Creating Safe Spaces in Pediatric Therapy: The Intersection of LGBTQ Identities and Neurodiversity
Neurodivergent and queer kids often live at the intersection of misunderstanding—and invisibility. As pediatric therapists, we can either reinforce those pressures to mask, or we can create brave, affirming spaces where kids feel safe to show up exactly as they are.
Using inclusive pronouns, honoring body autonomy, and following a child’s lead in therapy aren’t just best practices—they’re acts of allyship. When we teach with curiosity, listen without judgment, and validate identity in all its forms, we send a powerful message: You don’t have to change who you are to belong.
Trust, Teamwork, and Empathy (Part 2): Improving Pediatric Therapy Team Dynamics
Strong teams don’t just happen-they’re built on trust, understanding, and genuine empathy. In the high-stakes world of pediatric therapy, Brené Brown’s four pillars of empathy can help team members connect, communicate, and collaborate more effectively. This post explores how embracing perspective-taking, nonjudgment, emotional awareness, and mindfulness can improve relationships among colleagues, reduce conflict, and create a supportive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.
What to Expect from an ICAN Diagnostic Evaluation
It’s completely normal for parents to feel both relieved and unsure after receiving a diagnosis. Our team is here not just to explain the results, but to walk with families through the next steps—whether that means starting therapy, coordinating care, or just helping them feel less alone in the process.
Commitment to Care: Why Fear-Mongering Won’t Change Our Standards
The recent wave of fear-mongering in the news about autism is not just frustrating—it’s deeply harmful. It sows distrust, spreads misinformation, and threatens to undermine the safe, supportive environments our children need to thrive. It’s time for our community to lead with facts, compassion, and a commitment to neurodiversity and privacy. Autism is not a disease to be feared or “fixed”—it is a neurotype, a natural and valuable variation in human brain wiring.
Understanding the New CDC Autism Prevalence Estimates: A Parent-Friendly, Neurodiversity-Affirming Guide
The CDC’s latest numbers show that 1 in 31 children in the U.S. are now identified as autistic—a noticeable increase from previous years. But what’s behind this rise? In this parent-friendly, neurodiversity-affirming post, we explore how changes in diagnostic criteria, growing awareness, and a better understanding of autism as a spectrum have led to more children being recognized and supported. Discover why these numbers are a sign of progress, and how embracing neurodiversity can help every child thrive.
