but most impactful things she taught me was how to redirect instead of getting stuck in the loop of explaining why he can't do something. As a parent to a demand-avoidant child, I’ve realized how triggering the word "no" can be, and she helped me reframe my approach. Ashley also taught me to ask myself why I’m saying no before just reacting, and she showed me how to offer alternatives or even say no in a way that doesn’t put my child on the defensive. Her advice has made a real difference in our daily interactions, and I feel much more confident in my parenting. Ashley is amazing, and I highly recommend her—especially if you're new to navigating autism or ADHD as a parent. 10/10!
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- Melissa S.