Our Grafton buildings have been glowing red this month in a vibrant show of support for Autism Acceptance Month. This celebration is deeply personal to us, as we have the privilege of supporting many incredible individuals on the autism spectrum every day.

As a provider, our mission goes beyond high-quality care – we are committed to ensuring every person is treated with the dignity, respect, and compassion they deserve. Our goal is simple: to treat people the way they want to be treated. To do this, we prioritize listening to and learning from the autistic community. This continuous dialogue allows us to evolve, meet specific needs, and create truly inclusive, safe spaces.

We believe that true acceptance is the foundation of better care. By embracing neurodiversity and celebrating uniqueness, we help the individuals we serve lead fulfilling, meaningful lives.

Recently, Grafton COO and Ukeru President, Kim Sanders, was featured in an article alongside our neighbor, NW Works, highlighting our shared expertise in supporting the autistic community. Reflecting on her journey, Kim shared:

Ukeru® has been a transformative force for Grafton and organizations worldwide in delivering compassionate care. Our restraint-free approach creates a therapeutic environment where individuals can communicate and express themselves safely. It empowers our staff to be proactive and responsive to an individual’s needs without ever compromising the relationship or trust.

Tyler Long, BCBA, has been working at Grafton for over 9 years and is one of Grafton’s Ukeru Champions. As an Ukeru Champion®, he conducts many Ukeru trainings for Grafton families. Tyler was glad to share a few words on how Ukeru has transformed his clinical practice and helped the individuals he’s worked with thrive.

As Autism Acceptance Month comes to a close, let’s carry this momentum forward. Together, we can maintain our shared commitment to creating safe, inclusive spaces that honor and support our autistic peers.