Frequently Asked Questions
What is Neurodiversity?
“Neurodiversity” is not a diagnosis. It is a term used to recognize how people experience and respond to the world around them in different ways.
“Neuro” refers to the way our brains work. “Diversity” refers to the differences in how we use our brains. This term is used to embrace the way each family and child thinks.
Hand-in-Hand Neurodiverse Care meets families where they are at, both physically, mentally and emotionally. Our “neurodiverse affirming” practices include:
accepting and using various communication strategies such as sign language, gestures, speech, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices and more.
respecting self-regulation and stimming behaviors such as hand-flapping, rocking and vocalizing.
focusing on people’s strengths; for example, “They communicate by using gestures and 1-2 word phrases”.
encouraging and self-advocacy and developing supportive environments that meet different needs.
Together, we can co-create a plan that ensures caregivers and children feel safe, heard, and in control at every step of the way!.
What is Early Intervention?
Early Intervention is about giving your child the support they need while their brain is growing so quickly, so they can build the skills they need to learn, play and grow with confidence. It also gives you, as their parent, information and strategies to help them every day.
Early Intervention can be a coordinated set of services for infants or children. These services are tailored to your child’s unique needs and focus on building skills in physical development, communication, cognition, social-emotional functioning and self-care.
Early Intervention can help bridge gaps created by waitlists and is not meant to replace medical supports. Early interventionists can work hand-in-hand with you on goals or strategies that have been recommended by medical professionals.
Why Is Early Intervention Important?
Early Intervention is an inclusive practice that supports children and families holistically. Research shows that children who receive early intervention are more likely to be successful in their education experiences. Families who participate in early intervention learn to navigate the medical and education system, and learn to advocate for themselves. Lastly, a community who supports early intervention, reduces economic, educational, and health care expenses down the road. We believe that when we build a strong foundation for the children in our community, we are all stronger together! It just makes sense.
Early Intervention is our passion! At Hand-in-Hand, autism and neurodiversity have been special interests for many years and we want to share our knowledge, experience, and education with you! We believe that we have so much to learn from you and we look forward to connecting with you soon!
What makes you different?
Hand-in-Hand Neurodiverse Care has been designed specifically to be:
inclusive - there is something for everyone! You belong.
evidence-based care - we follow the most recent research and therapies.
play-based care - research tells us that children learn best through play! Hand-in-Hand does not focus on forced compliance, or adult-led expectations.
build on caregivers’ capacity - our one-on-one supports help meet your personalized goals.
trauma-informed - we believe in treating everyone with compassion and understand that trauma responses are real and different for everyone.
neurodiversity-affirming - our lived experiences, education, and certifications in Neurodiversity Coaching prepare us to implement strategies based around your sensory and regulation experiences.
strength-based and person-first mindset - language is important and how we speak about ourselves and our children matters. Hand-in-hand Neurodiverse Care uses strength-based (ie: “She learns best through moving her body”) and person first language (ie: “child with a speech delay).
What services do you offer?
We offer a range of solutions designed to meet your needs—whether you're just getting started or looking for something more intensive. Everything is tailored to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
How do I get started?
Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.
What makes you different?
We combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it that sets us apart.