Advocating for Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices

Ethical, Compassionate Care Guided by Behavior Expertise and Lived Experience

This training, developed in honor of World Autism Month, shifts the focus from awareness to action. Co-led by Morgan Van Diepen (BCBA and co-founder of ABA Visualized) and Michelle Verurb (autistic self-advocate and BCaBA), it bridges clinical expertise and lived experience to make compassionate care practical and achievable.

Designed for professionals who want to confidently advocate for care that centers the whole individual, this training clarifies what compassion over compliance means in everyday practice. It explores how to set boundaries with dignity, honor autonomy, and question goals rooted in ableism. Aligned with BCBA Ethics Code 2.11 (respecting dignity and rights) and 3.01 (acting in clients’ best interest), it reinforces that true advocacy means listening to the client’s voice and supporting their needs safely and respectfully.

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Why Take This Training?

• Build foundational understanding of compassionate care and connection-based goals.
• Learn how to respond professionally to common concerns raised by parents or educators.
• Understand how non-compliance may reflect unmet needs and withdrawal of assent.
• Gain clarity on when and how working on compliance is ethical and appropriate.

What You’ll Get

• Guidance on recognizing challenging behavior as communication.
• Recommendations for supporting non-harmful stimming as a regulation tool.
• Strategies for coaching adults through phased implementation and increased autonomy.
• Access to three follow-up resources emailed after the session:
  • Neurodiversity Affirming Behavior Essentials
  • Quick Guide for Families
  • Supervisor Practice Scenarios

Enroll in this training to strengthen your advocacy, build meaningful connections, and improve client quality of life through proactive, compassionate strategies that are both ethical and practical.

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