Welcome to Neuro-Affirming Care at
The Real Work!
"Neuro-affirming care" is a thoughtful, respectful, and child-centered approach in supporting the needs of children. It embraces the idea that neurodivergent kids and teens—such as those with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing differences—experience the world in valid and unique ways. Instead of focusing on changing behaviors to fit neurotypical norms, this approach prioritizes supporting children in feeling understood, capable, and confident in their authentic selves.
What Does Neuro-Affirming Care Look Like?
Neuro-affirming care values a child’s strengths and needs, fostering growth in ways that feel safe and empowering. Here’s what it looks like in practice:
Acceptance Over Assimilation Neuro-affirming therapists avoid pushing children to "mask" who they are—like forcing eye contact, sitting perfectly still, or suppressing stimming behaviors (e.g., hand-flapping or fidgeting). These natural ways of regulating emotions and exploring the world are respected, not discouraged.
Building on Strengths Instead of focusing on what’s "wrong," neuro-affirming care highlights what a child can do. Therapists work with kids and their families to identify strengths, celebrate wins, and build new skills in ways that align with the child’s abilities and interests.
Collaboration and Child-Led Therapy Neuro-affirming care prioritizes the child’s voice and preferences. Whether it’s through play, movement, or communication tools, therapists involve kids in decisions about therapy goals and methods, making the process meaningful and engaging.
Honoring Sensory and Emotional Needs Many neurodivergent kids process the world differently, with heightened or unique sensory experiences. Neuro-affirming therapists provide tools and strategies for emotional and sensory regulation—like movement breaks, sensory tools, or quiet spaces—to help kids feel comfortable and safe.
In mental health and occupational therapy, neuro-affirming care might look like:
Supporting Communication Differences: Encouraging all forms of communication, whether that’s talking, using AAC devices, gestures, or other tools.
Celebrating Stimming: Recognizing stimming (like fidgeting or rocking) as a helpful way for kids to self-regulate, not something to stop.
Creating Flexible, Safe Spaces: Allowing movement, offering sensory tools, or adjusting the environment to support a child’s needs.
Child-Led Play and Exploration: Letting kids take the lead in therapy sessions, fostering connection, creativity, and skill-building in ways that feel natural and enjoyable.
Why Does Neuro-Affirming Care Matter?
Traditional therapy models have often focused on compliance, encouraging kids to suppress who they are to fit in. While well-intentioned, this can harm a child’s mental health and self-esteem. Neuro-affirming care shifts the focus to:
Building confidence and self-acceptance.
Reducing stress, anxiety, and burnout.
Supporting emotional well-being and positive mental health.
Strengthening trust between kids, caregivers, and therapists.
Neuro-affirming care in pediatric mental health and occupational therapies is about seeing children for who they are and supporting their unique ways of engaging with the world. By focusing on strengths, respecting differences, and building trust, therapists can help neurodivergent kids thrive—not by changing who they are, but by helping them feel confident in their own skin. It’s not just a method; it’s a mindset that values every child’s unique journey.
I founded The Real Work because you deserve quality care from a team who really gets it.
—Rebekah Springs, LMFT, RPT, ITMH-S
We are experts who aren’t afraid to do the real work with you.
Because life is stressful and we all need more support than a google search can provide, our therapists have teamed up to provide excellent and integrative mental health care, occupational therapy, and music therapy for children in Beaverton and Southwest Portland.
From healing from trauma, navigating a separation or divorce, supporting a neurodivergent or highly sensitive child, or coming to terms with a new diagnosis, we are here for you. Everything we do here is informed by the science behind relational connection and interpersonal neurobiology. We specialize in helping families become more whole, connected, and tuned in with their individual differences and needs, so that they can bounce back from stress and thrive in the face of today’s challenges. Collectively, we have training in:
Family Systems Therapy
Child-Centered Play Therapy
DIR/Floortime
AutPlay
Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB)
Infant/Toddler Mental Health
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
PSU Foster and Adoptive Family Therapy Post Graduate Certificate
TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
Relational and Play-Based Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Neuroaffirming and Trauma Informed Music Therapy