Values & Approach

Core Values

Human-Centered Care

We see the whole person — not just the diagnosis. Every decision, interaction, and resource is guided by what’s best for the individual and their family, honoring dignity, autonomy, and lived experience.

Neuro-Affirming Practice

We celebrate neurodiversity and honor each person’s communication styles, sensory needs, and strengths. Our approach uplifts autonomy, reduces stigma, and promotes environments where every nervous system is respected.

Collaboration Over Silos

We believe no one should navigate autism alone. CAE connects families and providers so information flows, barriers dissolve, and care becomes a shared effort rather than an isolated one.

Compassion With a Backbone

We lead with empathy while holding firm boundaries that protect families, providers, and our mission. This is kindness paired with clarity — support that is warm, direct, and trusted.

Integrity in Action

We follow through, show up, and do what we say. Our work is grounded in honesty, transparency, and consistent, ethical decision-making — even when no one is watching.

Belonging

We create a space where every family and provider feels seen, valued, and connected. CAE is a community where people don’t just participate — they feel like they’re home.

Disclaimer & Transparency:

Our Vetting Process

Providers are added to our directory through a variety of pathways, which may include a structured intake form, a one-on-one conversation with our team, personal referral, or an established collaborative relationship with CAE. Not every provider listed has gone through the same level of formal vetting, and inclusion in our directory should not be read as a uniform certification of any provider's quality of care.

For providers recommended within a CarePlan specifically, we take additional steps to find the right fit for that family, which may include:

  • A 1:1 phone call with the provider to assess alignment with the family's needs

  • Consideration of parent/family feedback and reviews we've collected over time

  • Confirmation of relevant licensure, credentials, and specialty area

  • Verification of current availability and whether they're accepting new clients

  • Review of insurance/payment fit for the family's situation

  • Alignment with CAE's values around neuro-affirming, human-centered care

Even with this added layer, a CarePlan recommendation reflects our best match at the time it was made — not a guarantee of outcome or fit, and families should still do their own due diligence before engaging a provider.

No Pay-to-Play. Ever.

CAE does not receive monetary kickbacks, referral fees, or incentives from any provider. No one pays to be listed, and no one can pay to be recommended. Directory inclusion is earned or established through relationship, not purchased.

Recommendations, Not Guarantees

Our directory reflects our own knowledge, relationships, and judgment at the time each provider was added — it is a set of recommendations, not endorsements, guarantees, or warranties of any kind. CAE is not responsible or liable for the actions, omissions, quality of care, outcomes, or conduct of any provider listed in our directory. Every family is responsible for conducting their own due diligence before engaging any provider — including verifying credentials, licensure, insurance, and fit for their child's specific needs. We encourage families to ask questions, trust their instincts, and let us know if a concern arises; your feedback directly informs how we maintain our directory, but it does not create any obligation on CAE's part beyond that review.

We share this openly because your trust is the foundation of everything we build.

Confidentiality:

We maintain strict confidentiality of all information shared, including personal, educational, and medical records. Documentation and discussions are protected in accordance with applicable law.
If communication with outside providers is requested, a signed Release of Information form will be required.

Waitlists & Provider Availability:

CAE has no control over the availability, scheduling, or waitlists of outside providers, schools, or programs. Inclusion in our directory or recommendations does not guarantee openings, timelines, insurance acceptance, or quality of services. CAE's role is limited to making recommendations and facilitating connections — we are not responsible for any outcomes, experiences, or interactions that occur once a family is connected with a provider. All scheduling, intake processes, service agreements, and ongoing service relationships are solely between the family and the selected provider.