Ethos & Values
The ethos of Butterflies Diagnostics is rooted in safety, dignity and respect. All work is guided by the Neurodiversity Paradigm, nervous system regulation and trauma-informed principles.
Core Values
Neurodiversity-Affirming
Difference is understood as natural human variation, not deficit.
Trauma-Informed & Nervous-System Aware
Recognising the impact of trauma, burnout and chronic stress cycles.
Autonomy, Consent & Collaboration
Individuals are active participants in all decisions affecting them.
Non-Behavioural Practice
No compliance-based, behaviourist or exposure-based approaches are used.
Parent Promise
This is a framework for working with parents/relatives and carers.
Statement on Practice Boundaries
Butterflies Diagnostics do not consider different neurotypes to be disordered and I do not include or refer to deficit-based approaches.
​
I view individuals through a strengths-based lens with respect, validation, and acceptance of their neurocognitive functioning. As such, I do not endorse, support or liaise with any individual, family, company or organisation who engages with Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) nor do I engage in or support behavioural or compliance-based frameworks, including ABA, PECS, PBSI, or social skills training models. Exposure-based techniques are not used. All assessment and therapeutic work prioritises safety, consent, autonomy and lived experience.
I will not assess a child/young person who is being, or who will be exposed to ABA.
​
For more information relating to the harm of ABA, please see the following documents and research studies:
​
ABA Controversy Autism Discussion. (2017). The Autistic Community does not support applied behavioural analysis (ABA). Available at: https://abacontroversyautism.wordpress.com/2017/06/27/aba-autism-discussion/
​
More information: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) | Therapist Neurodiversity Collective
Butterflies Speech Language & Communication Services
Associations
Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
The Health and Care Professionals Council
