Embracing neurodivergent children & youth.

At Acorn, we celebrate differences and support every child to participate, belong and thrive in their community.

We are neurodiverse affirming in our approach, celebrating every child's unique talents, strengths, and interests. We empower children and families to be proud of who they are, advocate for themselves and lead a meaningful life.

What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one "right" way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits (Harvard Health)

What is Neurodivergence?

Being neurodivergent means having a brain that works differently from the average or “neurotypical” person. A neurodivergent person may have different social preferences, ways of learning, ways of communicating and/or ways of perceiving the environment.

Acorn supports children and young people who are neurodivergent and experiencing challenges related to autism, ADHD, FASD, sensory processing, developmental delays, dyspraxia, giftedness and language processing.

Our Impact

  • Acorn listened to us. I felt “heard”. The thing that I loved about them most was their passion, their energy and above all their enthusiasm. They were excited to work with my son! He wasn’t a “problem” anymore, he was a person, with feelings, and they listened to him.

    Mother

  • Our boy has gone from making four sounds to asking us questions and playing with others at daycare. We owe everything to Acorn’s approach and dedication.

    Father

  • At Acorn we felt understood and valued for the first time. The therapists truly care about my son and enjoy being with him, even on his bad days. They make therapy fun so that he wants to learn. He loves going to Acorn and has learned so much. He has started speaking and has learned important personal safety skills. Overall, he is so much happier and we feel more confident that he is safe.

    Mother

  • Acorn Autism’s speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and psychologists have provided high quality, strengths-based therapy to many of the children on our plans. They also provide excellent training and consultation to professional staff, and carers working with the children. I greatly appreciate being able to access the specialists at Acorn Autism Charitable Trust and value our mutual passion for supporting vulnerable children.

    HCN Specialist

  • Our son has made such good progress! You should be proud of the service you provide. - your expertise and compassion shine through. I know our son will miss coming to his sessions. That itself is a testament to your exemplary service.

    Mother & Father

  • I wanted to express my deepest appreciation for the incredible experience my son had with Acorn. From the very first day, he formed a special bond with Ellie and has made remarkable progress in learning new words and sentences under her guidance. The exceptional bond they share is truly heartwarming. Ellie's expertise as a speech therapist is nothing short of amazing. Your unwavering support for parents with children with extra needs is truly commendable. The thoughtful planning of new activities for the children, like the memorable Christmas celebration with Santa, made each moment extra special. Witnessing my son's joy and comfort while playing with Santa was a beautiful memory that I will always cherish.

    Mother

Thank you to our generous cornerstone partner for enabling neurodivergent children to thrive.