9 Neurodiverse-Affirming Behavior Essentials

A 16-page guide presenting 9 foundational principles of neurodiversity-affirming behavior support, created by Morgan van Diepen, M.Ed., BCBA in collaboration with Autistic self-advocates Michelle Vinokurov and Alex Baughns. Evidence-based and grounded in current BACB ethical standards.

The 9 Essentials:

• Recognize stimming as self-expression
• Allow natural eye contact preferences
• Offer meaningful choices
• Use strength-based language
• Avoid physical prompting for compliance
• Respond with compassion
• Presume competence
• Honor all communication
• Respect withdrawals of assent

Includes practical language guides — strength-based alternatives to deficit-focused terms, with input from Autistic self-advocates. Covers how to apply each principle in assessment, goal-setting, and BIP writing.

Who Is This For?

BCBAs, behavior staff, and educators who want to ensure their practice is compassionate, ethically grounded, and centered on the learner's autonomy and identity.

Download this guide to bring a neurodiversity-affirming lens to your behavior support practice.