An SLP’s Path to Leading a Neurodiversity-Affirming Clinic

An SLP’s Path to Leading a Neurodiversity-Affirming Clinic

From ASHA Voices by American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

April 9, 2026 · 19 min

About this episode

Jessica Donaldson discusses her neurodiversity-affirming clinic and the importance of creating a supportive environment for autistic clients.

Speech-language pathologist Jessica Donaldson explains how the neurodiversity-affirming approach of her multidisciplinary clinic, Autism Specialists, strives to create a sense of belonging, acceptance, and accessibility for autistic clients. She describes how and why she created a social group for her clients that’s directed by their interests and goals. Donaldson, the sibling of an autistic adult, also shares how that relationship fuels her work and career. Learn More: ASHA Voices: ‘This Too Is a Mask’: A Neurodivergent SLP Confronts Autism and Identity ASHA Voices: What a CSD Professor Learned About Autistic Masking While Creating Neuro-Affirming Spaces ASHA Voices: Preparing Pediatric Audiologists through LEND Programs ASHA Voices: Twyla Perryman-Brownlow on Building Skills for Post High School Life Online Conference: Autism: Communication and Connection Transcript

People in this episode

Guest: Jessica Donaldson

Topics covered

  • neurodiversity
  • speech-language pathology
  • autism
  • multidisciplinary clinic
  • social groups
  • acceptance
  • accessibility

Keywords

  • neurodiversity
  • autism
  • speech-language pathologist
  • social group
  • acceptance
  • accessibility
  • multidisciplinary clinic

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Autism Specialists, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

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