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.     Learn more at childled.org!

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