Celebrating People Who Are Neurodivergent
A message to pep staff from pep ceo, Habeebah R. Grimes
“Being different is difficult in a world that tells us there is a ‘normal.’”
~Sonya Renee Taylor
Diversity in Neurological Functioning
When we think about the diversity of human beings, we often limit our understanding to physical characteristics but neurological functioning is another way we humans demonstrate how diverse we are. Autism Awareness Month is a time when we celebrate people living with autism for the beautiful ways that they exist, and the beautiful ways they represent the fullness of human existence. This month is also a time to advocate for people living with autism by lifting up the challenges and marginalization that they experience because our systems, institutions, and society can be so immovable when it comes to supporting people who are neurodivergent.
The term “neurodivergent” is used to articulate the reality that individuals exhibit a wide array of differences in neurological functioning, and it argues that none of these differences should be viewed through the lens of disease or abnormality but instead, should be seen as variations in brain functionality. This concept aligns with the philosophy of Re-ED because it helps us see young people not as problems to be solved but as individuals in need of connection and support to experience joy and a sense of mastery in the world. It’s this inherent belief in the intrinsic value of every child no matter how they show up in the world that many of us identify as our reason for choosing to work at PEP, and it’s what keeps us here.
Because of our foundational belief that every child can thrive, no matter their challenges, PEP has long been a strong and respected voice of advocacy for young people with autism and their families. PEP Prentiss Autism Center is designed around the needs of kids who are most profoundly impacted by autism and provides them with spaces to build relationships and learn new skills that will help them navigate the world more safely, but more important, it is staffed with a team of individuals whose unwavering belief in every student is evident from the art on the walls to the caring and confidence-building ways they engage with their students. Our PEP Prentiss kids know that they are not “wrong,” they are capable and worthy!
Autism Awareness Month
This Autism Awareness Month, I want to celebrate the kids we serve at PEP Prentiss Autism Center and the staff who so diligently teach and care for them. By investing in these young people, we assure them and their loved ones that their services will be among the best, and we provide a beacon of hope for young people with autism across the state and around the country. We also celebrate the parents, caregivers, and school districts who entrust us and partner with us in caring for their child with autism. Join me in celebrating PEP Prentiss and our shared commitment to young people with autism experiencing full, joyous lives in a society of inclusion and compassion.
