Therapy spots are currently full — contact us to join the waitlist and explore options like comprehensive assessments, interprofessional consultations, or CDA support.
- 345 Lakeshore Road East, Suite 502, Oakville, Ontario
- 905-520-WORD
Therapy spots are currently full — contact us to join the waitlist and explore options like comprehensive assessments, interprofessional consultations, or CDA support.
(Autistic Self Advocacy Network, 2021)
At Words Plus, we embrace this definition, penned by autistic self-advocates. Autism is a valid and valuable variation of the human experience. We recognize that every autistic child has unique needs, strengths, interests, and communication styles. Our speech therapy for autistic children reflects our commitment to neurodiversity-affirming, family-centered, and evidence-based care. We prioritize fostering authentic communication while celebrating each child’s individuality.
Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in how human brains work, including differences in sociability, communication, learning, attention, and other cognitive functions. This concept, championed by the neurodivergent community, recognizes diagnoses such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia as natural examples of human diversity.
At Words Plus, neurodiversity-affirming care is a practice, not an accomplishment. This means we are always learning, reflecting, and improving to better support the unique needs and strengths of every child and family we work with. We listen to autistic voices, collaborate with families, and integrate evidence-based research to create tailored, supportive, and empowering therapy experiences.
Words Plus believes a neurodiversity-affirming approach is essential to fostering authentic and meaningful communication. By honouring all children and their unique way of learning and expressing themselves, we create an environment where they feel safe, supported, and valued. This sense of safety encourages exploration, growth, and connection – all vital for developing communication skills. Whether through speech, AAC (augmentative and alternative communication), or other methods, every form of communication is celebrated and supported.
Neurodiversity-affirming care also addresses the "double empathy problem," which recognizes that both autistic and non-autistic people can struggle to understand each other’s perspectives. Rather than placing the burden of change solely on the autistic individual, we focus on fostering mutual understanding and meaningful interactions between autistic and non-autistic people.
Masking autistic traits to conform to societal norms can harm mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, or burnout. Neurodiversity-affirming care celebrates authentic self-expression, fostering environments where children feel safe, valued, and confident.
Neurodiversity-affirming care is rooted in family-centeredness, showing parents and caregivers that their children are valued for exactly who they are. At Words Plus, we aim to create an inclusive and supportive environment where families feel confident partnering with professionals who see their children’s strengths, celebrate their individuality, and are ready to help. By working collaboratively, we empower families to feel equipped to navigate their unique journey with care and understanding.
At Words Plus, we do not treat autism — it’s not something to be “fixed” or “cured.” Instead, we provide support for associated communication needs in ways that honour each autistic child’s valid and valuable way of being. Our role as speech-language pathologists is to partner with parents and caregivers to develop their child’s communication skills in ways that work best for them by providing:
Identifying strengths, needs, and interests while engaging families as active collaborators in the setting and achieving of meaningful goals
Applying the Words Plus approach to build on strengths and support the child’s communication needs in enjoyable, natural ways while celebrating diverse methods of expression.
Working with families and others in the children's support system to better understand communication differences and embrace neurodiversity.
Partnering with families and other professionals to provide well-rounded, holistic care, recognizing that the best support system comes from a collaborative care team with diverse knowledge and experience.
Words Plus founder and SLP, Tess Mayne brings more than 14 years of public-sector experience, including time in the Autism Diagnostic Clinic at Ontario’s largest children’s treatment centre. Her familiarity with community resources and supports ensures families receive well-rounded, individualized care that goes beyond therapy sessions.
Learn more about Tess and her story on the About Tess page.
At Words Plus, we believe every child’s individuality is something to be celebrated. Through neurodiversity-affirming, family-centered, and evidence-based care, we aim to empower autistic children and their families to build meaningful connections and foster authentic communication.
Contact Words Plus for a free 15-minute consultation to explore how our speech therapy for autistic children can support your family.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN). (2021). Welcome to the autism community. Retrieved from https://autismacceptance.com/book/
Embrace Autism: The Ultimate Autism Resource (2025). Autism Strengths and Challenges. Retrieved from https://embrace-autism.com/autism-strengths-and-challenges/
Prizant, B. M. (2022). Uniquely human: A different way of seeing autism (Updated and expanded ed.). Simon & Schuster. https://barryprizant.com/uniquely-human/
Schenker, M. (2021). How and why to be a neurodiversity-friendly SLP. The Informed SLP. Retrieved from https://www.theinformedslp.com/review/how-and-why-to-be-a-neurodiversity-friendly-slp
Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC). (2023). Supporting Autistic People: SAC Position Statement. https://www.sac-oac.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SAC-Position-Statement-Supporting-Autistic-People-EN-Digital-FINAL.pdf
Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC). (2023). Four Ways that S-LPs Support Autistic Individuals. https://www.sac-oac.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SAC-Info-Sheet-Supporting-Autism-People-EN-Digital-FINAL.pdf
Singer, J. (2017). NeuroDiversity: The birth of an idea. Judy Singer. https://www.amazon.com/NeuroDiversity-Birth-Idea-Judy-Singer/dp/064815470X
