Autism Acceptance: Thinking Beyond ‘Awareness’

The language we use in the field of special education is constantly evolving as our knowledge grows. 

This is not simply a matter of semantics. The words we use can have a profound effect on the way our students think about themselves and how others perceive them. 

Adrienne Starr and Anastasia Balkissoon, Speech/Language Therapists at PHILLIPS School ~ Annandale, recently created a thought-provoking presentation about Autism, Neurodiversity and Fostering Acceptance that is being used for staff training.

They say awareness and acceptance come from different mindsets. Awareness emphasizes differences – an “us and them” view – while acceptance is more about commonalities and a positive outlook. It is in line with the Growth Mindset PHILLIPS promotes. 

The recent shift away from terminology that has negative connotations is being driven by voices from the neurodiverse community on social media, according to Adrienne and Anastasia. The goal is to become comfortable with, and to celebrate, differences in the way people’s brains work, rather than describing those differences in ways that imply a person is less that what society deems to be “normal.” 

Using autism as an example, it’s better to describe someone as ”a non-autistic person” rather than “a normal person.” Also, “non-speaking” is more accurate than “non-verbal” because an autistic person might understand spoken language even if they don’t use it to express themselves. 

In the longstanding debate over “person-first” versus “identity-first” descriptions, our therapists say “autistic person” is gaining favor over “person with autism.” But they add that it’s always best to ask the person you’re describing which term they prefer. 

This approach encourages us to view autism not as a simple linear spectrum but instead to consider a person’s strengths and weaknesses in specific areas such as language, motor skills and sensory needs. 

Symbolism, like language, also sends important messages. Instead of the familiar missing puzzle piece, an infinity loop is gaining popularity as a neurodiversity symbol. 

Adrienne explains: “The message from the autistic community is: ‘We are complete. There’s nothing to cure, there’s nothing to fix. You can support us. You can help us have all the accommodations that we need, but we are who we are. We are complete individuals.”

Congratulations to the Class of 2022!

This month’s graduation ceremonies at our four campuses were the culmination of small victories that added up over the years. We are proud of each one of our graduates for working so hard and accomplishing so much to reach this major milestone in their lives. 

Every shiny new class ring, every diploma presented and every cap tossed joyfully into the air is a reminder of our WHY; the reason we do what we do. It’s all about the students. 

“To know that they could get excited about learning when other people said they could not learn, that’s my why,” says Kandice McLean, an assistant teacher at PHILLIPS School ~ Laurel, in this video about what motivates the PHILLIPS team. You’ll find more videos of other staff members on our YouTube page.

Our graduates feel like they’re on top of the world right now, as they should. And yet, despite all the progress they made in school, they face a high risk of “falling off the cliff” as they try to make the leap into the job market. 

The vast majority of employers don’t understand how to bring out the best in people with emotional and behavioral health needs. That’s why PHILLIPS is taking action to reshape the employment landscape for our graduates and others like them. 

Because the working world is not built for the young adults we serve, we’re creating companies built differently by launching a new nonprofit, SpringForward. Using our human-centered EVERY Employee™ approach, SpringForward incubates social enterprises designed around the unique abilities and needs of each worker. 

They CAN do the job.
The youth we serve are smart, capable and creative. Many have already completed years of training in culinary arts, hydroponic farming, homebuilding, and 3D design and printing. Some have earned certifications/credentials in their chosen fields. 

They WANT to do the job.
They are highly motivated and eager to show how much they can contribute. 

They DESERVE the opportunity to do the job.
By completing high school, they have proven they’re extraordinarily hard-working and determined to pursue their dreams. 

The EVERY Employee™ framework provides tailored supports such as high levels of training and flexibility, customized work spaces and break areas, and on-site mental health specialists. All workers have access to these services, receive fair pay and benefits, have a voice in governance and, eventually, an opportunity for an ownership stake in the business. 

To learn more and find out how you can support PHILLIPS and SpringForward through our Fund for Tomorrow’s World, please contact PHILLIPS President & CEO Piper Phillps: piper.phillips@phillipsprograms.org  703-941-8810

PHILLIPS Is Hiring Now

Summer has just begun but we’re already busy gearing up for the 2022-23 school year. Full-time and part-time positions are available at all of our programs.

For instance, we’re seeking a full-time Instructional Assistant for the Design and Technology CTE program at the PHILLIPS School ~ Fairfax. We also have openings for teachers, assistants, dedicated aides, therapists, counselors and even an agriculture specialist.

You’ll find all of our available career opportunities on our website.

Every Student Deserves a Yearbook

Thank you to Raymond Gazelle and David Perry for their recent contributions to our 2022 Yearbook Fund. Will you join them? A $50 donation will help provide yearbooks for students who can’t afford to buy one themselves..

PHILLIPS Celebrates PRIDE Month

PHILLIPS Programs for Children and Families
7010 Braddock Rd | Annandale, Virginia 22003
703-941-8810 | piper.phillips@phillipsprograms.org

PHILLIPS Programs for Children and Families is a private, non-profit organization serving the complex needs of children and youth living with cognitive, emotional and/or behavioral challenges in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area. Through excellence in specialized education, community programs and individualized support services, we provide our children and families every advantage to ensure they develop to achieve their greatest individual success. Their potential is our commitment.