Assent in Action: Rethinking  Communication and Engagement in Autism Therapy  

Communication is often reduced to spoken language or task compliance. However, many autistic individuals express assent, distress, and engagement through behaviours that are frequently misunderstood. 

This presentation introduces a neuroaffirming, interdisciplinary framework that expands how clinicians understand communication, focusing on agency, regulation, and functional expression. Drawing on both Speech-Language Pathology and Behaviour Analysis, we explore how to recognize and respond to assent in real time, including during moments of distress or refusal. 

This session is designed for clinicians, educators, and caregivers ready to rethink how engagement is built, shifting toward approaches that center communication, autonomy, and real-world participation.

• Identify forms of communication beyond vocal output, including indicators of assent and withdrawal

• Differentiate between communication, environmental mismatches, emotion regulation, and task-related barriers

• Apply a practical framework for in-the-moment decision-making to maintain the individual’s safety and dignity