About Joy

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Joy is an Autistic advocate, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), clinical director, adjunct professor, and founder of Spectrum Support. As a Black, Autistic, and Jewish woman, Joy has firsthand experience navigating the systemic harms of ableism, racism, and flawed social validity in ABA, educational systems, and society as a whole. These personal experiences have deeply informed her advocacy and professional mission.

Joy is committed to eradicating ableism and racism in therapeutic settings and beyond, ensuring that Autistic individuals are respected, accommodated, and empowered to live authentically. Her work focuses on redefining therapeutic approaches to align with neurodivergent values, fostering acceptance and inclusion, and advocating for systemic change. Through Spectrum Support, Joy aims to create affirming, culturally responsive, and strengths-based services that celebrate neurodiversity and honor each individual’s unique identity.

Our treatment focus is rooted in fostering self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-advocacy for Autistic individuals. We aim to help individuals recognize the inherent value of their differences, embrace their neurodivergent identities, and develop strategies to navigate the world without compromising authenticity.

We prioritize addressing challenges in ways that respect each individual’s unique strengths and needs, empowering them to reach their fullest potential while improving their quality of life. Our approach goes beyond traditional interventions by aligning with neurodivergent values, emphasizing the importance of accommodations, and cultivating a sense of belonging.

Through our spectrum of services, we strive to promote neurodiversity, facilitate acceptance and inclusion, and support individuals, families, and organizations in creating environments where Autistic people can thrive.

We are committed to walking alongside you every step of your journey. Our promise is to support you in growing through challenges, recognizing your strengths, and discovering strategies that enhance your quality of life—all while celebrating your identity.

At Spectrum Support, we uphold an anti-ableism philosophy, ensuring that our practices respect and affirm Autistic culture and values. We do not recommend or participate in interventions that target behaviors simply for the sake of conformity. Instead, we focus on ethical, evidence-based approaches that honor the dignity and individuality of each person we serve.

Our ultimate goal is to create a world where Autistic individuals are empowered to live authentically, accommodated without hesitation, and supported with respect and care

 Assent and Autonomy:

       •  The individual has the right to participate willingly in all interventions. Their preferences, comfort, and consent are central to the process. Interventions are paused or adjusted if the individual shows signs of discomfort or dissent.

Focus on Self-Advocacy and Emotional Regulation:

       •  Emphasizes teaching self-advocacy skills, emotional awareness, and regulation strategies to empower individuals to navigate their environments effectively and independently.

Strengths-Based Approach:

       •  Builds on the individual’s inherent strengths rather than attempting to “correct” or suppress neurodivergent traits. Celebrates differences as valuable aspects of identity.

Cultural Responsiveness:

       •  Acknowledges and incorporates the cultural, racial, and personal identities of neurodivergent individuals, ensuring services are inclusive and affirming of intersectional identities.

Rejection of Compliance-Driven Goals:

       •  Moves away from traditional compliance-based interventions and instead focuses on meaningful, functional goals determined collaboratively with the individual and their family.

.        Social Validity:

       •  Goals and interventions are chosen to align with what is meaningful and beneficial to the individual, rather than imposing neurotypical standards of behavior.

Accommodations Over Conformity:

       •  Prioritizes creating accommodations that support the individual’s environment and natural behaviors, rather than forcing conformity to neurotypical expectations.

Ethical Data Collection:

       •  Any data collected focuses on progress toward self-defined goals and well-being, avoiding metrics that reinforce ableism or pathologize differences.

Parent and Caregiver Collaboration:

       •  Provides education and coaching for parents, caregivers, and support networks to create environments that are affirming and empowering for the individual.

Community Integration and Connection:

       •  Encourages community participation and peer connections, fostering a sense of belonging while respecting the individual’s social preferences and needs.

These features help to ensure that neurodivergent individuals receive affirming, supportive services that prioritize their dignity, autonomy, and long-term well-being.

Organizational Training

Virtual/ In Person

Our Organizational Inclusion Training equips schools, workplaces, and community groups with the tools and knowledge to create inclusive, supportive environments for neurodivergent individuals. Through a blend of virtual or in-person sessions, we provide practical guidance on understanding neurodiversity, implementing inclusive practices, and fostering a culture of acceptance.

This training focuses on:

• Neurodiversity Acceptance: Educating teams on the strengths and needs of neurodivergent individuals and breaking down stigmas and misconceptions.

• Inclusive Practices: Developing actionable strategies to promote the full participation of neurodivergent individuals in group settings.

• Accommodations and Modifications: Crafting customized accommodations and modifications to meet the diverse needs of participants, ensuring equity and accessibility.

Our goal is to help organizations move beyond surface-level inclusion by creating sustainable practices that empower neurodivergent individuals to thrive authentically within their communities.

ABA  (Insurance and  Private Pay)

Virtual/  In  Person

Our neurodiversity-affirming, assent-based ABA services are designed to prioritize the dignity, autonomy, and individuality of neurodivergent individuals. Unlike traditional approaches, we focus on fostering self-advocacy, emotional regulation, and skill development in ways that align with the person’s unique strengths and needs. Our methods emphasize collaboration, consent, and respect for neurodivergent identities, rejecting harmful practices that promote masking or conformity to neurotypical norms.

By centering the individual’s goals and ensuring that all interventions are affirming, supportive, and assent-driven, we create a safe environment where growth and learning occur naturally and authentically. Our aim is not to “fix” or “change” neurodivergent traits but to provide accommodations, support, and tools that empower individuals to thrive on their own terms..

Parent Training (Insurance and  Private Pay)

Virtual/  In  Person

Our Neurodivergent-Affirming and Assent-Based Parent Training is designed to empower families with the tools, knowledge, and strategies to support their neurodivergent children in a way that respects their individuality and nurtures their strengths. We focus on fostering authentic connections, honoring autonomy, and creating environments where neurodivergent children can thrive. This program helps parents build a deeper understanding of their child’s neurodivergent experience while fostering meaningful connections that prioritize trust, autonomy, and acceptance. By adopting neurodivergent-affirming and assent-based approaches, parents can create a home environment that promotes their child’s well-being and celebrates who they are.Together, we work to ensure your parenting journey is informed, compassionate, and empowering for the entire family.

Social Skills  Group (Insurance and  Private Pay)

Virtual/  In  Person

Our Neurodivergent-Affirming Social Skills Groups are thoughtfully designed to empower individuals to connect, communicate, and navigate social interactions in ways that honor their unique neurodivergent identities. We provide a supportive and inclusive environment where participants can explore and practice social skills without the pressure to conform to neurotypical norms.

Our mission is to help individuals gain confidence and skills that align with their personal goals, while also fostering a sense of community and belonging. Whether learning to navigate group dynamics, practicing self-advocacy, or exploring emotional regulation strategies, our program emphasizes growth that is authentic and affirming.

We welcome participants of **all ages and backgrounds to join a space where they can truly be themselves while connecting with others in meaningful ways.

**  adolescent,  teen,  and  adult  groups-  individuals are  assigned  to  appropriate  age  groups 

Advocacy Related Services (Private Pay)

Virtual/  In Person

Our advocacy services are dedicated to empowering neurodivergent individuals and their families by dismantling systemic barriers and fostering equity in education, healthcare, and workplaces. Rooted in lived experience and professional expertise, we provide strengths-based, identity-affirming support tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re navigating IEP meetings, accessing accommodations,  or fighting for systemic change  and/  or  justice 

we are here to amplify your voice and ensure your dignity and rights are upheld.